Abercraf

Settlement in Brecknockshire

Wales

Abercraf

OS Trig point at Cribarth Number on flush bracket is S2024 — OS Trig point at Cribarth Credit: Janine Forbes

Abercraf is a small village located in the historic county of Brecknockshire, Wales. It lies on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the upper Swansea Valley. The village is situated approximately 16 miles north of Swansea and 14 miles south of Brecon.

Known for its natural beauty, Abercraf offers visitors a tranquil retreat with its stunning surroundings. The village is surrounded by rolling hills, lush green meadows, and dense forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The nearby rivers, including the River Tawe, provide opportunities for fishing and canoeing.

Historically, Abercraf was a mining village, with its economy centered around the coal industry. The remains of old collieries can still be seen in the area, serving as a reminder of the village's industrial past. Today, Abercraf has transitioned into a more tourism-based economy, with several charming bed and breakfasts, holiday cottages, and local shops catering to visitors.

For those interested in history, Abercraf offers a glimpse into the region's past. The village is home to the Abercraf War Memorial, honoring those who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Additionally, the nearby Craig-y-Nos Castle, once the home of opera singer Adelina Patti, is a popular attraction for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds.

Overall, Abercraf is a peaceful village that combines natural beauty with a rich history, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene escape in the heart of Brecknockshire.

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Abercraf Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.802123/-3.712778 or Grid Reference SN8212. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

OS Trig point at Cribarth

Number on flush bracket is S2024

Janine Forbes

Limestone with chert banding

Group: Carboniferous Limestone, Formation: Upper Limestone. The chert here defines the bedding planes as they were deposited from a siliceous ooze at the same time as the limestone. The presence of chert lenses in joints does infer that some at least was post depositional.

Janine Forbes

Swallow (or Sink) Holes

Indicative of limestone areas. The limestone is eroded by water and underground cave systems may form causing collapse at the surface (collapsed swallow holes). These swallow holes are as yet just depressions in the surface.

Janine Forbes

The Sleeping Giant

Cribarth viewed from the A4067 at SN804120. From this angle the hill resembles the left profile of the head and chest of a man on his back - hence "Sleeping Giant".

Nigel Davies

Church outside Abercraf

This church is right on the side of the A4067 north out of Abercraf.

Nigel Davies

Bridge over the river Tawe west of Abercraf

This bridge joins right on to the main A4067 road. I would have said it was a wide footbridge, but the houses and cars on the other side, maybe not.

Nigel Davies

Abercraf ...

... the very popular Abercrave Inn.

John Evans

Stile at crossing of public footpaths at Pen-cribarth

Ena Dawson

Ruin of old farmhouse at Pen-cribarth

Ena Dawson

Ruin of Drovers Inn

Ruin of Drovers Inn on a drovers road. Sheep and Geese were kept in a walled enclosure whilst drovers overnighted in the inn.

Ena Dawson

Part of walled enclosure around ruined drovers inn at Cribarth

Ena Dawson

Pant y Garreg Fawr

This basin in the limestone country just west of Cribarth may be the largest natural depression in the whole of South Wales. On the 25K map it is defined by 3 concentric ring contours, though curiously none are shown on the 50K map. At least one of the smaller swallow holes in the floor of the larger depression extends downwards as a shaft.

Alan Bowring

Field Gate

Gate leading to field on farm

steven beavis

The old curved track

The line of the former Neath & Brecon Railway has lain quiet for many years though there are plans to revive it as part of the Sustrans national cycle network.

Alan Bowring

The old bridge over the Afon Tawe

The bridge carrying the old road over the waters of the Tawe was abandoned to walkers and pushbikes when the A4067 was realigned.

Alan Bowring

Afon Tawe from the Abercraf bypass bridge

The bypass built in 1970 to take traffic out of the village, crosses the river twice. This lower bridge provides views onto a deep-flowing river running over dipping rock slabs.

Alan Bowring

Road to the Sleeping Giant

A view along the section of the A4067 which bypasses Cae'r-Lan. This affords the best view of the Sleeping Giant - the profile of Cribarth as seen from the south-west.

Alan Bowring