Rotary Ramble

Nine ramblers met in rather wet weather at Bedford Park near Cefn Cribwr. The 45 acre park, which features the remains of the 18th Century Cefn Cribwr Ironworks, forms part of the Bedford Park Site of Importance for Nature Conservation that supports marsh, woodland, grassland and wetland habitats.

Climbing across saturated land which formed part of the disused open cast coal mine, the ramblers were greeted by an excellent view of the lake, known locally as the “Blue Lagoon” (though it looked distinctly grey today!). The lake fills what was the remains of the limestone quarry and is considered dangerous for swimming due to its depth, up to 100 feet in places.

Dropping down the group followed the path alongside the lake to its far end.

On the return leg the group passed the remains of the Bedford Ironworks, founded by John Bedford, which started production in 1781. However, the ironworks were relatively unsuccessful and were in production for little more than 50 years before they went out of use, not attracting the successive upgrades that took place at more profitable sites. One of the results of this early abandonment is that it survives remarkably complete, with much of the layout clear.

After easing for a while the rain intensified towards the end of the walk so a table for lunch by the fire in the Pheasant in Pen-y-fai was very welcome! An fine lunch rounded off an excellent and interesting ramble.