Country Parks

Outside Looking In  

Parc Bryn Bach is a spacious mountain area of grassland and woodland with a lake as its central feature. Situated within easy access from the A465 Heads of the Valley road it is close to the boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Parc Bryn Bach is a remarkable testament to the powers of landscape transformation - this was at onetime a derelict landscape ravaged by years of coal mining. Walking the dog, flying a kite, strolling around the lake or enjoying tea or a meal in the spacious information and countryside centre are just a few of the activities available at Parc Bryn Bach. In addition the lake is popular with anglers and is stocked with a range of coarse fish. Established clubs at Parc Bryn Bach run a range of activities including water-skiing, Board Skiing, Hang Gliding, Model Flying, Angling, Model Car Racing. A wide variety of events are held at the Parc including the Valleys Kite Festival, a motorcycle Hill Climb, open days, arts exhibitions, craft fairs, and evening lectures. Orienteering courses are available for you to try at the park. In addition there is:
A Children's Adventure Playground    
Nature Trail   
Bunkhouse for Hire 18 beds & self catering
Caravan Site: 30 pitch touring caravan site graded 4 ticks.

Further information is available from:
The Park Manager, 
The Countryside Centre, 
Parc Bryn Bach, 
Merthyr Road, 
Tredegar, 
Blaenau Gwent, 
NP2 3AY 
Tel. 01495-711816/7 
Fax 01495-725093
Email: parcbrynbach@blaeanu-gwent.gov.uk
 

Dare Valley Country Park is located close to the town of Aberdare and three miles south of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This pleasant location was at one time despoiled by the ravages of the coal industry. This country park was one of the first established in Wales under the provisions of the 1974 Act. It now offers panoramic views of the surrounding Hills, way marked walks, a countryside residential centre offering first rate accommodation for educational groups, business users and country lovers in general. An exhibition gallery regularly displays the work of local people and there is a slide show that offers an insight into the Cynon Valley in which the park is situated. There is a highly rated caravan and camping site. Regular events are held there including orienteering, mountain biking and an annual Classic Car rally, Steam rally, Sheepdog Trials, and Land Rover trips.

Dare Valley Country Park
Aberdare
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Telephone: 01685 874672
Email: darevalleycp@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk
 

Parc Cwm Darren is located to the west and then three miles south of Merthyr Tydfil on the A469 from Rhymney to Bargoed. The is Parc is easily visited from most parts of South Wales and is close to the southern boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park. There is a visitor centre and coffee shop. The country park offers opportunities for various outdoor activities including cycling, orienteering and coarse fishing as well as walks. A scenic walk and cycleway run from the park to Bargoed. Views from the surrounding hills are spectacular and visibility permitting allow a panorama of the Brecon Beacons Central Massif. There are picnic benches and barbecue facilities and an adventure playground for children. An education room is available for schools and groups with special activities available including pond dipping and nature trails. Watch club for children aged 7-11 years old. Facilities for disabled visitors  include ramped access to the visitor centre and toilets. There is a specially equipped angling peg for anglers with wheelchairs. Some paths are accessible in part. There is a visitor centre offering snacks and exhibitions. The country park includes a Touring caravan and camping site.

The Park Manager, 
Parc Cwm Darren, 
Deri, 
Bargoed, 
CF8 9AB. 
Tel: 01443-875557 
Fax 01443-836944.

An exhibition area contains displays that aid self discovery by the individual or a family. The centre offers a range of facilities to suit school parties. A new shop and cafe, the "Otters Halt"  offer gifts and refreshments. Environmental education and information for school groups and families in the discovery centre. There is an excellent children's adventure playground. A range of special events are organised throughout the year. A calendar of events leaflet is available as well as a wide range of tourist leaflets for the wider locality. Guided walks often start from Garwnant as well as a programme of talks.   There are several walking routes suitable for the family. Some routes are suitable for disabled visitors. Please contact the centre for advice. The Taf Trail long distance footpath passes through the forest centre. Mountain bikes are available for hire. Fishing: close by can be found the Llwyn Onn reservoir (offering multi method fishing) and just to the north the Cantref and Beacons reservoirs (fly fishing only). Fly fishing courses available by contacting Hamdden on tel. 91874-614657. Garwnant is open all the year round.

For further information contact: The Garwnant Visitor Centre, Cwmtaf, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2HT Tel 01685-723060

Craig Y Nos Country Park is located in the Swansea Valley 3 miles north of Abercrave on the A4067. The Country park was at onetime part of the landscaped gardens of Craig Y Nos castle the stately home of the world renowned operatic soprano Adelina Patti. The castle land was eventually sold to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and in 1976 the country park was opened. Careful sympathetic improvements have been made to the gardens as well as the development of interpretative services catering for University groups and schools. It is a peaceful location for the "quiet enjoyment of the countryside" and an ideal venue for improving one's understanding of the flora and fauna of the locality, learning about the cultural heritage and as one gateway for information about the wider Brecon Beacons National Park.

Mature trees are found throughout the Country Park and offer fine opportunities for gentle walking and picnics are relaxing in the sunshine. Two rivers through flow the Country Park. The smaller Llynfell that emerges from the nearby Dan Y Ogof National Show Caves Centre for Wales complex and the Tawe flowing onwards from its source high in the Black Mountains. They divide the park land in two with a foot bridge for visitors. The country park includes a wide variety of habitats including two lakes (one brimming with mini beasts) and a meadow accessible to visitors. Woodland flora flourish in the Spring and Summer whilst fungi can be found in the Autumn. Fishing permits can be purchased at the centre. More challenging walks can be attempted by the suitably equipped in the surrounding locale.

Admission is FREE but there is a small charge for car parking. Facilities for the disabled include access to the visitor centre and toilets. A wheelchair is available free of charge. 

Craig Y Nos Country Park, Brecon Road, Penycae, Swansea Valley, SA9 1GL Tel. & Fax: 01639-730395 cyncp@breconbeacons.org 

Craig Y Nos Management Plan Download from BBNP website. 

Spotlight:

• National Park Visitor Centre - the Mountain Centre 

• Afan Argoed Countryside Centre 

• Gnoll Country Park

• Margam Country Park

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