Join Derek Smith and friends at Bryngarw

Derek Smith

Bryngarw has a series of fab free events on Sunday’s in August, pay for car parking only. The ‘Music in the Garden’ event on the 21st August stars one of Bridgend’s most successful guitarists, Derek Smith performing live at Bryngarw Country Park in Brynmenyn, Bridgend from 2.30 – 4.30pm.

Derek will be joined by two of his Mabon musicians, Jasper Salmon on fiddle and Tim Orrell on wooden flute and whistles. Come and enjoy a family day out for an acoustic performance of the interceltic roots fusion music that is the trademark of this internationally successful band.

Join us and enjoy outdoor live music being performed upon the lawn in front of Bryngarw House, with this year’s line-up offering sounds to suit everyone’s taste:

 Sunday 21 August – Roots fusion with Derek Smith (Mabon) and friends

Sunday 28 August – Light classical with Absolute Zero Viola Quartet

Please note that there is no wet weather cover or seating provided, but you are welcome to bring your own chairs or picnic rugs. Due to this being an outdoor event; it is weather dependant, therefore we advise you to contact Bryngarw House on 01656 729009 prior to starting your journey.

 There will be children’s entertainers including balloon modelling and stilt walking. Light snacks available at the park café.

 Admission is free with a car park charge of £2.50 for all events which are set on the beautiful lawns at the award-winning 113 acres of spectacular parkland that boasts Bridgend County Borough Council’s largest picturesque landscape.

BryngarwCountryPark is part of the ‘OneHistoricGarden’ project linking heritage, gardens and opportunities acrossSouth Wales, and is part-funded by the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund through Visit Wales and the Welsh Government and supported by The Valleys Heart and Soul of Wales campaign.

For more information, contact Corporate Marketing Assistant Kelly Jones on (01656) 642094. Email: kelly.jones2@bridgend.gov.uk Website: www.bridgend.gov.uk

Garw Valley Walk 1

Garw Valley Walk 1, originally uploaded by Tourism Bridgend.

A scenic walk through the pine forests and grassland with great views of the Garw Valley and beyond. A free guided walk, Wednesday 7th September, start time: 10.00am , starting point: Parc Calon, Blaengarw, Bridgend. CF31 4AH Grid Ref: SS 902 794, Duration: 4 hours, Distance: 8miles / 13km.

Garw Valley, Decorated Mine Shaft

Decorated Mine Shaft, Garw Valley , originally uploaded by Tourism Bridgend.

This mural was created in 2005 and forms the entrance of an old drift mine in the Garw Valley. This can be viewed as part of the Garw Valey Walk 2 circular walking route which starts at Parc Calon Lan in Blaengarw.

Cwm Garw Cirque Glacier

Cwm Garw Cirque Glacier, originally uploaded by Tourism Bridgend.

Great panoramic views from the top of the Garw Valley. This was the last guided walk of the Bridgend Love2walk Festival 2010.

“The hoards head for Snowdon, the wise come here…”

DSC00292, originally uploaded by Blossfeldiana.

Penmachno, North Wales. This place reminds me very much of the Garw Valley and like the Garw Valley, its certainly off the beaten track. Very close to Snowdonia, and not too far from Betws Y Coed, the hills around Penmachno offer some great walks, climbs and mountain bike routes. There’s a really nice place to stay called the Lodge, that’s a kind of upmarket and very stylish bunkhouse, hardly surprising as the owner is a talented interior designer. Penmachno is one of Wales’ little secrets, the hoards head off to Snowdon, the wise come here!

Bryngarw Country Park and the Garw Valley

Sculpture #2, originally uploaded by e_cathedra.

Jjust off the M4 near Bridgend, well worth a day out. Interesting sculptures, mature woodland, trails, events throughout the year and the gateway to the Garw Valley, certainly off the beaten track country. From Bryngarw Country Park you can cycle the Valley on a family cycle route that takes in the best of this little heard of yet stunning valley. Head towards Llangeinor and its historic settlement on the hill, overlooking the places that inspired the Welsh hymn Calon Lan, known to all Welsh people the world over! There is even a parc dedicated to the hymn at the top of the Valley in Blaengarw called Parc Calon Lan. Bryngarw Country Park surrounds the Bryngarw Country House which is great place to stay in this part of the world too!

The Garw Valley Family Bike Ride…

bicycle race, originally uploaded by beta karel.

The Garw Valley on 2 Wheels, Saturday 12th June 2010 at 10am

Starting at Bryngarw Country Park take the family for a gentle bike ride along the Garw Valley cycle path. Use our new ID guide to learn how to identify some common plant and animals, and use the map to spot different habitats along the route or just enjoy the stunning landscape you encounter.

The route starts at Bryngarw Country Park (£2 parking). Part of Wales Biodiversity Week, this is an outdoor event, so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Own Bicycle needed. Leaflet produced with map and information available on the day from the park (subject to availability). Also available from www.Bridgend.gov.uk and http://www.healthchallengebridgend.org.uk/. Contact: 01656 643196 for more information.