Bannau Brycheiniog by Cycle | Day Three
Carreg Cennen Castle
I awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and radiant blue skies. I climbed out of my tent, stretched my arms and legs gazing up at the mighty Carreg Cennen Castle. It was going to be a glorious day. I could just feel it.
DAY THREE
WALKING |
Carreg Cennen Castle |
Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Distance: 3.0 mi. / 4.82 km
Elevation: +439 ft / -431 ft
Duration: roughly 6 hours
Distance: 3.0 mi. / 4.82 km
Elevation: +439 ft / -431 ft
Duration: roughly 6 hours
The next morning the campsite was still empty and quiet. Having no need to pack my gear, I could take my time making breakfast and contemplate the day. No cycling for me today. I was going to have a day off and I needed it. I planned to simply hike from the campsite up to the castle, wander around exploring, take some photos and wander back. And I had all day.
The camp host stopped by to say hello and tell me that it was be a lovely day as there was no rain in the forecast. And it looked fantastic! (as shown below in the view I had with my breakfast...)
If you notice below... yes, I tied out my guylines. I was not going to wake up with water under my tent again!
I have a traditional breakfast I often make whilst camping; scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and grilled sausage (YUM!) I'll also have some orange juice followed by a couple of cups of good strong coffee to get me properly fueled for the day.
Yup, I often take two campstoves! It's completely unnecessary, but super-convenient because one can boil water very quickly, whilst the other can simmer or fry eggs easily.
Knowing that I'd be out for the day, I also made a flask of coffee to take with me on the hike, as well as a tasty sandwich my lovely wife had made for me before I left home.
Knowing that I'd be out for the day, I also made a flask of coffee to take with me on the hike, as well as a tasty sandwich my lovely wife had made for me before I left home.
With my hip bag packed and camera strapped over my shoulder, I set off to explore the castle and surrounding countryside by foot.
As the name suggests, Trapp Fishery is mostly visited by folks wanting to fish. There's a small man-made lake stocked with bream and carp, several small yurts and a well-appointed cabin, as well as the small campground where I'm pitched.
It's a charming place actually, its not the well-manicured campsite you often find with many of the larger campervan sites, but it has a sort of "old school" vibe.
It's a charming place actually, its not the well-manicured campsite you often find with many of the larger campervan sites, but it has a sort of "old school" vibe.
I poked around the lake a bit, stuck my nose in the yurt — as the place was empty except for myself, and then made my way to the far side of the property where I found the footpath leading north toward the castle.
Immediately, the path dropped down a steep hill and the woods became quite thick. The trail was clearly marked and easy to follow, but it didn't appear to have been used much this season.
As I made my way, I could hear the trickle of a small stream burried deep in the underbrush off to my right. I could almost taste the smell of the morning damp mixed with the fresh scent from the trees, ferns and mosses.
By this point my shoes were sopping wet and after several hundred feet, the path eventually crossed the stream by an old washed-out footbridge. On the opposite side of the stream, the path began a steep climb.
Looking back down the path (image above), the depth of the gorge was rather surprising. Then it was just a short bit further to the edge of the woods where I came to a clearing and towering ahead of me, high on the hill in the distance was the castle.
I can honestly say it sent chills down my back and I had goosebumps on my arms. I couldn't help but imagine what the medeival solider's thought when they first saw this view...
The walk dipped and rolled over a series of small paddocks connected by styles, the castle disappearing and reappearing as I continued.
The morning was bright and glorious. The temperature was cool, but warming. Looking back over the valley as I climbed, I couldn't help but feel that this was a special day.
Nearby cows were mooing along with their bells clanking flatly and I could hear sheep bleating from far across the fields. A few small brown rabbits hopped about nervously in the tall grass, ears twitching, looking back at me guardedly.
Nearing the top I turned left along a hedgerow and began making my toward the farm and visitors centre. The castle towered above my right, menacing in its silouette against the sky.
I soon reached the Carreg Cennan Farm. Old agricultural equipement decorated the outside of most all of the assorted buildings, fascinating in their decay. The stables and cart house have been restored and now house the visitors centre & tea room. A new oak barn built in the mid-90's provides a rustic venue for weddings, ceremonies, and conferences.
The farm itself is still a working farm with longhorn cattle, Welsh mountain sheep, and an assortment of horses. Dogs lumbered about, mildly interested in the early morning visitor, accepting attention when offered. I spotted a yellow cat darting behind a painted milkcan. Another stretched lazily along a stone wall, blinking, sleepy-eyed, unbothered.
Wagon wheels taller than a small child leaned against the outside walls of an 11th century longhouse nestled in the centre of the old farmyard which now acts as a sort of heritage museum as it offers an extensive display of agricultural artefacts from all over the UK.
The farm itself is still a working farm with longhorn cattle, Welsh mountain sheep, and an assortment of horses. Dogs lumbered about, mildly interested in the early morning visitor, accepting attention when offered. I spotted a yellow cat darting behind a painted milkcan. Another stretched lazily along a stone wall, blinking, sleepy-eyed, unbothered.
Wagon wheels taller than a small child leaned against the outside walls of an 11th century longhouse nestled in the centre of the old farmyard which now acts as a sort of heritage museum as it offers an extensive display of agricultural artefacts from all over the UK.
I poked my head around the gift shop that had just opened (9:30am). The clerks were very cheerful and welcoming, but I was sadly disappointed to find the Cadw book on the castle was sold out. I paid my admission (£7) and started up the hill to the main event.
It was a quiet Wednesday morning and I had the place to myself.
The path up to the castle zig-zags its way from the eastern side to reach a second gatehouse standing along the southern edge. It wouldn't be an easy climb from that direction, but I guess they have to be sure to keep folks from trying.
Meanwhile, turning north to face the castle; it is an imposing sight with still more climbing to be made — and over some rugged ground, no less!
Meanwhile, turning north to face the castle; it is an imposing sight with still more climbing to be made — and over some rugged ground, no less!
photo courtesy of Visit Wales
A Brief History
photo courtesy of DroneScene
photo courtesy of The Gaurdian
Illustration of the castle as it may have appeared during the 14th century - A.Sorrell
The Architecture
References:
Day Three Summary: Carreg Cennen Castle
Tie things up. Summarize why you made this trip, then briefly describe what you liked or disliked about the ride. Would you make the ride again? Could this ride be used in your "Route to Ride" section?
Make a brief reference to the ride report card shown below with any significant details of which they should be aware. What's next?
Make a brief reference to the ride report card shown below with any significant details of which they should be aware. What's next?
Keep it short. You should also include a brief description of the weather and any important landmarks the reader might appreciate. Say your thank you's.
I hope you enjoyed my report and thanks for reading!
Seeya down the road... Cheers! - cm
I hope you enjoyed my report and thanks for reading!
Seeya down the road... Cheers! - cm
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