The heritage town of Blaenavon lies as the head of the Eastern Valley. Its prosperity in the nineteenth century was mainly due to the mountain slopes above the town, rich in both iron and coal. Much of the industrial landscape is disappearing, but can still be seen by the observant onlooker.
The autumn sun on the black slag heaps reveal deep ridges imposed by running water and weathering. Many large bowl-shaped indentations which offer shelter for grazing sheep, are the result of early mining. Now covered mainly in heather and whimberry bushes these dips were once bell-pits which have now collapsed in on themselves. This mountain is located on the eastern rim of the South Wales Coalfield. A miner could dig a hole and collect coal from just under the surface soil. Gradually the hole would become deeper and wider as more coal was removed. Without any support for the roof of this bell-pit it would eventually collapse, forming a bowl-shaped indentation.
The Keepers Pond, was constructed as a feeder pond for local industry. Now people enjoy the scenery, and perhaps sail model boats on the pond. There are many walks around the area. Colonel Llewelly, an avid showjumping champion in the1950s with his horse Foxhunter. When the horse died his owner buried him on the mountain, just a short walk away, and a plaque identifies the horses burial place.
On a clear day, hang-gliders can be seen launching themselves from the steep slopes and enjoying the thermals above Gilwern.
Car drivers need care as sheep wander this Common land without any Highway Code training. They often sleep in the road or unpredictably cross over to be with friends. This can result in an expensive encounter for an unwitting car or van driver.
Keen eyes may spot the previously mentioned delicious whimberries amongst the ground cover. Similar in appearance to blueberries, they taste good in pies or just with cream. Many locals have their own secret spot for picking, where they claim the whimberries grow the size of walnuts. You may doubt this, unless you can find someone willing to show you where...
The autumn sun on the black slag heaps reveal deep ridges imposed by running water and weathering. Many large bowl-shaped indentations which offer shelter for grazing sheep, are the result of early mining. Now covered mainly in heather and whimberry bushes these dips were once bell-pits which have now collapsed in on themselves. This mountain is located on the eastern rim of the South Wales Coalfield. A miner could dig a hole and collect coal from just under the surface soil. Gradually the hole would become deeper and wider as more coal was removed. Without any support for the roof of this bell-pit it would eventually collapse, forming a bowl-shaped indentation.
The Keepers Pond, was constructed as a feeder pond for local industry. Now people enjoy the scenery, and perhaps sail model boats on the pond. There are many walks around the area. Colonel Llewelly, an avid showjumping champion in the1950s with his horse Foxhunter. When the horse died his owner buried him on the mountain, just a short walk away, and a plaque identifies the horses burial place.
On a clear day, hang-gliders can be seen launching themselves from the steep slopes and enjoying the thermals above Gilwern.
Car drivers need care as sheep wander this Common land without any Highway Code training. They often sleep in the road or unpredictably cross over to be with friends. This can result in an expensive encounter for an unwitting car or van driver.
No comments:
Post a Comment