Waterfall Country Update – Loonies’ Leap bridge, Sgwd y Pannwr path & Cwm Porth toilets

BBNPA has provided us with the following updates:

1. The footbridge at the Pontneddfechan Gunpowder Works is now open following the completion of the deck repairs – so Loonies’ Leap is now accessible again to gorge-walking groups (although the river-left ‘dam wall’ is still out-of-bounds due to structural instability; and the hill-fort path is still the only gorge-walking access route to the site).
2. Works scheduled to repair the path leading to Sgwd y Pannwr have been delayed until June (due to contractor availability). The wooden board-walk has been removed in preparation for these repairs, so the path is now deteriorating rapidly with high recent footfall in what is currently a very wet area. NRW (the landowner) is aware of this unfortunate situation but there is little to be done until the repairs can be completed. In the meantime, gorge groups might prefer to remain in the watercourse in this area to avoid adding to the damage…
3. Refurbishment of the toilets at Cwm Porth is currently underway and will offer a much improved experience once complete. The car park size will be reduced at times during these works, so caving groups should be sure to book minibus spaces in the usual way.