20. Allt Rhongyr Nature Reserve

Allt Rhongyr is within the Brecon Beacons National Park, adjacent to Craig y Rhiwarth Nature Reserve and offers dramatic views of the Tawe Valley. It features a diverse mix of limestone grassland, acidic grassland and woodland and it was once the site of an iron age hillfort. The site is now managed by grazing under an agri-environment scheme.

What to look out for:

The exposed limestone bedrock forms areas of scree and relic pavement which has grassland with ground flora including the yellow flowering rock rose, wild thyme covered tussocks, wild strawberry and salad burnet. Woodland areas have mature ash, oak and birch with wonderful displays of bluebells and lousewort. Open grassland areas have spring displays of cowslips, bugle and violets. Look out for birds such as redstart, raven and wheatear. At the top of the site, the ancient hill fort affords stunning views of Cribarth and the Tawe Valley.

How to get there

Turn off the A4067 half a mile south of Craig y Nos Country Park on the minor road to Penwyllt. Follow this road for 1 mile. Where the road bends to the right and climbs steeply uphill the reserve is on your left. You can leave your car by the wall in front of the bungalow on the left / in the small layby next to the main entrance gate. Or access the reserve through the bridleway gate just down the road. Alternatively the reserve can be reached from Craig y Nos Country Park by following the bridleway via Rhongyr Uchaf farm.

Nearest town Glyntawe. Post code SA9 1GE.

OS map sheet 160. Grid reference SN 852 156

Accessing the reserve

The reserve is an open access reserve, you are allowed to visit the reserve on foot for your quiet enjoyment of the wildlife present. Please keep dogs on a lead to prevent disturbing ground nesting birds and clean up your dog litter.

There may be cattle or ponies on site, please do not approach them or feed them. Additionally there may be electric fencing to keep them off parts of the site, please cross this with care.

The site features natural rocky pavements, steep scree slopes, and some sheer cliffs, please visit with care.