A vital component of the project was to enable more people to be able to access the countryside on foot, bikes or horseback.
To achieve this the project undertook access route surveys to inform priorities for action.
The project worked to improve 11 routes were improved. Largely this work involved replacing gates, replacing stiles with gates near Machynlleth, replacing stiles adding stock proof and rider friendly latches, clearing scrub, fixing gates and putting in new gate posts, replacing a bridge and improving the surface on one path.
The project carried out work on the following public rights of way:
The area around Nant y Moch
3 routes near Talybont, Tre-Ddol and Taliesin
2 routes around Machynlleth
Mach 2 – from Pandy Bach, Forge to Cleiriau Uchaf, Aberhosan
Aberangell to Aberllefenni stopping at the bridge just before Aberllefenni
Aberdyfi to Penal
surface improvements at a Furnace
A new bridge at Cwmlline
New Gates installed with stock proof and rider friendly latches
76 new field gates and 8 new Bridleway gates were installed to replace broken gates that has become unusable by those seeking access.
7 of the self-closing gates replaced stiles on paths near Machynlleth to improve access for more people.
Many other gates were fixed and new posts were installed to make them easier to use. Stockproof and rider friendly latches were installed. The latter means that horse riders can open and close gates without dismounting.
New stiles installed on routes near Talybont, Ceredigion
14 new galvanised steel stiles replaced wooden stiles that had rotted and become dangerous.
A replacement bridge installed
The final access works for the project was help to replace a bridge at Cwmlline. The foot bridge in Cwmlline had become unsafe and was likely to be closed. Closure would have cut people in the village off from direct access to footpaths on the other side of the river. The Dolau Dyfi project contributed to the cost of a new bridge which was installed by Powys Council volunteers, some of whom had volunteered on the Dolau Dyfi project. The remaining costs was met by Glantwymyn Community Council.
Aberangell to Aberllefenni, the old bridle gate J Arwel Evans
Aberangell to Aberllefenni, the new bridle gate
Mach2 an old gate, photo by Geraint Micah
Mach2 new field gate, photo by Geraint Micah
Walks around Machynlleth access gates Richard Jones
Walks around Machynlleth access gates Richard Jones
Walks around Machynlleth access gates Richard Jones
Old stile Talybont Ceredigion, photo by Richard Jones
New stile Talybont Ceredigion, photo Julia Korn
The old Cwmlline Bridge, photo by Richard Brown
Rebuilding Cwmlline Bridge, photo by Richard Brown
The new Cwmlline Bridge, photo by Richard Brown
A range of walk leaflets were created by the Dolau Dyfi Project
An interesting walk up and along the hill South of the A487. There is a steep climb through oak woodland at the beginning and a steep descent back down. Once up on the edge of ridge the route is more level and open with expansive views over Talybont, Taliesin and the Dyfi estuary.
This walk starts from Talybont on the ‘Borth to Devil’s Bridge’ trail, joins the ‘Wales Coast Path’ and then loops back to Talybont through the woods. If using the bus, the walk is a bit more straightforward and less strenuous if you start at Talybont and finish in Taliesin (there are regular buses between the villages).
After nearly 20 years of providing advice to promote, establish and enhance grazing management for wildlife, PONT has taken the difficult decision to close down at the end of March 2024.
This decision has not been made lightly but is the inevitable result of the current economic situation and the lack of long-term grant funding to support conservation grazing. Over the last 2 decades we have worked with hundreds of land owners, graziers and conservationists to find solutions to grazing issues which benefit wildlife, farmers and the community.
We have developed and delivered training for individuals and organisations, led and contributed to grant-funded initiatives and worked on innovative projects such as “Payments for Outcomes” schemes.
We would like to thank all those who have worked with us over the years.
