15.04.13 - Works are underway at Parc Cwm Darran to remove silt from the Ogilvie Lake.  This means that a small part of the park will be closed to public access for the duration of the works. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Parc Cwm Darran is now open from 11am to 4pm until July and from 10.30am to 4.30 pm from July to August. Events happening on most weekends. Look at the events section on the home page to find out  what events are going ahead at the Visitor Centre.   

The campsite will be open from Friday 5th April 2013.

New interactive touchscreen games at Parc Cwm Darran !

Why not take a trip to Parc Cwm Darran and check out  its two new touch screen interactive information games?  There are three games that will test your knowledge and understanding of the local wildlife found within the park. Take up the challenge, if you think you are good enough! (suitable for all ages). 

There is even a section on the touch screen called "Off the Rails" where you can discover the history of the valley from the Stone Age to the Coal Mining era.  For more information about the touch screen games or any other facilities in the park, please call on 01443 875557.

Parc Cwm Darran Leaflet

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)

How to get there

Location: Google maps

By Bus:

Service 1 - Bargoed to Merthyr Service 4 - Bargoed to Tredegar.

By bike: Use the Darran Valley cycleway from Bargoed or Fochriw

By car: The entrance is midway between Deri and Fochriw (to the north of Bargoed).

Telephone: Parc Cwm Darran on: 01443 875557

E-mail the Countryside and Landscape Service to request a free Parc Cwm Darran leaflet.