b

Along the River Llia

South Wales, near Ystradfellte, Brecon Beacons  >  United Kingdom

A rural road follows the course of the river Llia, a small stream. pŕhľaviar červenkastý, pŕhľaviar čiernohlavý, and skaliarik sivý are often seen in breeding season.

Added* by Nicholas Smith
Most recent update 10 decembra 2025
This birdingplace has not been rated yet. Click here to be the first to rate this area with 1 to 5 stars

Description

This rural road called Sarn Helen runs parallel to the Afon Llia (river Llia) for approximately 2 miles before descending steeply into a beautiful valley and ultimately crossing another small stream, the Afon Senni.

Because of its rural location, rough moorland terrain, altitude of ~400m and proximity to the stream, it is favoured by several species such as skaliarik sivý, pŕhľaviar červenkastý, pŕhľaviar čiernohlavý, ľabtuška lúčna, haja červená and krkavec čierny. As you descend into the Senni Valley you are more likely to see žltochvost hôrny, muchárik čiernohlavý, hýľ obyčajný and trasochvost horský.

There is parking at various points along the route (shown on the map) but it is narrow in places so make sure your vehicle is off the road. Any point along the road could be productive but the section between the 2 cattle grids is usually good for the limited number of species that favour this environment. I have seen kalužiačik malý on the stream as well as vodnár potočný.

The total route is 3 miles (4.8km) and estimated to take ~1hour 15 minutes to walk one way. Please be aware that the descent into the Senni Valley is steep and would require a good level of fitness to climb back on the reverse route: taking a car or bicycle would be less effort!

The spring and early summer are the best time to visit, although raptors and corvids are probably present at any time.

Details

Access

The River Llia (Afon Llia) is located in Brecon Beacons National Park. There are no known buses (there may be local, community transport), so a private vehicle is required. Press a P on the map for directions.

There is no obvious circular trail, but it may be possible to complete a circuit via local footpaths. However, this is a remote area, so careful planning, care and fitness would be required.

This is an 'average' walk apart from the steep road from the Senni Valley, should you choose to walk back up.

Terrain and Habitat

Grassland , Valley , Scattered trees and bushes , Mountain , Moors/heathland , River

Conditions

Hilly , Mountainous , No shadow , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Like all upland areas, the weather in the Brecon Beacons is very changeable - plan accordingly!

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Post comment, tip or bird sighting
Rate this area
Add to my favourites
Remove from my favorites