Dare Valley Country Park
by Aberdare Camera Club
In a glacial valley feeding into the the Cynon Valley sits Dare Valley Country Park. Overlooked by the village of Cwmdar the park sits in a much changed landscape. Clues of the origins are seen in the name Cwmdar, meaning valley of the Dar. The river rises on the Darren mountain flowing down the valley into the Cynon at Aberdare. Whilst Cwm means valley, Dar means Oak, which can still be seen throughout the park.
In this exhibition aberdare Camera Club has only been able to capture a small part of what the park offers, its history, its wildlife, its geography and its people. Each day is different and each season brings a new canvas.
With its oak woodlands, open moors, lakes, wildlife and numerous walking / cycling routes, over the past fifty years the park has become a sanctuary for walkers, cyclists, dog walkers, fishermen, hang gliders, whippet racing, historians, geologists, adventurers and so many more. From here you can explore the valley, the moors above, visit neolithic settlements, watch birds of prey, or explore beyond along the higher ridges to other valleys and beyond. But most importantly, here you can find peace.
This exhibition has been created by Aberdare Camera Club, the accompanying text has been created by Aberdare Camera Club Treasurer Huw Edward.
Aberdare Camera Club is for people of the Cynon Valley who are interested in photography in all its forms. No camera is too small, many of the best images are taken on mobile phones and compact cameras, so don’t think that you need to carry anything expensive or big. Your creative views of the world are most important.
Unfortunately due to the covid-19 crisis the club is unable to hold our usual Monday evening meetings, however via our web site and FaceBook page we are planning to host a series of digital meetings over the forthcoming months for members. If you enjoy photography why not make contact and join, we are always keen to meet new people.
