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Twelve miles north of Aberystwyth, on the main road between Aber and Machynlleth, lies this picturesque old relic from Wales' industrial past. It's always a pleasure passing by this site while travelling along this road, and it's well worth stopping and exploring.

The furnace here was originally constructed around 1755 for smelting iron ore, with fuel obtained from local woods and stord upstairs in the building. At this time, the waterwheel would have powered a huge pair of bellows which supplied compressed air vital for the blast furnace's operation. Most of the pig iron would have found its way to forges in the Midlands.

Apparently, the furnace only lasted for about 50 years before being abandoned. Some years later it was turned into a sawmill and a new waterwheel was installed to drive the machinery. This later waterwheel is the one that has been restored and is viewable today.

There is now no admission fee charged for entry to this site which means you can wander around at leisure, but this does unfortunately mean that you can no longer go inside the building.

The waterfall nextdoor, where the River Einion drops, completes the picturesque scene. You may also like to venture further, to the nearby RSPB nature reserve at Ynys-hir.

• Open site - no admission fee.
• 12 miles north of Aberystwyth on the A487 road. Car park available opposite.
• Aberystwyth - Machynlleth buses (X32) go past, and stop nearby.
• Dovey Junction railway station is 2 miles away and handy on days when there are no buses. The walk along the road is scenic but too dangerous for children or those with poor hearing or vision.
• More information available from CADW online or by calling (029) 2050 0200.

See where Dyfi Furnace is on the map