Hafod Fraith Gorge

The bottom of Hafod Fraith Gorge

On the tops of Moel Llechwedd Hafod is a lake called Tomla Lake, close to the top of Hafod Fraith Gorge. A lake in the middle of nowhere - this is not a tourist attraction for sure!

Tomla Lake

Slopes

Whilst walking down between the slopes, we remember that at one time, there used to be a hut deep in the gorge, where the sheep could shelter at night.

Continuing to walk down the gorge, one can catch a glimpse of Cwm Penmachno. You can also see Rhiw Machno Quarry, Blaen y Cwm, Rhos Goch and Swch. The ground beneath our feet becomes more stony, the gradient steeper and the water in the brook flows faster.

The View from the Slopes

Meeting of the Rivers

In this place in Dyfnant, Hafod Fraith Gorge unites with the River Machno. At the side of the river, a butcher's shop once traded, and in the nearby field, Cwm held an occasional Carnival.

Almost on the riverbank, Shiloh Chapel closed down in 1987, the last Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Cwm. However in 2001 it was reopened as a Community Centre for the people of the valley.

Shiloh Chapel

Preacher's Association

This is a picture of the women who were responsible for the food and drink during the meetings of the Preacher's Association in Cwm Penmachno.

A picture of the Organ inside Shiloh Chapel when the Chapel was in its prime.

David Cecil Jones was the organist for a long period of time. Iorweth Jones, Ifan Lloyd and Emlyn Davies also played the organ at different periods. When we were young children in the Chapel, we would take turns at pumping air into the organ. This was in the time before electricity came to Cwm Penmachno.

Shiloh Chapel's Organ

The Community Centre

Outside the new Community Centre on its opening day.

This was previously known as the Shiloh Chapel.

A picture of one of the rooms in the new Community Centre. There are a lot of computers inside the centre, as well as a games room and a canteen.

Inside the Centre