LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 13: Y RHINOGAU PART 1: DESCRIPTION SUMMARY OF LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES The Rhinog Mountains (the ‘Rhinogydd’ or ‘Rhinogau’) form a rugged mountain chain to the south of the Snowdon Massif extending from the slopes above the estuaries of the Dwyryd and Glaslyn in the north to the Mawddach estuary in the south. The area takes its name from its most famous peaks, Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach (720 and 712 metres). 56 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 13: Y RHINOGAU KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA1 Open mountainous area with the highest summit, Y Llethr, reaching Extensive heathland habitats of European importance; the largest a height of 756 metres AOD. Numerous cliffs and rock outcrops expanse of mature heath outside Scotland. Vegetation dominated by forming a rugged topography. Includes nationally important heather and bilberry, as well as gorse, wetlands and large expanses of blanket geomorphological features. bog (the Rhinog SAC, NNR, SSSI and Biogenetic Reserve). Underlain primarily by Cambrian grits of the Harlech Dome, with a Semi-natural oak-dominated woodlands, bogs, wet flushes, neutral and number of intrusive dykes of volcanic deposits. Thick deposits of acid grasslands associated with valleys (Merionnydd Oakwoods & Bat Sites boulder clay, deposits of scree, head material and alluvium as a SAC and Coed Graig Uchaf SSSI). legacy of glacial action. Significant proportion within the Ardudwy and Trawsfynydd Basin & Valley mires and frequent glacial oligotrophic lakes feeding Cwm Prysor Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest, with ancient numerous fast-flowing streams draining from the uplands, settlement sites and tracks (e.g. Roman Steps) and Iron Age hillforts. Remains sometimes forming waterfalls. Includes the Afon Gamlan, Cwm- of mining and mineral extraction in the valleys including gold, copper, zinc mynach, Cwm-llechen, Ysgethin and Cwm Nantcol. and lead. Landscape dominated in the north by the Llyn Trawsfynydd reservoir Unsettled, remote uplands, a large proportion being open access or and former nuclear power station. common land. A number of prominent conifer plantations and extensive areas of Stone-built farmsteads and hamlets nestled in sheltered valleys both broadleaved and coniferous woodland on valley sides. connected by a sparse rural road network. A number of car parks at the heads of the valleys provide recreational access onto the mountains. Open mountains surrounded by large-scale regular enclosures of ffridd, with a small-scale irregular field pattern on lower Strong feeling of wildness and remoteness associated with the mountains – valley sides. less crowded than other parts of the National Park. Stone walls forming boundary features, providing unity with Mountains afford long, unspoilt views of the coast and south across the buildings and rock exposures. Mature trees following boundary Mawddach Estuary to Cadair Idris. Views north beyond the Dwyryd Estuary lines at lower levels, contributing to a wooded character. towards Snowdon. The Trawsfynydd nuclear power station forms a prominent man-made landmark in the north. Rough grazing (predominantly by sheep) on the uplands and ffridd, with improved pasture fields found along valley sides. 1 Bold indicates those key characteristics considered to be the ‘valued attributes’ of the Landscape Character Area; aspects of character that contribute greatly to local distinctiveness. 57 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 13: Y RHINOGAU FORCES FOR CHANGE AFFECTING LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Please refer to the ‘Forces for Change’ section of the SPG document. Of particular relevance to this LCA are the following forces for change: Some areas of overgrazing on lower slopes, including around Llyn Trawsfynydd Neglect of slate stone walls and replacement/gapping up of sections with uncharacteristic post-and-wire fencing. A LANDSCAPE STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE This LCA is considered to be one of the ‘focal’ landscapes of Snowdonia, much of which is defined as ‘natural beauty’ as shown on the Eryri Local Development Plan (ELDP) proposals map. This natural beauty, and those elements that contribute towards it – especially the qualities of tranquillity and remoteness – will be protected and enhanced. GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING FUTURE LANDSCAPE CHANGE Please refer to the ‘Guidelines’ section of the main SPG document, particularly for those guidelines under the ‘Mountains’ heading. 58 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 14: DYFFRYNNOEDD MAWDDACH PART 1: DESCRIPTION SUMMARY OF LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES This LCA comprises the Mawddach and Eden Valleys flowing from the uplands to the north of Dolgellau, and extends eastwards along the course of the Wnion. The rivers are enclosed by a varied landscape of wooded hills, plantations and farmland. 59 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 14: DYFFRYNNOEDD MAWDDACH KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA1 Complex topography defined by the three main valleys, Remains of mining and the Meirionnydd ‘Gold Rush’ associated with the surrounded by steep slopes and upland blocks, peaking to over 19th century gold and copper mining, such as Gwynfynydd and the Scheduled 400 metres AOD above the Afon Mawddach. Berth-Llwyd & Cefn Coch Gold Mining Complex. Bedrock geology of Cambrian mudstones, siltsones and sandstones, Nationally important remains of the Cistercian Cymer Abbey on the with some volcanic intrusions and deposits (e.g. Foel Offrwm). banks of the Mawddach (a Conservation Area), ancient settlements, Iron Mineral veins, particularly gold, influencing the area’s heritage. Age hillforts on summits (e.g. Moel Offrwm) and historic parklands at Nanau (Grade II*) and Dolmelynllyn. Glacial and alluvial deposits contributing to the landscape’s varied topography. Ornate buildings in Ganllwyd sheltered within the valley, influenced by the nearby Dolmelynllyn estate. Remainder of the landscape surrounding the Main U-shaped valleys joined by fast-flowing tributaries Mawddach/Eden valleys largely unsettled. draining from the uplands, with spectacular waterfalls at Pistyll Cain (on the Afon Gain). and Rhaeadr Mawddach. Nucleated villages and hamlets at road crossing points, along with scattered farmsteads found throughout the gentle slopes of the Wnion Valley. Extensive conifer plantations on the slopes above the Mawddach and Eden, with frequent bands of broadleaved woodland found A470 and A494 roads running along the valleys, with a network of minor roads elsewhere. linking settlements. Much of the higher ground and forestry is open access land. Patchwork of small to medium sized, pastoral fields along the more open Wnion Valley, with areas of open rough grazing A major destination for walkers and cyclists, including the Coed y Brenin located on higher ground in between forestry blocks. mountain biking centre. Other visitor facilities include car parks and camping/caravan sites. Pockets of nationally and internationally important habitats, including wetlands associated with the Eden and its tributaries Views afforded up the Mawddach Valley to the slopes of Rhobell Fawr (an SAC) and sessile oak woodlands supporting a rich variety of and Rhobell Ganol. Hill summits allow long views to the adjacent Rhinog ferns, lichens, mosses and liverworts. and Arenig Mountains (e.g. from Mynydd Pen-rhos). 1 Bold indicates those key characteristics considered to be the ‘valued attributes’ of the Landscape Character Area; aspects of character that contribute greatly to local distinctiveness. 60 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 14: DYFFRYNNOEDD MAWDDACH FORCES FOR CHANGE AFFECTING LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Please refer to the ‘Forces for Change’ section of the SPG document. Of particular relevance to this LCA are the following forces for change: Stone walls replaced or supplemented by post-and-wire fencing. Noise and visual intrusion from the A470 and A494 road corridors, impacting locally on levels of tranquillity. Road improvement schemes have also threatened the integrity of designated sites along the valleys. Popularity of the area for tourism and recreation, including the Coed y Brenin mountain biking centre. The landscape’s high woodland cover generally means that tourism facilities are well screened within the landscape. A LANDSCAPE STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE Important communications routes, the Mawddach and Wnion valleys meet just to the west of Dolgellau, formerly the county town of Meirionnydd. Dolgellau has many important cultural links and its buildings have a distinctive local vernacular, which will be protected and respected in any new development. GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING FUTURE LANDSCAPE CHANGE Please refer to the ‘Guidelines’ section of the main SPG document, particularly for those guidelines under the ‘Valleys/Estuaries’ heading. 61 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 15: YR ARENIG PART 1: DESCRIPTION SUMMARY OF LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES An expansive LCA centred on Arenig Fawr (854m), lying between the Tryweryn valley in the east (on the National Park boundary) and Coed y Brenin to the west. To the north are the Mignient Uplands, whilst the Upper Dee valley is located to the south. The majority of the area is formed by open uplands, and includes Llyn Celyn reservoir. 62 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 15: YR ARENIG KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA1 High, open upland landscape rising to a maximum of 854 metres Large proportion within the Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SPA/SAC/SSSI, with AOD at Arenig Fawr. It also includes the summits of Moel Llyfnant upland heath, blanket bog, flushes and woodland supporting important upland (751m)