Llanyrafon Un-boating Lake

The boating lake was probably created in the 1960s but has had huge ups and a few downs.  At one time the lake would be surrounded by fishermen's tents while teenagers giggled and jostled in small rowing boats, now there are signs not to disturb the wildlife and dogs to be kept on leads.

Beautiful lake

How fantastic, this Boxing Day, to see so many families enjoying the children's play area, the skateboarding park and the riverside walks.  A few years ago you would be lucky to see half a dozen people, and then only because they were walking their dogs.

The cafe was working full-out to cope with everyone wanting coffee, tea or hot chocolate with a choice of sitting inside or out.  The outside patio enjoys a view of the lake with people feeding the mallards, the Canada geese and, of course, the ever present sea gulls.

Imagine the sound of a caring Gran warning a small child not to throw themselves
in with the bread.

The sky was clear and the frost had cleared from the grass, so everyone was trying to walk-off their Christmas turkey. Every child, it seemed, had a bicycle or scooter.  One two year old had been given a red ride-in car for Christmas, but although he would stand beside it, Mum and Dad were having trouble trying to actually get him to sit inside it.  Fascinating to watch !  When they saw it in the shop, they probably thought he would love it.

More seagulls than ducks and geese

The Afon Llwyd runs alongside.

Amongst the trees, on the river bank, blackbirds were everywhere in the leaf-litter.  The females were almost invisible, pecking and moving the leaves and then tugging at a long juicy worm.

Torfaen's cycle path policy has brought benefits around the County.  The newly resurfaced pathways ensure a clean dry walk for families unwilling or unfamiliar with walking in the countryside.  Perhaps they will enjoy it so much, they will be tempted to explore further afield and enjoy the lanes and grassy slopes of our wonderful hills and mountains.

The river looks cold despite the warm sunshine.
One of the fastest flowing rivers in the country.