Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve, Talgarth Mill and Bronllys Castle
Start your morning with a walk around the beautiful Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve. Set in a narrow and steep sided valley. The reserve is an oak-ash woodland. at the eastern end of the reserve the river Enig plunges to create a spectacular waterfall into a dark pool below known as the ‘Witches Pool’ from which the reserve gets its name. Although beautiful all year the reserve is perhaps at its finest in spring when the bluebells carpet the woodland floor. A surfaced easy access path leads from the main car park into the reserve – but a more uneven sometimes muddy path leads up to the waterfall. Return to Talgarth and park in the main car park. Walk towards the town centre and stop at the 13th century Tower House. Although its original use is unclear it is thought that it was intended to defend the crossing of the river Enig and the town. In later times the tower was used as a base to collect rents and tithes by the Ashburnham estate. It is now home to the Talgarth Information and Resource Centre – staffed by volunteers who will be able to answer your questions on the local area.
You will be able to visit the newly restored Talgarth Mill. The town are winners of the BBC Village sos Big lottery competition and won funding to restore the watermill to working order. The restored Water Mill also includes a riverside cafe, offering freshly baked products which sells local produce and gifts.
After lunch enjoy a walk on the accessible riverside paths. For those wanting to stretch their legs a little more why not take the brisk ten minute stroll to Bronllys Castle. Now in the care of Cadw the mid 12th century stone keep with fantastic views perches atop an earlier motte overlooking the river Llynfi and Talgarth. Historic documents tell us that history was changed here when a large piece of masonry fell from the castle and killed the last male heir of Miles of Gloucester.
Sample Itinerary
11.00 - 12.30 Enjoy a walk to Pwll-y-Wrach nature reserve.
12.30 - 13.00 Return to Talgarth and visit the Information and Resource Centre based in the historic Tower.
13.00 - 14.00 You could lunch in Talgarth and visit the restored water mill.
14.00 - 15.30 After visiting the water mill complex, try a walk to Bronllys Castle to take in the great views.
Where is it?
Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve
OS Map sheet 161
Grid Ref SO165 326
From the junction in the centre of Talgarth with the Visitor Information Centre on your right, turn right. Cross the river and then follow the sharp left hand bend which leads into Bell street. After 20 metres, turn left opposite the Bell hotel and follow the minor road for one and a half miles. A short distance after the last houses in Talgarth, the small reserve car park is on the right.
The tower, housing the Talgarth Information and Resource Centre is found by leaving the car-park in the direction of the town Centre and is on the left hand side after crossing the river bridge.
Opening hours
Summer - Monday-Saturday
10.00 am-4.00 pm.
Sunday 10 am-1.00 pm.
Winter - Monday to Saturday
10.30 am-3.30 pm.
Sunday 10.30 am-1.00 pm.
The resource Centre is on the ground floor.
www.talgarthcentre.org.uk
Bronllys Castle so 149347 is on the right hand side on the A479 between Talgarth and Bronllys.
There is parking in the lay by next to the Castle.
Facilities and Access
Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve is an open access reserve for the purposes of quiet enjoyment. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under close control. A surfaced easy access path leads from the car park into the heart of the reserve. From there a more uneven sometimes muddy path leads up to the waterfall there are no facilities at the reserve but there are public toilets in the centre of Talgarth opposite the small supermarket.
The Bakers Table and Talgarth Mill shop, the Mill, Talgarth square LD3 0BW
01874 711352
www.talgarthmill.com
Open Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm.
Bronllys Castle is an unstaffed site open to the public with no admission charge, open daily from 10 am – 4 pm.
The Castle is a CADW historic monument with uneven surfaces and stairs.
There are no facilities located at the Castle.
Public Transport
By Train the nearest station is Abergavenny – Talgarth is 18 miles from Abergavenny By bus: Talgarth is serviced by uses in all directions, from Hereford, Builth Wells, Abergavenny and Brecon.
Look at www.traveline-cymru.org.uk for the latest travel information and timetables.
By bike: National route 8 passes through Talgarth.