Cribarth Geotrail

The geotrail is part of the Brecon Beacons UNESCO Global Geopark. The area was awarded this status due to the significant geological formations that can be found here. As part of our Brecon Beacons Ambassador scheme the park geologist takes us up onto areas of the park that are full of these features but quite possibly not that well known as a tourist spot.

Cribarth Geotrail is a good example of this. There is a 3.25 mile walking trail that explores the rocky slopes of the spectacular hill rising above Craig-Y-Nos Country Park in the upper Swansea Valley (Cwm Tawe). The landscape has been carved by water and ice from the folded layers of sandstone and limestone. There are also remains of the quarrying and lime kilns which were such an important part of the 19c industrial landscape. You can walk this area and meet nobody else or indeed hear anyone else. The only sounds being that of the birds that are flying above you or the sheep and ponies quietly grazing around you.

The walking trail

The Cribarth geotrail contains numerous cliffs and areas of very steep ground and loose rock. Other than a couple of short rocky sections this trail picks a way between these difficulties. Some sections of path can be wet even when it is not raining. Both rocks and grass slopes can get even more slippery after heavy rain.

Aside from all the history there are of cause the views for miles around. To help you get the most from these areas and walks there are detailed leaflets to accompany the trail. Full details will be found on the Brecon Beacons visitor site

More details on the whole geopark area will also be found on the visitor site

Aberyscir Coach House – Brecon Beacons Guide