What's up in the Forest? (Cwmcarn Forest Drive & Visitor Centre (Wales))

Member Name: QueenElf

Product:	Cwmcarn Forest Drive & Visitor Centre (Wales)
Date:	20/05/08 (1492 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A chance to explore the South Wales landscape.

Disadvantages: None.

What's Up In The Forest?

~~ Introduction to South Wales.~~

South Wales is an area covering several counties and, as it suggests, it's in the southern region of Wales. However, people tend to think of Wales as just North and South, when in actual fact there is a middle ground, though it's not generally referred to as such. I imagine some people even think of Wales as that "piece" tagged onto England.

For the purpose of this review I'm just counting the coastal areas of south Wales and the areas of Glamorgan and the famous Welsh Valleys. These valleys snake down between the mountains in what looks like a line of parallel roads. Mining in South Wales changed the entire landscape with its pits and the ravages this caused to mountains and forests alike. Yet much of this land has now been reclaimed and the beauty of the countryside is fast regaining its old heritage. To the east of the main valleys just bordering onto the county of Gwent is the town of Caerphilly and the ridge of mountains that form a line from east to west.
There is a point to this as several years back the boundaries and the names of the counties changed, causing some confusion when looking places up on the map.

~~ Cwmcarn Forest Drive ~~

This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a great place for a day out, or as a base for touring. You might also find it on maps labelled as Cwmcarn Scenic Drive. Either name makes no difference, you can get to it the same way. From the M4 take junction 28 and follow the A467 for Cwmcarn, passing through the small town of Crosskeys on the way. It's roughly eight miles from the city of Newport, which is the easiest route. Once you turn into the road towards the Forest drive and centre, the turning for the drive itself is about half a mile from the main road. Passing through the visitor centre and the amenities you come to the drive itself. This is a seven mile drive up through the mountains on a one-way system, the road traverses the mountain on a specially made route designed to allow the driver to enjoy the drive and views along with their passengers.

The route is quite steep but not so difficult that even the smallest of engines can reach the top. Along the way are seven car parks with plenty of room to get out and enjoy the spectacular views. On the one side the views face back towards the forest of Ebbw Vale and farther afield the distant mountains of the Breacon Beacons. From the side of the drive that faces towards the Bristol Channel, it is possible to glimpse the Mendips. Each of the car parks has viewing points that can be accessed by a moderate walk. It really is worth the walk to see so many different counties in one drive. It's hard to believe that parts of the mountains were once mining areas, since the forests of mature larch and pine now cover the slopes.
The parking areas have several amenities with picnic areas, BBQ , play equipment and in some places forest sculptures. With plenty of parking spaces its possible to spend the whole day on the drive, though it's best to check the closing times. This time of year is an excellent time to visit with the longer nights allowing for longer opening hours. With the one-way system there are no traffic jams either!

Another plus is that disabled or elderly people can stay in the car and still enjoy the stupendous views. Not many places offer that experience and believe me, it's an experience to be enjoyed. The car parks are fairly level, so will allow for some disabled access. Now I'm getting older and more unsteady on my feet I appreciate knowing that I can still get my fresh air and the wonderful experience of being high above the clouds and watching as kestrels and hawks dip and sway in the thermals. Just standing by the car and feeling the fresh air on your face is a tonic. Walking in the woods and eventually coming to a viewpoint is an added bonus.

~~ The Visitor Centre ~~

If you can tear yourself away from the delights of the forest drive, then the visitor centre is worth a look around and stop for a snack or a meal. At this point the amenities are still suitable for disabled people with ramps leading up to the restaurant and shops. The gift shops are reasonable, but expect higher prices as a lot of the goods are locally crafted. From here the Nantcarn stream meanders towards a working water wheel and fishing is available at certain places along the banks if you purchase a permit. Many people just like to walk along the stream and enjoy the peace and quiet though.
Also near to the stream is the camping site which caters for up to 40 caravans and tents. There are modern toilets and shower blocks with electric hook-up points. As part of the National Forestry site the area is kept clean and it's wise to enquire about bookings well in advance. This is a popular site with it's peaceful position and yet so near to many local areas of interest.

~~ Other Interests.~~

These include mountain biking, horse riding and special occasions. An example of this is the Summer Solstice Sunset walk to TwmBarlum, a local high point where there was once an Iron Age fort. I've never been to one of these events, but in my youth I walked to TwmBarlum many times.

Although the forest drive is run by Caerphilly council, the actual site of Cwmcarn is much nearer to the border of Gwent, and might be found under that county on some maps.
Prices are as follows:

Cars £3.00
Minibus £6.00.

I don't know the cost of camping here but I imagine the cost to be reasonable. You can find links to more information by accessing the website
http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/html.

This is one of my own personal favourites, not just to visit myself, but for showing friends around and giving them a taste of the Welsh countryside. Perhaps I'll see you there sometime?

©Lisa Fuller. May 2008.

Summary: A great day out or a touring base.