merlinlocations | Porth yr Ogof visited (Reply)

Mr L and I were lucky enough to visit Porth yr Ogof recently - the cave in Merlin where Balinor was living. It's a really beautiful place! Of course we were there in mid-winter, and there was a light fall of snow everywhere, so it didn't have the same green and leafy effect as it did on the show. Reason enough to revisit in summer, I should think! But I'm really glad we went.

to get there

Consider this a supplementary post to my original, providing extra details! (Oh, and I'll edit the Google Maps pointer, too, as the current one is indicating the wrong place.)

To get to the cave, travel south from the village of Ystradfellte on the road to Pontneddfechan (no, I can't tell you how to pronounce any of that). Not far from the village you'll see a very small parking area on the right, opposite a turning to the left. The turning is signposted with a smallish sign with the blue parking symbol and the name Cwm Porth (the information centre). Take the turn to the left. Follow the road down towards the river. The information centre and carpark will appear on your left.

By the way, this must be the carpark where those wonderful promotional photos were taken of Colin taking snaps of Bradley during a break from filming... {happy sigh} So the carpark itself is also a Merlin Location!

Strangely enough, the information centre wasn't open when we were there. I don't know why they thought a bit of snow and ice would put people off. :-) But there is also plenty of signage, including history and maps - and lots of warnings! Pay attention to the warnings! The world would be a poorer place if we lost any Merlin fans due to location misadventures.

the cave itself

The main entrance of the cave is literally tucked right in under the information centre! It's a small scramble to get down there, and perhaps not for those who aren't sure on their feet. However, it's not far, and not much of a climb, so give it a try if you can.

And once you're down there... Here's the main entrance of the cave, with the river running into it.

And this was taken from within the cave looking out at Mr L!

This is looking up-river from near the cave, towards where Balinor was pondering pensively and being all uncooperative.

And, look! I found the very rocks which Merlin used as seat and footstool. I even sat there myself, as you might guess from the fact that I cleared the surface of extra snow first. (That's the second time that my rear has been where Colin's has... If you've noticed a slight increase in global warning, well, all I can do is apologise.)

Screen cap courtesy of wherethewind.

I'll post these photos and more in a larger size on the Merlin Locations website.

rating

Well, I am strongly tempted to give this location five pointy hats, which would put it on a par with Pierrefonds, Dunraven Bay and Puzzlewood... Hhhmmm... Maybe I'll err on the side of caution and give it four pointy hats. But they are very large and impressive ones!