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The road sign indicates 5 miles down valley to Abergavenny and 5 miles up valley to the Grwyne Fawr Reservoir. This is the Black Mountains section of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is an area of great scenic beauty and it is relatively proximate (near) Abergavenny bu it is relatively inaccessible with only narrow country lanes and no major road access. Roads can be closed for months even years as river erosion undercuts bridges or causes landslips. | |
| Properties are mainly farms or farm conversions (as in the photo here near Llanbedr). Many of these are bunkhouse accommodation for walking groups or holiday cottages for rent by families. The main village in the Vale of Gwryne is Llanbedr and this has had limited new housing building in the last 30 years. Planning Permission for new building developments will be very hard to obtain because of the scenic beauty and the limited road access. | |
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There are several large mansion type properties in the valley (as here at Craig-y-Bwla the country estate of a computer millionaire)the quality of the scenery and the quiet unspoilt nature of the area exudes 'class' and indicates the perception of an 'idyllic extreme rural lifestyle'. Abergavenny is about 20 minutes drive away down narrow country lanes. This journey is the 'barrier' because from Abergavenny quiet dual carriageways can be accessed. | |
| The population figures
for the Vale of Grwyne tell their own story... 1981: 1220; 1991: 844. The
area has experienced rural depopulation especially
of the young. House prices are very high as so few are available and are
sought after by incomers. This barn with planning permission would sell
for a very high price - probably to someone with a
professional job from outside the locality. An issue is the provision of affordable
homes for local people. There are also limited employment
opportunities in the immediate locality except for tourism and farming.
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This is the Queens Head Innin the adjacent Llanthony Valley. The inn offers drinks, meals, accommodation (including camping and caravans) and pony trekking. The diversification has to be offered to gain a worthwhile income. Other economic activities include outdoor pursuit centres and pottery/art / craft galleries. The artists work and live here both for the quality of life as well as for the tourist trade. | |
| The photo shows the gatehouse entrance to the Llangenny Outdoor Education Centre owned by Haringey Council from London. this is a former large house (mansion) bought by the council for its schools to use to promote outdoor pursuits and education in environmental subjects like geography and science. There are many outdoor education centres in the Brecon Beacons area. | |
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The rural idyll seen in the beautiful unspoilt scenery with quiet country roads. Everyone knows each other and outsides might be viewed with suspicion. The residents will include 'native families' who want to make a living from the area and 'professional' outsiders who are very keen to conserve the environment they moved here to enjoy. These migrants are likely to oppose strongly any move to develop the area in any way. Under Cloke's model this area would be classed as EXTREME RURAL. There are issues and divisions hidden here. | |
| Can you find this area on our base map? | ||