About the location.
The cache is placed along a recently opened footpath running along the river bank of the Ely River. In 2006 this stretch of river bank land was bought from the Welsh Development Authority (WDA) by Pontyclun Community Council with the intention of opening up access for the public to enjoy the area and to protect local wildlife. Problems with the access led to little progress being made over the next few years and eventually the community council voted to sell the land to a local property developer in 2009. This decision caused outrage in the local community with the formation of an action group to fight the sale of the land. The community council took note of the massive wave of public opinion and reconsidered their original decision to sell the land and after a period of negotiation, the land was passed into trust allowing work on access to the riverbank to begin.
The River Ely is approximately 24 miles long rising near to Tonyrefail and reaching the sea at Cardiff Bay. Improvements in water quality in recent years have led to increases in fish, mammal and bird population including brown trout, roach, chub and perch. Bird life is also prevalent including kingfisher, dipper, grey wagtail and heron. Otters have also been spotted along this stretch of river.
Parking
Parking for 2 or 3 cars is available in a lay by on the A4222 approximately 100 metres towards Pontyclun opposite the playing fields.
About the cache.
Access to the cache is via a set of steps in the wall approximately 50 metres along from the road bridge in Brynsadler - unfortunately because of the steps it is not wheelchair accessible. The cache should be a fairly easy find but please be aware that after heavy rain the river can rise rapidly and on occasion flood the path. If you have any doubts that the path may be flooded or the cache inaccessible please do not attempt to reach the cache. You attempt this cache entirely at your own risk. Access is available at any time. You will need to bring a pen with you and please replace the cache as found.
Congratulations to Bigpinkmuffin on the FTF