Having read the rumours about plans of re-developing the Cwn Coke Works, I headed up to Beddau as I really wanted to see them before they vanished. I am happy to say that at the moment there are no signs (as far as I could tell) that they are being demolished.
Access to the site was relatively straightforward and only required a little bit of patience mainly because the ground was soaking wet. Once inside the only things I had to content with was dense undergrowth, nettles and brambles - nothing unexpected - and because of recent rain a lot of mud and slippery surfaces. For the four to five hours I was wandering around the site I did not encounter any security nor anybody else for that matter, although I occasionally thought that I heard voices and dog barking. However, I am not sure whether they came from within or from outside the fence or whether my imagination was playing tricks since the site is full of creaking, rattling and banging noises.
My plan was to start at the top of the Coking Ovens and work my way down and then to explore the outlying buildings. It took me a while to find a way up mainly due to the dense foliage and the large amount of surface water (which I assume is not normally a problem) but I was definitely happy that I was wearing my hiking boots. Once I found the door and the stairway it was all plain-sailing although I was definitely careful where I was putting my feet.
I had an amazing time there and assuming the Coke Works are still standing in a few months time I might well head back.
Last but not least I would like to thank Bikin Glynn, AndyK and didders for their help and advice.
Thanks for having a look...
Access to the site was relatively straightforward and only required a little bit of patience mainly because the ground was soaking wet. Once inside the only things I had to content with was dense undergrowth, nettles and brambles - nothing unexpected - and because of recent rain a lot of mud and slippery surfaces. For the four to five hours I was wandering around the site I did not encounter any security nor anybody else for that matter, although I occasionally thought that I heard voices and dog barking. However, I am not sure whether they came from within or from outside the fence or whether my imagination was playing tricks since the site is full of creaking, rattling and banging noises.
My plan was to start at the top of the Coking Ovens and work my way down and then to explore the outlying buildings. It took me a while to find a way up mainly due to the dense foliage and the large amount of surface water (which I assume is not normally a problem) but I was definitely happy that I was wearing my hiking boots. Once I found the door and the stairway it was all plain-sailing although I was definitely careful where I was putting my feet.
I had an amazing time there and assuming the Coke Works are still standing in a few months time I might well head back.
Last but not least I would like to thank Bikin Glynn, AndyK and didders for their help and advice.
Thanks for having a look...
I love industrial machinery, cracking shots of the golden/orange rust covered ones, I really liked this. Some great light in this set
