The only major road crossing through the Cambrian Mountains is the A44.
The mountain range fluctuates between 1500 and 2000 feet in altitude.
An area of outstanding natural beauty it has many rivers, streams,
waterfalls and impressive valleys which provide picture postcard
scenes.
The whole area is a
patchwork of scattered villages and farms. Evidence of abandoned
settlements and mining activities can be found at various locations.
The deserted village at Dylife near the Lyn Clywedgo Reservoir is a good example of its past mining history, or for a look at what life must have been like for the
mining community in the mountains take a visit to the Llywernog Silver Lead Mine.
The River Severn and
the Wye start here in the Cambrian Mountains and the Elan Valley's
reservoirs supply the water for the city of Birmingham. The Cambrian
Mountains are a hikers paradise and despite what many may think, this
is not a desolate and deserted landscape at all. A visit is highly
recommended and the best way to appreciate the area is to travel along
its minor roads and lanes along the valleys and lakes.
In 1972 it was
proposed that the Cambrian Mountains become Wales fourth national park
but opposition from local county councils put paid to this proposal
which is suprising given the beauty and stunning array of wooded
valleys and gorges.
|
