Darren Fawr

Darren Fawr is the largest and most spectacular of the Trust’s reserves. It consists of a steep hill-side, covered with loose, grey limestone scree, cliffs and an undulating hill-top with good views of the surrounding landscape.

Location

The nearest town is Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2NT

OS Map Reference

SO 022 102

Know before you go

Size

52 hectares

Parking information

Park at Merthyr Tydfil Golf Club

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

The reserve features steep and hazardous terrain including cliffs and scree slopes with loose and unstable rocks. These areas should be avoided at all times. Additionally care should be taken when walking by the golf course - watch out for flying golf balls! Unfortunately the terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Access

Heading South towards Merthyr Tydfil from Brecon along the A470, take the left turn that runs down Upper High Street, the old road into Merthyr Tydfil. At a cross roads just before you pass over the Heads of the Valleys Road (A465) turn left up Vaynor Road signposted towards Pontsticill, and after 100m turn left again up Cloth Hall Lane. Take care, this is a narrow and steep lane.
Follow it all the way up to its end, passing over a cattle grid and in to the car park of Merthyr Tydfil Golf Club. Park here.
Near the entrance to the car park is the reserve information panel and a signposted footpath heading up the hill. On foot, take this path for just over three quarters of a mile up the hill, following a fence line on your left and way marked by BWT posts and arrows.
The reserve starts at the point where the fence line becomes new and has a stile in it. The reserve is then in front of you on both sides of this new fence.