Coal mine to campsite

Coal mine to campsiteby Frances & Michael Howorth

With 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 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

weather) available for those who bring their own tents, and three hardstanding pads for caravans or campervans. Each has its own electric hook up point, the cost of which is included in the nightly rate, and the on-site toilets, showers and laundry block should cater well, as long as the site is not overfull.

If you don’t bring your own rig then worry not! Help is at hand. On-site there are a total of 10 glamping pods and six luxury lodge cabins (three more are planned for 2021).

Whatever you want to do, if you are up for it, so too is the forest; enjoy one of the many walking trails or choose from adrenaline fuelled mountain bike trails or water activities.

Activity central

We chose to walk and chose the longest route. The 1807 walk has been carefully devised to incorporate the natural history of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal leading to breath-taking views, woodlands, spectacular mountain scenery and reminders of Caerphilly Borough’s rich and ancient past.

No one is quite sure how or why the 1807 is so named. What we do know is that it was named by a warden who no longer works at

Twmbalwm hillfort

Cwmcarn. One thought is that the name must relate to the excavation of minerals from the land, as that was in early 19th century. While another suggests the date recalls the minting of a coin found by the warden while noting down the route for us all to enjoy years later. The walk includes some steep ascents and descents with excellent views across the Bristol channel and Severn estuary. It is some 9 miles long and can, if you take things easy, take six hours to complete. Described as being of a strenuous nature, climbing over 400m above sea level it is nevertheless possible to do the walk, as we did, in under three hours. The walk starts and finishes at

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

the visitors centre and is deceptively flat at the start. For some distance the walk follows the same route as the 134 mile long National Cycle Route 47 which joins Fishguard to Newport. The section we walked on takes in the towpath running beside the mostly disused Crumlin arm of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and also the Twmbarlwm Hill Fort. This Iron age fort was at the heart of the territory of the Silurian Celts, who were the dominant Celtic tribe in this area. It was probably constructed between 501 and 150 BC. The hill fort is likely to have played a major role during the Roman invasion of this area when Rome finally defeated the local Celts.

At 419m above sea level, it is easy to see why the site has been such a popular settlement over the >>

Highfield, Rushenden, Alsager Avenue, Queenborough, Kent ME11 5LA

A CAMPSITE WITH A DIFFERENCE...

LeoBay is quite unique as it is a campsite with fitting facilities, so if there’s that little something you need doing from replacing a bulb to a complete conversion we do it all. Our experience goes back 40 years. Our core experience is in auto electrics and vehicle security as well as vehicle diagnostics, we use factory diagnostic software to solve your problems. Trained in both vehicle and mains voltages we can also inspect and test your mains hook up too! Gas that’s no problem either! Now there’s a service that makes life simple, so next time you need help, come and stay at LeoBay, a nice cuppa on arrival, we will sort your problems while you relax on our 1st class site. There’s even a courtesy vehicle to use during your stay at LeoBay!

LeoBay is a site in a million, completely built by us and independent, so all are welcome whether you’re a club member or not. We have drawn on our 25 years as motorhomers, collating all the best bits from the many sites we have visited over the years. The pitches are all wide hardstanding, with a 10amp hook up and your own grass area to spread out on, the site sits up on a hill over looking the sea with amazing views. On site facilities include a unique summer kitchen, where everyone can chat, relax and eat under cover, there’s a barbeque and pizza oven for you to use, or sit and relax by the open fire with a bottle or two. We like to make sure you’re warm and comfortable so the shower block is heated, with two large rooms, and to top it off the gardens are just splendid. Pets are welcome; the dog walks along the shore are great, there’s plenty of wildlife to watch. So as you can see it’s well worth a visit at just £18 per night all in.

For more info or to book call us on 07899 927467 visit the website www.leobay.co.uk or email steve.leobay@gmail.com COVID SECURE

Visit Caerphilly

(www.shutterstock.com/billystock)

While there is much to enjoy in the forest, a trip to nearby Caerphilly should be considered. We downloaded the VoiceMap app and purchased the walking tour of Caerphilly and what a gem of a town it turns out to be. We began with Caerphilly Castle. Construction on what is the biggest castle in Wales second only to Windsor in the whole of Britain began in 1268. Massive walls, towers and gatehouses were combined with sprawling water defences to cover a total of 30 acres. It became a palatial home with a hunting park and northern lake. Today it stands in the middle of the town like some mythical castle floating in an enchanted lake. An effect oddly enhanced during the Civil War when gunpowder left the southeast tower at a precarious angle. Wales’s very own Leaning Tower, one even wonkier than that of Pisa is probably the castle’s best-loved feature, appearing in everyone’s photographs including ours!

From the audio tour, we learned that the entertainer Tommy Cooper had been born in Caerphilly and the locally established Tommy Cooper Society erected a statue of the comedian in 2008.

Coffi Vista serves as the visitor centre for Caerphilly and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the impressive views of the Castle with a light refreshment.

Don't forget to purchase some world famous Caerphilly Cheese, made to the traditional Caerphilly Cheese recipe while you are visiting. centuries. The view from the top is hugely rewarding with its panoramic views over the Bristol channel and surrounding area.

If all that seems too gruelling, there is still plenty to do that is less arduous. To keep children busy, there is a wildlife explorer trail, a BMX pump track and a lake that in summer months offers activities including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Over the past few years the 7-mile long scenic Forest Drive, known locally as little Switzerland, has been closed for the removal of 150,000 dead or dying Larch trees affected by a fungal infection. Due to reopen this year, motorists will be able to drive on newly tarmacked roads and enjoy eight exciting new recreational areas along the way. The stop off points will offer something for everyone – from families with little explorers to seasoned ramblers looking for a tranquil spot for a brew with a view. These include three new play areas, a storytelling area, learning facilities, all-ability trails, and several new seating areas and picnic spots.

Freelance travel journalists Frances and Michael Howorth and club members since 2020, tour in their own custom built campervan. Converted from a LWB Fiat Ductao Maxi, Voyager is their pride and joy, come mobile office and home from home. Jura, their one eyed cat is their constant companion.

01484 661 918

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