Please do not attempt to visit the Lighthouse in stormy weather. Also be careful to make sure your children remain safe as there are no protective railings!
Nestled at the southeast end of the breakwater, Porthcawl Lighthouse stands as a testament to maritime history, drawing inquisitive souls from near and far. Established in 1860, this hexagonal tapering tower, reaching a height of 30 feet, is a striking example of Wales' engineering heritage. What sets it apart is not just its architectural elegance, but its intriguing journey from coal and gas-powered luminary to a beacon of modernity. Porthcawl, once a bustling coal port since 1825, witnessed the rise and fall of maritime trade. As trade winds shifted, the port's significance dwindled, but the lighthouse remained, steadfast at the end of the breakwater. This remarkable structure, one of only two surviving cast-iron lighthouses in Wales, has witnessed centuries of maritime history. Originally powered by coal, then later by gas, it illuminated the way for ships navigating treacherous waters. Imagine the dedication of the Harbour Master and brave souls who, in stormy weather, fed pennies and shillings into a meter to keep the light burning, ensuring the safety of seafarers. In 1974, a significant transformation occurred when the lighthouse transitioned from coal to North Sea gas, marking a crucial step towards safer and more efficient illumination. Finally, in 1997, the lighthouse embraced the brilliance of electricity,
Please send me a photo (as close as you safely can) of the lighthouse and tell me what the graffiti asks you to take away.
Congratulations to Melinboy and Shyalot for their brave FTF.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.