BBC1 Secret Britain uncovers the Water World of the Brecon Beacons

By j.bell on 09/04/2015

BBC One’s Secret Britain – Waterworld of Wales

In this new series, Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson explore the hidden corners of the UK, hunting for secret places in the landscape, inspired by suggestions from Countryfile viewers.  The first episode sees Ellie and Adam visit the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales to explore our waterfalls, lakes and rivers.   If you missed it, you can watch it here 

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© BBC One Secret Britain

Inspired to visit the area? Here are just some of the stunning places they visited:

Waterfalls

Click on image for a larger view
© Brecknock Wildlife Trust

Pwll Yr Wrach. A popular Brecknock Wildlife Trust reserve, known locally as the ‘Witches Pool’ this amazing spot of myth and legend is located near Talgarth.  The woodland is particularly beautiful in early spring and near the eastern end of the reserve the river plunges over a spectacular waterfall into a dark pool below, where legend has it that those accused of witchcraft in medieval times were put to the water test to determine their guilt or innocence.

You can download a leaflet here

Sgwd yr Eira 

Sgwd yr Eira (Nick Turner)
© Sgwd yr Eira Nick Turner

Majestic Sgwd yr Eira waterfall which translates as ‘fall of snow’ can be found in  “Waterfall Country”  along with several other dramatic waterfalls.    It’s one of only two waterfalls in the UK (both located in the Brecon Beacons) that you can walk behind. Have a look the walking trails to the waterfalls which can be found here

Lakes 

Llangorse Lake

© Brecon Beacons National Park

Llangorse lake is the largest natural lake in South Wales and is a fine spot for sailing, wildlife-watching and waterside strolls with shimmering views. There’s local history to explore, too at the Crannog near the northwest shore. Over 1000 years ago, this was the homestead of a local king. Find out more here

Rivers

Ogof Ffynnon Ddu Cave

© Brecon Beacons National Park

At 308m, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu in the Upper Swansea Valley is Britain’s deepest cave.

If you would like to explore the cave then get in touch with one of the activity providers here

In search of the fabled dragon’s Breath

Usk Vapour ©
Usk Vapour © Black Mountain Photograhpy www.blackmountainsphotography.co.uk

If the conditions are perfect the mystical dragon’s breath forms over the River Usk at dawn lying in wait for the warmth of the morning sun to free it from its slumber. You can read more about it here

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oucmb6EnYzU&w=560&h=315]

Maen Llia

Standing just 60m off the minor road between the Senni valley and Ystradfellte, this impressive stone is relatively easy to visit.

© Brecon Beacons National Park

Made from a massive sandstone block which stands 3.7m high, the task of moving and erecting it must have been a huge engineering challenge, especially as it is likely that up to a third of the whole stone is below ground.

On a clear day it can be seen from quite some distance down the Llia valley suggesting that it may have been important as a territorial marker. Standing at an altitude of 573m it is also thought to be the highest standing stone in South Wales.  Legend has it that whenever a cock crows, the stone moves off to drink in the River Nedd. According to another story, the stone visits the River Mellte on Midsummer morning.

There are over 30 standing stones in our National Park. Some of them are many centuries old and wreathed in myth.

Whitney Bridge

Whitney Bridge (a working Toll Bridge) is Grade II listed ancient structure with a social and historical interest. The original toll bridge was enabled in 1774 as a more convenient crossing to the River Wye, other than by ferry.  Still a working toll bridge today, visitors are charged 80p which goes to the maintenance of the bridge.

© Whitney Bridge

 Fishing

Anglers on the banks of the river Usk in teh Brecon Beacons National Park
© Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons offers excellent coarse fishing or game fishing in rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs. We also have a great selection of country hotels that offer a special welcome to outdoor sportsmen. The Gliffaes Hotel is located on the River Usk, near Crickhowell has a long tradition of looking after fishermen with fishing records going back to the 1930s available for guests to read. The hotel has over 1.5 miles of fishing on the Usk, split into 5 beats, which are open to both residents and non-residents alike.  They also offer fly fishing holidays and courses for the beginner and the expert.  To find out more go to our website

Check out our website to plan your trip to the Brecon Beacons.  We hope to see you soon!


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