Trefonen, Treflach and Nantmawr are situated between three to five miles SW of Oswestry in the County of Shropshire.  Offa's Dyke Path (for walkers) winds its way around these villages although the road between Trefonen and Treflach follows the original path.  The names reflect the close proximity to the border with Wales.  They are situated in the area designated as the Oswestry Uplands and all of the countryside immediately surrounding them has been designated as an Area of Special Landscape Character in the current Local Development Plan.  The villages nestle between the Shropshire Plain and the Welsh Hills and is considered a prime example of a dramatic landscape marking the transition from lowland to upland.  The highest point is a hill above Trefonen at 341 metres, and the lowest point is at 135 metres in Nantmawr.  The difference causes the roads and lanes to be steep and twisting, but it also contributes to the many spectacular views in and out of the settlements.

 

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Trefonen lies close under the eastern slope of a ridge running north-south to the west of Oswestry.  The nearby summit of Mynydd Myfyr is just over a mile from the village centre from which there are clear views across Trefonen.  A little over half the village is sited on the hillside, whereas the remainder, is sited to the east of the main road and bounded by open and flatter farmland.  A area of mixed woodland, Bwyltai Wood, of particular natural and wildlife importance, lies on the  southern slope of the valley near to the village.

Treflach nestle in the folds in the landscape and is almost hidden by trees.  It has many exposed limestone ridges and evidence of former quarrying activities.  The main settlement is along the road running from Oswestry towards the Tanat Valley.  It is sheltered to the west by, the prominent hill known as the Moelydd.

Nantmawr is built along the steeply sloping road running down towards the Tanant Valley.  Many of the dwellings enjoy wide views across the valley towards Llanyblodwel and Blodwel Rocks.  The valley is of glacial origin and cuts through old rock formations until it narrows in the east near Porth-y-waen and southwards towards Llanymynech.