King Coal - Parc Penallta - Hengoed - Wales.
N 51° 39.008 W 003° 14.923
30U E 482793 N 5722156
The 'High Point Observatory' is on the top of a reclaimed coal waste tip, overlooking the Welsh Valleys, and the now defunct Penallta Colliery, where the coal waste came from. The Giant Steel Crown Sculpture, has a diameter of approx 60 feet.
Waymark Code: WMDGQB
Location: South Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/14/2012
Views: 1
Parc Penallta is built on a former coal slag waste tip, that used to tower above the surrounding area. The height was reduced over approx 20 years, by a company removing the small coal from the waste tip, that was deemed unusable in the past, but with modern technology, & improved boiler designs it meant that Coal fired power stations could now burn small coal, poor quality coal, and duff.
Parc Penallta offers the visitor spectacular views across the Caerphilly county borough from the 'High Point Observatory' the current highest point of the Coal Tip, and Parc Penallta, stands a sculpture that looks like a Giant Crown, the words that came to mind for me were King Coal.
(There is a Cache near the sculpture called 'Coal Crown' )
The Parc is punctuated with sculptures, including 'Sultan' the Pony, Earth Sculpture,over 600 feet long there is always a surprise around the corner at Penallta.
"For those who wish to explore further afield the park offers a great starting point. Cyclists can get onto Route 47 of the National Cycle Network and cycle in safety to Sirhowy Valley Country Park in the East or join up with the Taff Trail in the West. Walkers can follow the eight mile 'Escape to Eglwysilan Common' or the much longer 27 mile 'Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk'.
There is a small education / visitor centre with toilets for use by visiting school groups. Please call Parc Penallta on 01443 816853 for further information"
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