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Today the limestone cliffs that
form the Llangattock escarpment dominate the skyline in the Crickhowell
locality of the national park. Most would agree that it is a striking
attractive feature of the landscape. Yet it is not a natural feature
rather the results of extensive quarrying in the 18th and 19th
centuries. The construction of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
between 1797 and 1812 encouraged extensive quarrying on the Llangattock
ridge eventually extending for nearly 5 km. The quarry on the
Llangattock ridge was linked to the canal at Llangattock wharf via a
tram road. Lime processed in lime kilns had a number of uses in 18th
and 19th century households and agriculture. It was widely by farmers to
sweeten the soil and many a home owner would use it to whitewash the
outside of their house. In addition it was an essential ingredient in
the iron making process. Tram roads linked the canal with the iron works
in the Clydach Gorge (at Gilwern) and with the Garnddyrys iron works (at
Llanfoist) on the slopes of the Blorenge.
Today the Llangattock escarpment is a favourite
locality with cavers from across Europe. There has been no quarrying on
this escarpment for nearly 60 years and nature has largely reclaimed the
landscape as its own. The quarrying process in effect sectioned the
cliff face and in so doing uncovered an entrance to one of the longest
cave systems in the United Kingdom with over 12 miles of passages. The
western section of the escarpment is now designated as the Craig Y Cilau
National Nature Reserve.
Llangattock Escarpment Caving System Photographs
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