Emerging rockers will not only discover the interesting geology and industrial heritage of the area but there’s even a specially recorded podcast for those who wish to find out more about the wildlife and conservation called ‘Waterfalls and Wildlife’.
The two trails – one designed for adults and one specifically for children led by the forgetful goblin Gwladus – start at the popular new Waterfalls Centre in Pontneddfechan and follow the old tramway to Sgwd Gwladus waterfall. Developed by the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and Fforest Fawr Geopark, they feature local historians, experts from South Wales Universities and wardens from the National Park Authority.
The audio trails along with a route map can be downloaded onto your MP3 player, iPod, mobile phone or PDA to accompany you on your walk from http://www.breconbeacons.org/visit-us/outdoors-activities/audio-trails However, you don’t have to listen to them just on site, you can download them on to your computer and listen to them at home before you leave. They are available in Welsh and in English.
If you own an iPod or other Personal Media Player with a colour screen, you can also download the accompanying podscrolls. These contain the directions, map and treasure hunt for the route between Pontneddfechan and Sgwd Gwladus. For more information on how to use a podscroll visit www.podscroll.co.uk
Suzanna Meekins, Interpretation Officer for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority said: “Audio trails are certainly the latest buzz word in this National Park. They are an absolutely fantastic concept because they are a non intrusive way to tell the fascinating stories along this beautiful gorge. This particular path runs through not only a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) so we didn’t want to detract anything from the area by erecting any information panels.
“These downloadable trails give people the chance to explore the environment and enjoy its special qualities at the same time. It’s all about offering visitors a more engaging and memorable way to experience the stories than text alone. It also allows increased accessibility, especially for people with visual impairments or those unable to physically visit. We certainly have plans for more audio trails in the National Park and we are currently looking at developing an industrial heritage trail for Henllys Vale.”
These are the first downloadable audio trails for the National Park Authority and have been made possible with funding from the Countryside Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. Welsh versions have also been recorded and will be available shortly.