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Wales Online
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The stunning Welsh waterfall you can swim under that appears in BBC's Death Valley
The stunning Welsh waterfall you can swim under that appears in BBC's Death Valley It's not a coincidence that the new BBC comedy crime drama used the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog as the backdrop of their second episode. (Image: BBC/ Death Valley ) We all know how beautiful Wales can be, and we're lucky to have some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world on our doorstep. Now, the beauty of our country is gracing the screens of the nation once again, through BBC's new comedy crime drama, Death Valley. It follows Detective Janie Mallowan, played by Gwyneth Keyworth and former TV detective John Chapel, played by Timothy Spall as they form an unlikely crime fighting duo in the Cynon Valley. Despite being set in Mountain Ash, the series was actually filmed across South Wales. You may be watching the second episode of the series, and thinking to yourself, "the scenery is beautiful, where was this filmed?" For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . During the episode, John and Janie join a walking group as they attempt to solve the murder of one of the members. The walking group are taking a hike through Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), right next to the beautiful Blaen y Glyn waterfalls, when they discover a body at the bottom of the falls. The waterfalls are used as the scene of the crime. (Image: BBC/ Death Valley ) Gwyneth Keyworth even said that this was her favourite location to film, and can we blame her? The waterfall itself can be found within Talybont Forest in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. To reach the falls you can walk from the National Park's two car parks, Blaen y Glyn Isaf is the lower car park and Blaen y Glyn Uchaf is the upper car park. Each walk has a different grade of difficulty described by Natural Resources Wales. Lower Blaen y Glyn Waterfall Walk is described as moderate, as it is 0.8 miles (1.2 kilometres) long there and back and should take roughly 45 minutes. This trail is not waymarked, although they recommend reading t he information panel in the car park for the suggested route. Upper Blaen y Glyn Waterfall Walk on the other hand is described as being strenuous, with a one mile (1.6 kilometres) walk there and back, which should take roughly 1-1.5 hours. This trail is also not waymarked, but again, there's the information panel in the car park with a suggested route. Waterfall at Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls, by Dave Sealey (Image: Dave Sealey ) After, what could be a strenuous walk you could also take a dip in the series of waterfalls, as most of them even have small pools at the base. However if you're not one for a full plunge in what very well will be some cold water, there are also plenty of rock platforms to sit on beside the water. It's recommended you go when the weather is warm/dry, as the walk is slightly more difficult when it is raining and you'll be more likely to enjoy a cold plunge after your walk. Timothy Spall plays the lead, John Chapel a former TV detective (Image: BBC/ Death Valley ) If you would like to plan a day out with the family, there are also picnic benches in each car park, which means that you can really make a day of it with the family. So, pack up some cucumber sandwiches and a couple of scotch eggs and take a trip down Bannau Brycheiniog. Article continues below Alternatively, if you're not one for a picnic, you could always get some pub grub nearby. Including The Old Ford Inn in Llanhamlach, which is also used as a filming location in the episode and just 20 minute drive away from the waterfalls.


North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
New football stands proposed for community club
New fan stands could be erected at a Conwy county leisure centre for a community football club. Mrs Lynda Griffiths has applied to Conwy County Council's planning department, seeking permission to erect two 40-foot converted shipping containers as football spectator stands at Y Morfa Leisure Centre, Morfa Avenue, in Kinmel Bay. If granted permission, the new stands would seat 50 people, with wheelchair and disabled access. The refurbished shipping containers will be made from Corten Steel and are described as high durability, with corrosion resistance. The new stands will be 'finished in Kinmel Bay Football colours of two shades of blue'. Natural Resources Wales have written to the council raising no objection, but they did issue advice relating to flooding. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. 'Given the nature and scale of the proposals, on this occasion we would expect the developer to take the opportunity to incorporate flood resilient design where/if feasible and include some form of flood action plan acknowledging the tidal flood risk,' the letter advised. The leisure centre currently includes the main building, showers, toilets, kitchen, spa, squash courts, offices, an all-weather MUGA, a main football pitch, and a large grassed area suitable for additional football competitions and tournaments as well as cricket and sports days. Neighbours are yet to be consulted. The plans will likely be debated at a future planning committee at Conwy's Coed Pella HQ.

Leader Live
3 days ago
- Leader Live
Moel Famau fly-tippers fined following investigation
It comes following an investigation led by Fly-Tipping Action Wales, in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Barhan Fakraden, 38, and Paige Brittles, 27, both from Ruthin, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The case was heard at Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (May 27). The court imposed Band D fines on both defendants, with Ms Brittles ordered to pay a total of £938. Mr Fakraden received a higher penalty of £1,830 and both were ordered to repay the amounts in monthly instalments of £100. The fly-tipping incident came to light on November 11, 2024, when a Ranger from Dee Valley National Landscape discovered six bags of dumped waste on NRW-managed land at Moel Famau. The bags were retrieved and taken to Loggerheads Country Park, where identifying materials were found among the rubbish – including packaging and personal items linking the waste to the two defendants. Following initial contact from NRW officers, both individuals failed to attend voluntary interviews at Denbigh Police Station. They were later issued with statutory notices requiring them to attend on December 19, 2024. During these formal interviews, neither could give a satisfactory explanation as to how their waste ended up at the site. TOP STORIES TODAY While both claimed that a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish, it was discovered that the supposed arrangement only began on the day of the interviews, casting doubt on their statements. Neil Harrison, team leader for Fly-tipping Action Wales, said: 'Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that damages our environment, costs taxpayers money, and puts people and wildlife at risk. "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we take these incidents seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who show such disregard for our natural places. "We'd like to thank our partners at Dee Valley National Landscape and North Wales Police for their support in this investigation.'


Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Fly-tippers who dumped rubbish at beauty spot caught after bags were searched
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Fly-tippers who dumped waste at a North Wales beauty spot were busted after investigators checked what was in the bags. In November last year, six bags of waste were found dumped on land at Moel Famau. After the bags were searched, personal items were discovered which linked the haul back to Barhan Fakraden and Paige Brittles. The pair, of Ruthin, initially claimed a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish. But further investigations "cast doubt" on this claim, and the pair were prosecuted as part of an investigation led by Fly Tipping Action Wales, in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Fakraden, 38, and Brittles, 27, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Llandudno Magistrates Court on May 27. Brittles was ordered to pay a total of £938, while Fakraden received a £1,830 penalty. A Natural Resources Wales [NRW] spokesperson said: "The fly-tipping incident came to light on 11 November 2024, when a ranger from Dee Valley National Landscape discovered six bags of dumped waste on NRW-managed land at Moel Famau. The bags were retrieved and taken to Loggerheads Country Park, where identifying materials were found among the rubbish – including packaging and personal items linking the waste to the two defendants. "Following initial contact from NRW officers, both individuals failed to attend voluntary interviews at Denbigh Police Station. They were later issued with statutory notices requiring them to attend on 19 December 2024. During these formal interviews, neither could give a satisfactory explanation as to how their waste ended up at the site. "While both claimed that a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish, it was discovered that the supposed arrangement only began on the day of the interviews, casting doubt on their statements." Neil Harrison, Team Leader for Fly-tipping Action Wales, added: 'Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that damages our environment, costs taxpayers money, and puts people and wildlife at risk. "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we take these incidents seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who show such disregard for our natural places. We'd like to thank our partners at Dee Valley National Landscape and North Wales Police for their support in this investigation.' You can sign up for all the latest court stories here Find crime figures for your area


North Wales Live
3 days ago
- North Wales Live
Fly-tippers who dumped rubbish at beauty spot caught after bags were searched
Fly-tippers who dumped waste at a North Wales beauty spot were busted after investigators checked what was in the bags. In November last year, six bags of waste were found dumped on land at Moel Famau. After the bags were searched, personal items were discovered which linked the haul back to Barhan Fakraden and Paige Brittles. The pair, of Ruthin, initially claimed a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish. But further investigations "cast doubt" on this claim, and the pair were prosecuted as part of an investigation led by Fly Tipping Action Wales, in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Fakraden, 38, and Brittles, 27, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Llandudno Magistrates Court on May 27. Brittles was ordered to pay a total of £938, while Fakraden received a £1,830 penalty. A Natural Resources Wales [NRW] spokesperson said: "The fly-tipping incident came to light on 11 November 2024, when a ranger from Dee Valley National Landscape discovered six bags of dumped waste on NRW-managed land at Moel Famau. The bags were retrieved and taken to Loggerheads Country Park, where identifying materials were found among the rubbish – including packaging and personal items linking the waste to the two defendants. "Following initial contact from NRW officers, both individuals failed to attend voluntary interviews at Denbigh Police Station. They were later issued with statutory notices requiring them to attend on 19 December 2024. During these formal interviews, neither could give a satisfactory explanation as to how their waste ended up at the site. "While both claimed that a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish, it was discovered that the supposed arrangement only began on the day of the interviews, casting doubt on their statements." Neil Harrison, Team Leader for Fly-tipping Action Wales, added: 'Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that damages our environment, costs taxpayers money, and puts people and wildlife at risk. "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we take these incidents seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who show such disregard for our natural places. We'd like to thank our partners at Dee Valley National Landscape and North Wales Police for their support in this investigation.'