The Keeper’s Pond, also known as Pen-ffordd-goch Pond or the Forge Pond, is situated near Pwll Du, on the hill above Blaenavon. The pond was built in the early 19th century to provide water for Garnddyrys Forge, which started production in about 1817. The forge was dismantled during the 1860s and whilst the pond no longer fulfilled an industrial purpose, it rapidly became a local beauty spot. It also acquired the name Keeper’s Pond because the gamekeeper of the grouse moors lived in a cottage nearby.
Today, the Keeper’s Pond car park is the ideal starting point for a walk on the Blorenge Mountain. For instance, if you follow the Iron Mountain Trail you will discover lots of reminders of the 19th century industry including tramways and tunnels.
The pond is a great place to visit at any time of year. The views are so spectacular that you can sit with a coffee or picnic whatever the weather. Even in the middle of winter it is a great place to walk the dog, and the windier the day, the better, for kite flying!!
