Michaelston
Woodland Trust wood group
Size:
20.49 ha (50.63 acres)
Grid reference:
ST152723
Map reference:
Explorer 151
OS Landranger 171
Containing an ancient monument of European importance, Cwm George & Casehill Woods is the perfect place for history buffs. Made up of four woodlands – Cwm George Wood, Casehill Wood, Pen-y-Turnpike Wood and Casehill Meadows, this mix of planted ancient semi-natural woodland and more recent native planting is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Cwm George & Casehill Woods is situated around 0.8km (0.5 miles) south-east of Michaelston-le-Pit, a small village close to Dinas Powys, inland from Penarth and to the west of Cardiff. The site forms the boundary of the urban area of Dinas Powys and the former parkland landscape of Cwrt yr Ala Park.
For Casehill and Pen-y-Turnpike Woods:
From junction 33 of the M4, take the A4232. Stay on this road until the third exit (around 10km/6.2 miles) signposted Athletics Stadium and Ninian Park. Then turn right (the last exit) for Dinas Powys. Going straight over a bridge, follow the road as it climbs quite steeply, entering Leckwith after just under 1km (0.6 miles). Drive downhill, passing Woodland Care Home.
Turn left, where there are filter road markings to turn right but no road sign. This is just over 1.6km (1 mile) from the roundabout. Take the right turn, and follow the narrow road as it climbs steeply. After 1.3km (0.8 miles), turn right (signposted Michaelstone-le-Pit). You will see woods to the left and soon come to the car park for Casehill and Pen-y-Turnpike Woods.
For Cwm George Wood:
Follow the directions for Casehill and Pen-y-Turnpike Woods, but then continue straight on (Turnpike Road). Around 0.8km (0.5 miles) from the Michaelstone-le-Pit turning you will enter Dinas Powys. Stay on Turnpike Road, and after a further 0.8km the road becomes Mill Road, ending at the Three Horseshoes pub. Continue on what is now called Britway Road and after around 356 metres (400 yards) take a right turn into a road called Twyncyn. Continue straight on, passing King’s Ride on the left, then turn next left into Beauville Lane.
The wooded road bends to the right and having reached the point where it crosses the golf course the road turns left and the Cwm George entrance is straight afterwards on the right-hand side.
The closest lay-by is just beyond here on the left hand side, but there is only room for one vehicle.
The nearest train station is Dinas Powys, around 2.4km (1.5 miles) from the wood, although services are limited. The nearest mainline station is Cardiff, just under 6km (3.7 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stops are a short distance away in Dinas Powys, with services running to Cardiff, Llandough and Barry.
Visit Traveline Cymru for information and timetables.
There is an extensive network of permissive footpaths and bridleways which allows access throughout the site, and a public footpath from Michaelston-le-Pit to Dinas Powys runs through the gorge at the centre of the wood.
The site also links to other trails in the wider area, giving you plenty to explore.
Cwm George & Casehill Woods car park is open. The entrance has a height restriction of 2.1m.
The closest public toilets are in Penarth. There are five toilets with disabled facilities requiring a RADAR key: Albert Road/West Terrace; Cosmeston Village, Lavernock Road; The Esplanade, Italian Gardens; The Esplanade, Penarth Pier.
From the rare hazel dormouse to the common kestrel, there is a wealth of wildlife present in Cwm George & Casehill Woods. A number of moths which rely entirely on the small-leaved lime that grows here, inhabit the wood. It is one of the few places in the south of the county where this species occurs naturally.
Look out for:
The existing ancient semi-natural woodlands of Cwm George Wood & Casehill Woods have been linked by new native tree planting on former agricultural land now known as Pen-y-Turnpike Wood and Casehill Meadows.
Look out for:
This large site contains an eclectic mix of habitats, including semi-ancient woodland, new native planting and open meadows.
Explore:
This site has a fascinating past, from the incredible Dinas Powys hill fort to the multitude of archaeological relics that have been found here.
Dinas Powys hill fort lies on the top of a ridge between the river valley and a gorge called Cwm George. It is thought to have been built in 450 BC, and is the richest, best preserved and most fully excavated early medieval, non-religious settlement in Wales, as well as being the most important in Europe for this period.
A wealth of artefacts have also been discovered at the site, including a rare Saxon horn goblet. The rich finds, impressive size and large number of animal bones all point towards this being the residence of someone very important. It might even have been a court of the kings of Glamorgan as the site lies at the power seat of Wales. Spears and swords were also found at the hill fort, indicating it was a highly defended site.
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedication
Visiting woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
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Visiting woods
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This wood is just one of many to have been protected by gifts in wills, securing it for generations to come. Your legacy gift could also make a real difference to woods, trees and wildlife.
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