Cwmtillery Lakes - Blaentillery - Cwmtillery Lakes
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Although short, this walk has much to commend it; the range and variety of the landscape is quite extraordinary, from a mystical and impressive cwm to glimpses of abandoned industrial and rural architecture, from an ancient beech forest and views of high, wild moorland to lakes and pasture. Disused quarries, mining levels and spoil tips (reclaimed), the piquancy and contrast of the area's natural beauty and the human impact from the legacy of 'king coal' is astounding.
The well-established beech forest is also home to a wide variety of fauna including green and greater spotted woodpeckers, finches of all kinds and squirrels. Part of the walk involves immersion into these mature beechwoods, whilst also passing by remnants of the human shaping of the landscape: iron fencing, old dry-stone walls and abandoned buildings and sheep-pens at the 'apex' of this small valley.
Black 'scars' beneath the greenery denote the area's industrial past and this contrasts with the impressive and massive old beech trees and a huge natural amphitheatre crowned with stunted mountain oaks high above. Many small rock outcrops and several species of hardy mountain trees are framed by softly rounded mountains on either side, which in turn frame interesting and contrasting views down through the main Tillery Valley; a heady mix of the influence of nature and humankind, as you view mountain tops, green slopes and the valley towns nestled within. The lower lake, which can be enjoyed at the start or end of the walk, attracts many species of wildfowl.
Wales - South Wales - Gwent - Eastern Valley
Features
Birds, Good for Kids, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
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