Cwmcarn Forest
OUT & ABOUT
Coal mine
to campsite
W
ith the demise of the coal mining industry and the closure of pits in the 1960s, the future for South Wales was, back then, somewhat bleak. Fortunately, far thinking minds got to work, and now, some 50 years later, those of us who enjoy outdoor pursuits are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labours. What is now an idyllic camping and caravan park in the Cwmcarn Forest, grew from such a colliery closure. The tree filled park has over a 50 year period been developed from an unwanted and forlorn former coal mine. Cwmcarn Colliery began life in 1876 as a downcast shaft for the Prince of Wales Colliery, Abercarn. At its peak, there were 700 men employed on the site. The pit was finally closed in 1968 and the last remaining colliery building was removed in 1972. Over the 7 years that followed, the site was reclaimed and the foundation for the existing
10 MOTOR CARAVANNER October 2021
www.shutterstock.com/im ageportal
by Frances & Michael Howorth
park was laid. Today, the fully fledged forest, under the careful attention of Caerphilly County Borough Council and Natural Resources Wales, attracts and caters to those who visit either for the day or for those who, like us, enjoy lingering for longer periods. Close enough to retreat to, while still giving one the feeling you are a million miles away from everywhere, Cwmcarn Forest is an oasis of
natural tranquillity set in the midst of the South Wales Valleys. Situated just 15 minutes drive from Junction 28 of the M4, the site is located 8.5 miles from the city of Newport and 18 miles from the Capital City; Cardiff. Caerphilly, with its stunningly beautiful moated castle complete with tilting tower, is just 30 minutes away by car. For those who want to stay within the forest overnight there are four pitches (three grass /one all >>
