RHEIDOL VALLEY

Spectacular scenery, a dashing river and birds to match

Aone SHORT, BUT IMPETUOUS course, was how W M Condry, of the finest British writers on natural history in the 20th Century, described the River Rheidol. Streams on the western slopes of Plynlimon, highest peak in the Cambrian Mountains of mid-wales, are its source, not far from where both the Severn and the Wye commence their journeys. Unlike these neighbours, the Rheidol makes but a short journey – just 19 miles – to reach the sea at Aberystwyth. From the Nant-ymoch reservoir, which provides water for the hydro-electric station in the valley floor, the Rheidol rushes south, passing through a gorge to reach Devil’s Bridge with its spectacular waterfalls. Finally, the river, joined by the Mynach, turns west to wind its way on the final part of its journey. Mining for lead and zinc took place from at least the late 16th Century, finally ceasing in 1933. One striking reminder of mining is the Vale of Rheidol Railway between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge – there is no finer way to experience the valley. From the carriage windows, look down on soaring Red Kites, Buzzards and Ravens, while enjoying vistas like the Rheidol Falls and the Coed Simdde Lwyd nature reserve, the name meaning ‘Wood of the Grey Chimney’. When opening the reserve in August 1985, David Bellamy hugged a moss bank in exhilaration at experiencing such a brilliant woodland habitat. These oak woodlands support Pied Flycatchers (above), Wood Warblers and Redstarts. DAVID SAUNDERS