Tag: caves

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Dan yr Ogof – National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Dan yr Ogof – National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Postcode:  SA9 1GJ

Distance: 15 minutes’ drive

Only five miles north of Ystradgynlais.

Entry and Admission:  3 pm is last entry. £14 for adults and £11 for children.

Showcaves:

The showcaves are the start of a 17-mile-long cave system beneath the Cribarth and Penwyllt areas, the gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park.Visit the amazing Cathedral Cave, walk under an underground waterfall.  The River Llynfell is a 6km underground river. The Morgan brothers, who discovered Dan yr Ogof in 1912, entered here. They had only candlelight to guide them, and a small boat called a coracle to cross the underground lakes.

 

Dinosaurs, Shire Horse Centre and Playbarn:

Also included with your entry are numerous giant plastic dinosaurs, a model of an iron age fort, reconstructed stone circles, horses and animals to visit, historical displays and a café and play barn.  It needs a whole day to see it all.

 

Seasonal Opening:

The showcaves are open from the first of April until the 5th of November and opens specially for events at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cool down, come and stay to enjoy cool caves, refreshing lakes and a luxurious bath!

While staying at River Tawe Holiday Apartment in our stone ex-school building, you can enjoy the cool interior or enjoy the sun in the outside seating area, then cool off in your luxurious bath.

 

 

 

Swim in refreshing lakes like Llyn y Fan Fach and Fawr, explore Cool Caves and have an ice cold drink in one of many nearby cafes. Escape the heat or enjoy the heat at River Tawe Holiday Apartment.

Three_Cliffs_Bay_Gower by Saffron Blaze on wikimedia commons

 

We are not far from the glorious beaches of the Gower peninsula.

 

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Black Mountain, Y Mynydd Du

The Brecon Beacons contains two stunning areas, which can often be confused due to the similarity of their names. The westerly one is Black Mountain or  Y Mynydd Du, and it is on the Border between Carmarthenshire and Powys, above Upper Brynamman.  The Black Mountains are over towards Crickhowell and Talgarth, to the east of the Brecon Beacons, and they form a border separating Wales from Herefordshire.

 

While either area is well worth a visit, the Black Mountain is much closer to Ystradgynlais and with limestone outcrops and tremendous views, it is a place to explore the rugged hills and try to spot the rare alkali loving plants found in the area.

 

There are a couple of car parks along the A4069 one with spectacular views and picnic benches and sometimes a burger or ice cream van!  The other allows for exploration of old Limestone Quarry Known as Herberts Quarry, good for climbing and boldering.  There are several caves in this area so be cautious with younger children.

 

From  Ystradgynlais Follow the road to Cymllynfell at the junction with the A474 at the north of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, and travels through Lower Brynamman and Brynamman. The route then crosses over the Black Mountain range of the Brecon Beacons and emerges near Felindre near Llangadog. It then crosses through Llangadog and continues northeast until the junction with the A40 at Llandovery. It reaches a height of 493 m (1,617 ft) above sea level.

Download and print the Black Mountain River Tawe factsheet PDF

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The Gower Peninsula – Spectacular Beaches

Three Cliffs Bay

alt=" Gower Peninsular" By Saffron Blaze - Own work, Resolution restricted-by-sa, Link

Credit: Saffron Blaze  Link

The Gower Peninsula is astoundingly beautiful and was the first place in the U.K  to be designated as an (AONB) Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Whether you are interested in geology or kite-surfing, history or hiking,  the Gower is a fabulous place to visit.

Explore amazing caves, search for ancient monuments and follow in the footsteps of the viking raiders as you explore the areas unique heritage.

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Caving in the Fforest Fawr Geopark

 

The National Show Cave Centre and Dan Yr Ogof is less that a 15 minute drive away and the area its is in world renowned for its Cave System.  Part of the UNESCO Fforest Fawr Geopark,  Penywyllt is home to The South Wales Caving Club and of course Ogof Ffynnon Ddu.

With its convenient large utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer and a luxurious bath to soak away and aches and pains, The River Tawe Holiday Apartment is the perfect base for caving holiday.

The Gower Peninsula is also full of caving opportunities see this map.