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Location notes
Gilfach Fargoed is just south of Bargoed on the line from Cardiff to Rhymney.
Railway type and traffic
There is an hourly service from Cardiff to Rhymney with extra peak-hour trains. There is a 30 minute service on Saturdays as far as Bargoed. Currently most services are worked by class 142/143 and 150 units.
Environment
Gilfach Fargoed is on the edge of Bargoed and is a quiet area spread along the valley. (Pronounce the f as v)
Road directions
Parking
There is on street parking near Gilfach Fargoed station and a small car park behind the shops nearer Bargoed.
Public transport
There is a regular train service. Gilfach Fargoed is a request stop and due to the very diminutive platforms, you must alight from the front door only!
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Amenities
There are a few shops in Bargoed.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Gilfach Fargoed
Googly map
Streetmap links
Gilfach Fargoed general view map
Gilfach Fargoed close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Gilfach Fargoed
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Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The light here is best in the afternoon. Early to mid afternoon it is best for trains from Rhymney but late afternoon the sun will be sufficiently round for trains heading from Cardiff.
There are three locations here, the first being at Gilfach Fargoed station bridge, though being in the cutting it can be shaded. The next is a short walk from the station. Turn right out the station, then right up a set of steps. Continue along a residential road of terraced houses. At the last house on the left there is a small path alongside the house leading to a ledge by the back garden which gives views of trains heading south with a nice semaphore signal distance. Nearer Bargoed on the main road there is a small car park on the right behind shops/houses. There is a small path leading down towards the railway from which you can get views of trains heading towards Rhymney.
General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south
From the path
Fig 2 - Looking north
From behind the house
MS 30-09-05: This shot is no longer accesible as the ledge has been fenced off
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