Porth yr Ogof
Porth yr Ogof is a significant cave in the Brecon Beacons near the village of Ystradfellte. The Welsh name translates as 'the mouth (or gateway) of the cave', apt because the main entrance is the largest cave entrance in Wales, at over 17 metres wide and almost 5 metres tall.
how it's used in Merlin
Thanks to a lovely chap named Dave, who contacted me via our companion website, Porth yr Ogof has been identified as the cave in which Merlin and Arthur find Balinor in episode 213 The Last Dragonlord. Filming used the exterior of the cave's main entrance and the Afon Mellte (the Lightning River) which runs through the entrance. There are also some really beautiful promotional photos taken at the cave mouth.
It seems, however, that the cave interiors where Balinor was living were filmed at Clearwell Caves. archaeologist_d and I came to this conclusion based on the different rock formations.
the place itself
The cave is extensive, with over two kilometres of passages, and fifteen entrances. It is frequented by serious cavers and divers, who often use the various challenges as a way of introducing people to caving. However, the nature of the cave and the river flowing through it can make it dangerous - especially the deep and fast-flowing Resurgence Pool towards the far end of the cave system, where ten people have drowned since 1957.
There is a car park and an information centre very close to the main entrance of the cave, so it sounds as if it will be easy for fans to visit.
links and details
warning: Please keep in mind the dangers involved in rivers and caves, especially at times of heavy rain or flooding. Fans only need visit the main entrance of the cave, so there should be little or no danger. However, I strongly recommend that you don't explore much further within the cave unless you're an experienced caver and/or you take the advice of the National Park Warden at the Information Centre. Certainly the Resurgence Pool must be avoided!
rating
I'll give this location a rating once I've visited, but I suspect it'll be high. I am just itching to get there!
how it's used in Merlin
Thanks to a lovely chap named Dave, who contacted me via our companion website, Porth yr Ogof has been identified as the cave in which Merlin and Arthur find Balinor in episode 213 The Last Dragonlord. Filming used the exterior of the cave's main entrance and the Afon Mellte (the Lightning River) which runs through the entrance. There are also some really beautiful promotional photos taken at the cave mouth.
It seems, however, that the cave interiors where Balinor was living were filmed at Clearwell Caves. archaeologist_d and I came to this conclusion based on the different rock formations.
the place itself
The cave is extensive, with over two kilometres of passages, and fifteen entrances. It is frequented by serious cavers and divers, who often use the various challenges as a way of introducing people to caving. However, the nature of the cave and the river flowing through it can make it dangerous - especially the deep and fast-flowing Resurgence Pool towards the far end of the cave system, where ten people have drowned since 1957.
There is a car park and an information centre very close to the main entrance of the cave, so it sounds as if it will be easy for fans to visit.
links and details
- the relevant page on the official Brecon Beacons site
- the Wikipedia entry for the cave
- the entry on the South Wales Caves site which includes some terrific photos
- the location on Google Maps (ETA: This link is now correct.)
warning: Please keep in mind the dangers involved in rivers and caves, especially at times of heavy rain or flooding. Fans only need visit the main entrance of the cave, so there should be little or no danger. However, I strongly recommend that you don't explore much further within the cave unless you're an experienced caver and/or you take the advice of the National Park Warden at the Information Centre. Certainly the Resurgence Pool must be avoided!
rating
I'll give this location a rating once I've visited, but I suspect it'll be high. I am just itching to get there!