Pont Rhyd-y-Groes and The Yswyth Valley

57 Mins from our holiday cottages
32 Miles from our holiday cottages
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Pont-rhyd-y groes on the B4343 near north of Tregaron, Ceredigion
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History of local mining

Pont Rhyd-y-Groes and The Yswyth Valley 

Pont Rhyd-y-Groes is a small village on the B4343 north of Tregaron. The village sits on the south bank adjacent to the bridge over the Ystwyth River. Its name comes from pont (bridge) rhyd (ford) groes (cross or junction).

Historically it was a centre for lead & silver mining.  Cornish miners found work there but following the closure of the mines the area suffered. In recent times money has been funded in order to improve the village, including the rebuilding of the old miners bridge across Ystwyth gorge.

As you enter the village from the south there is a lay by and information board.  Further along the road to the north is a turn sharp left before the bridge over the Ystwyth River.  A few yards after this turn is an old working water mill wheel and information board. Nearby is a community shop and café, Cwtch, if you are hungry or thirsty alternatively try The Miners Arms, back on the main road.

To the left of Cwtch is signed footpath which leads down to the Miners Bridge and forestry walks which offer magnificent views of The Ystwyth River tumbling down over waterfalls, through the rocky gorge.

From here downstream The Ystwyth Valley is scenic and forested, gradually it becomes less steep and opens out and more gently flows on to Aberystwyth (translates to mouth of Yswyth). 

About 3 miles along the road downstream from Pont-rhyd –y groes is a picnic site on the right with path to scenic footbridge and forest walks on the left. 

To the North the valley climbs into the rugged Cambrian Mountains past the ruins of the old mines.  Over the pass the road leads down into The Elan Valley and reservoirs.

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