A tranquil country park tucked away in the Darran Valley, two miles north of Bargoed. Take an easy stroll along lakeside paths or wander through shady woodlands. Discover sunny wildflower meadows when you follow our short trail through the Cwmllwydrew Meadows Local Nature Reserve. A network of cycle paths and scenic trails take you deeper into the historic landscapes of the northern Rhymney Valley. After all that exercise you can take a break in the Lakeside Coffee Shop with a cup of tea and delicious homemade cake.
Visit the odd shaped Powder Store. Part of the former Ogilvie Colliery on which the park is built, it has been restored and is one of the last remaining in Wales.
Parc Cwm Darran Lake
The lake is one of the park’s main features and over the last 30 years it has been naturally ‘silting up’ (filling with lots of mud, shale and silt), which has changed its appearance and made it harder for people to fish.
The lake was drained, de-silted and re-filled to create an open water area and a wetland area for wildlife. While all the water in the lake was being taken out, (to the rangers surprise) there were lots of fish which had to be re-homed temporarily in the quarry pond.
A sandstone dam wall was built below the wetlands to help trap the soil and sand that washes into the lake from the river to prevent the lake silting up again. 20 fishing platforms made from recycled plastic were also installed (including two all ability platforms).
Other works around Park Cwm Darran included the upgrading of 5½ km of cycle routes to tarmac surfaces and the construction of a ‘trim trail’ exercise/assault course along the lakeside.
This recent work improves the appearance of the lake, makes it a better habitat for wildlife and those wishing to fish in the park.
Facilities
· Healthy walking route · Waymarked trails · Cycle route · Toilets (accessible for people with disabilities) · Parking · Picnic areas · Campsite (seasonal opening) · Café (11am to 3pm weekdays / 10am to 4pm weekends)
