Local History of South Wales & Llanhilleth Miners' Institute: Pen-y-Fan Pond, Manmoel, South Wales

Thursday 25 October 2012

Pen-y-Fan Pond, Manmoel, South Wales

Pen-y-Fan Pond gleams in the sunshine. Its surrounded by the golden tints of autumn, but still enjoyed by families taking a walk around the perimeter and perhaps exercising their dogs. Both children and dogs can run free but still be within sight of parents and owners. Care is needed, though, as the pond is unfenced.

After this very wet summer there are many streams and marshy areas, so sturdy footwear is required, unless you intend to remain on the tarmac pathway.

Despite being within stone-throwing distance of Pen-y-Fan Inedustrial Park, this Countryside Park is surrounded by fields and trees.

As you approach the pond from the car park area, a notice on the toilet block advises they are only open April till September 10am-5pm. The park is pleasantly full today and its 14th October !!

Pen-y-Fan Pond was created a country park in 1976, and is used for fishing, sailing and canoeing.

'Machines' along the Alien Invasion Trail

An 'Alien Invasion Trail' footpath around the pond keeps children's interest, allowing parents to enjoy the Manmoel countryside. The alien signposts are now showing extreme wear and vandalism, but their original intention to provide education on local wildlife in an interesting way, can still be understood and hopefully explained by interested parents. But the adventure of trying to find the next amid the undergrowth still remains.

Kissing Gate towards Trinant

A little further along the path a small pathway leads off to a kissing gate. Go through the gate and cross the road to a small lane. Bear left and it will lead down over a slope to Trinant village. Turn left at the bottom and follow the road around to find Pentwyn Inn - with an open area in front and several benches outside.

The best and last complete example of a canal feeder reservoir in South Wales, this pond was created in 1745. It served as feeder pond for the Crumlin arm of the Monmouthshire Canal until the 1850s, when the canal was replaced by rail. Trains was far more efficient for carrying coal and iron to the port of Newport for transfer along the river Severn and its estuary, or for export.