Swansea Valley

Valley in Brecknockshire

Wales

Swansea Valley

Swansea Valley, located in the county of Brecknockshire, Wales, is a picturesque and historically significant area known for its stunning natural beauty and rich industrial heritage. Situated in the southern part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the valley stretches for approximately 20 miles, following the course of the River Tawe.

The landscape of Swansea Valley is characterized by rolling hills, deep wooded valleys, and the meandering river, offering breathtaking views and ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing. The area is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, with several protected sites and nature reserves providing sanctuary to various species of plants and animals.

The valley has a long history of coal mining and ironworks, which played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution. The remnants of this industrial heritage can still be seen today in the form of abandoned mines, old railway lines, and historic buildings. The Swansea Valley Railway, once a vital transportation route, is now a popular tourist attraction, offering scenic rides through the valley.

In addition to its natural and industrial attractions, Swansea Valley is home to several charming villages and towns, including Ystradgynlais, Pontardawe, and Clydach. These communities offer a range of amenities such as shops, restaurants, and accommodation options, making them ideal bases for exploring the valley and its surroundings.

Overall, Swansea Valley in Brecknockshire is a captivating destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from near and far.

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Swansea Valley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.773181/-3.7620868 or Grid Reference SN7809. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Alltygrug Cemetery

Adrian Dust

Alltygrug Cemetery

Adrian Dust

The Ynyscedwyn Arms

Public house in Ystradgynlais.

steven ruffles

Swansea Canal Aqueduct at Ystalyfera

The Ystalyfera aqueduct is reputed to be the first built with waterproof mortar. The canal has been turned into a cycletrack in Ystalyfera: see SN7709 : On Swansea Canal aqueduct over the Twrch at Gurnos. The structure was recently renovated at great expense. The Swansea Canal was constructed by the Swansea Canal Navigation Company between 1794 and 1798, measuring some 16 miles long and running from Swansea to Hen Neuadd Abercraf.

John B

Steam winch at Ynyscedwyn ironworks

The ironworks is represented by preserved arcaded walls and a chimney. This little winch is preserved alongside.

Chris Allen

Ynyscedwyn iron works

With the many coal mines in the surrounding area, it was only natural for the heavy industry of metal working to go hand in hand. Here we see the remains of the victorian Ynyscedwyn iron works, which made use of the revolutionary hot blast process. The arches and chimney stack are all that remain today of a large factory that sprawled across this area.

Hywel Williams

Wonky Roundabout

Built at odd angles.

Bonelli

Confluence of the Twrch with the Tawe

Looking south towards the hillside of Y Darren Widdon.

Jonathan Billinger

Flower-rich countryside

Undeveloped land at the north end of Rhos Common near Blaen-y-gors.

Jonathan Billinger

Road to Ystradgynlais

Here the road is aligned along the track bed of the former Swansea Vale and Neath and Brecon Junction Railway south of the town.

Jonathan Billinger

Penrhiwvarteg Scout Hostel, Ystradgynlais

The 1st Swansea Valley Oak Scouts Group owns and runs this hostel, see; Link

Jonathan Billinger

Track to access land

The open land on the watershed between the Tawe and the Dulais river systems is the Twyn Eithinog. In the foreground is Rosebay Willowherb, Chamerion angustifolium.

Jonathan Billinger

View to Twyn Eithinog

Looking north-east from the Rhos road.

Jonathan Billinger

Electricity Sub-station

By the Neath road, near Ystradgynlais

Jonathan Billinger

Railway Terrace

The railway is no more but these cottages still indicate the Swansea Valley Line that is no more.

Jonathan Billinger

River Tawe - upstream

View north-east from Glan-rhyd Bridge

Jonathan Billinger

Electrical equipment; blue, yellow, red.

The significance of the three coloured caps is to identify the phase of the voltages present on the equipment. Electricity on the grid is distributed as three phases. The colours red, yellow and blue identify the three different phases. (New cable colours are now brown, grey and black.) Thanks to another member for this explanation.

Jonathan Billinger