Pen y Fan

Der Gipfel des Pen y Fan ist kein Ort für Eitelkeiten. Wenn der Wind am Mohair zerrt, merkt man, was wirklich zählt: Standfestigkeit. Die Aussicht ist die Belohnung für die Mühe, die man sich eigentlich gar nicht gemacht hat, weil man meistens getragen wurde. Trotzdem fühlt es sich nach einem monumentalen Sieg an. Die Welt liegt einem zu Füßen – ein ziemlich guter Platz für einen Bären. #oskarundco #Oshine #PenYFan

https://web.oskarundco.org/2026/05/14/pen-y-fan/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

LLANELLI: Dafen’s Black Bridge closes until October for replacement — as next stage of walking and cycling route takes shape

One of Llanelli’s most recognisable footbridges has shut its gates – and won’t reopen until October.

Dafen footbridge – known to generations of locals as the Black Bridge – has been closed by Carmarthenshire County Council while the existing structure is demolished and a brand new bridge installed in its place.

The closure is expected to last until October due to the scale of the works involved.

The Black Bridge crosses the railway line on the west side of the B4304 Coastal Link Road, connecting Trinity Road in Llanelli to the former Pen y Fan quarry site.

The new bridge will feature ramped access – a significant upgrade on the existing structure, and one that will open the route up to wheelchair users, pushchair users and people with mobility difficulties for the first time.

The project is funded by the Welsh Government through its Active Travel Fund and forms part of a wider scheme to create a safe walking and cycling route along the B4303.

The Black Bridge replacement is the next section of a continuous walking and cycling route being built along the corridor.

An earlier section – crossing the Afon Dafen – has already been completed and was named in honour of Welsh rugby legend Phil Bennett at a ceremony last year.

The new route will connect local schools, employment sites and the hospital to the surrounding residential areas of Dafen and Llanelli.

The project also links to the wider Pentre Awel development – the major health and well-being campus under construction on the former Dafen industrial estate – which is expected to bring thousands of jobs and visitors to the area.

Wales has been investing heavily in new walking and cycling routes in recent years – and Carmarthenshire has been among the biggest beneficiaries, with Welsh Government funding backing a number of schemes across the county.

During the closure, the council is directing users to an alternative route via Olive Street and Heol Trostre.

Pedestrians are asked to follow the diversion signage in place and allow extra time for journeys that would ordinarily use the bridge.

For drivers and cyclists using the Coastal Link Road, works traffic may cause some disruption in the area over the coming months.

When the new Black Bridge opens, it will connect directly into the completed Afon Dafen section – giving Llanelli a continuous, accessible walking and cycling route that didn’t exist before.

Naming row erupts over new community centre in Llanelli’s Penyfan area

The Bigyn Community Centre, located at Penyfan Park, was officially unveiled by Llanelli Town Council earlier this summer. The facility, described as a much-needed hub for meetings, parties and educational activities, was praised by council leaders and community figures for its potential to strengthen social cohesion.

Council leader Cllr David Darkin said he was “absolutely delighted” the centre was now open, thanking the Welsh Government and project partners for their support. “The project demonstrates the determination of the Labour administration to provide the best possible facilities for the residents of the town,” he said.

Fellow Labour councillors Phil Warlow and Janet Williams echoed the sentiment, highlighting the centre’s role in supporting local initiatives and providing a welcoming space for residents. Community activist Neville Gilasbey, who stood for Labour in the recent Bigyn ward by-election, also welcomed the completion of the hall and changing rooms, calling it a fulfilled promise.

However, controversy has emerged over the decision to name the facility the Bigyn Community Centre, with some Penyfan residents arguing that the name does not reflect the centre’s true location or identity.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday 2 July, Independent councillors Michael Cranham and Alan Cameron Williams proposed a motion calling for a public consultation on renaming the centre. They cited a petition from local residents requesting the name be changed to Penllwyn Community Centre, which they said better represents the communities of Penyfan and Llwynwhilwg.

The motion was defeated by 10 votes to 8, with Labour councillors—including those representing Bigyn ward—voting against the consultation.

Cllr Cranham said: “It is disappointing that again the Labour-led Town Council is not listening to what the community of Penyfan are saying. Residents feel the use of ‘Penllwyn’ better reflects the area. Changing the name at this early stage would cost the council nothing.”

Cllr Williams added that the issue had come up repeatedly during his by-election campaign, saying: “Everyone welcomes this new facility, but many residents feel they have not had their say.”

Penyfan resident Lisa Francis also criticised the council’s stance, questioning why the name had not been subject to public opinion. “Does our view—those who live in the area—not matter?” she asked.

Responding to the criticism, Cllr Darkin defended the council’s decision, stating that the name was “proposed and unanimously supported” by all members, including those now opposing it. He said the centre’s development had been publicly discussed for some time, with no objections raised during planning.

“The name ‘Bigyn Community Centre’ was chosen to reflect the centre’s role in serving the entire Bigyn Ward, including Penyfan,” he said. “It is not intended to exclude any part of the community but rather to unify and represent the ward as a whole.”

Cllr Darkin also noted that the petition contained around 70 signatures—representing a small fraction of the ward’s 4,500 residents—and warned that changing the name could cause confusion and administrative issues.

Despite the disagreement, the council says it remains committed to engaging with all parts of the community and welcomes ongoing dialogue about how the centre can best serve local needs.

#AlanCameronWilliams #Bigyn #BigynCommunityCentre #DavidDarkin #JanetWilliams #Llanelli #LlanelliTownCouncil #MichaelCranham #Penyfan #PhilWarlow

I wasn’t well we had to call off our previous trip, but I am now replanning my adventure to #PenYFan for later this month.

Sensible Me:
I might not make it all the way, but will still get to see some amazing views. I’m ok with that.

Stubborn Me:
I've crawled up a difficult hill before. Trust me I've got this!

Counting down the days like a kid at Christmas.

The second full day of our visit to #BannauBrycheiniog was devoted to visiting #PenYFan, the tallest #peak in south #Wales. This was a very nice #walk of 15 km with some steep ascents and descents but no climbing.

Starting from the car park, a path started to climb gently upwards. You can see Pen Y Fan on the horizon near the centre of the image.

#MyWork #MyPhoto #CCBYSA #DSLR #Nikon #D7000 #Summer

As iconic as #PenYFan is, this mountain boy's heart will always belong to the western Beacons yonder.

#Wales #landscape #LandscapePhotography #Fujifilm

A little standing stone in a terrific setting for today's #StandingStoneSunday

Mynydd Illtyd standing stone is less than a metre tall, but makes up for it with the backdrop of Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du, the highest summits in South Wales. (Portrait, needs a click)

Visited May 2010.

#StandingStone #BreconBeacons #PenYFan #BronzeAge

Going on a date up #PenYFan with a younger, vastly fitter woman was perhaps not my best idea ever. I did not look good being so out of shape 😳

#Wales #Cymru #Hiking #BreconBeacons #photo #photography #outdoors #outdoorsUK