Brecon Beacons Tourism

The Brecon Beacons National Park - Croeso i'r Bannau Brycheiniog!

Waterfalls area & Pontneddfechan

Waterfalls & Pontneddfechn and part of the Fforest Fawr Geopark

Located in the Vale of Neath, Pontneddfechan was once a scene of great industrial activity and innovation. Today, visitors are drawn here to explore the fascinating relics of its industrial past and, as it stands at the confluence two rivers (Mellte and the Nedd Fechan), to access the superb series of waterfalls - To walk behind the curtain of water at Sgwd yr Eira (Waterfall of the Snow) is an experience never to be forgotten! The walks have been newly signposted routes and take you past (and under) some of the loveliest falls.

Dinas Rock, a steeply pitched anticline in the limestone rocks at Craig-y-Dinas, is a favourite spot for rock-climbers and gorge walks. A range of leaflets and booklets are available on this area from the newly refurbished Waterfalls TIC/Centre. The Centre houses an exciting interactive exhibition showing the origins and uniqueness of the Fforest Fawr Geopark, the formation of the waterfalls and the effects of the rocks on the lives of people through history to the present time.

Pontneddfechan and The Neath Valley where a flagship of industrial Wales, Neath was the former site of the Aberdulais Mill where iron was worked for the first time in the country. For over 400 years, the thundering power of Aberdulais Falls provided the energy to drive the wheels of industry, from the smelting of copper in 1584 for coins to the later tinplate. Also in the area are the mysterious remains of the gunpowder works and silica mines which hint at the hive of activity and industry that once filled this enchanting place.

These areas of south Wales are now more beautiful than ever, and that the communities who live there are strong and dynamic. Towns and villages in the area include:

Glynneath is a typical small Welsh valley town, located in the Vale of Neath at the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It has a rich heritage of industrial and community values, having been home to the coal industry during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The town has its own Rugby club, an active community centre - The Welfare Park, the Vale of Neath Leisure Centre, a beautiful cemetery and the Town Hall.

Pendryn village is a small but strong community centered around two Chapels (Siloam Chapel and Soar Chapel) and one Church (St Cynog's Church).

It is also the home of Penderyn Whisky, produced by the Penderyn Distillery (one of the smallest distilleries in the world. One of the few remaining independent distilleries) which produces the award winning single malt whisky (the only whisky distilled in Wales). The first whisky to be manufactured in Wales for a century you are now able to tour the distillery and visit the gift shop.

Waterfalls Centre, Pontneddfechan (01639 721795) – Open April – Oct 7 days a week and November - March weekends only.

The Welsh Whisky Company, Penderyn Distillery (01685 813300)

The Welfare, Glynneath (01639 843163) – An arts and community centre with live music, theatre performances, cinema and weekly community events

The Vale of Neath Gliding Club (01685 811023) - operates from an all grass airfield at Rhigos, near Glynneath, South Wales on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and most Public Holidays throughout the year.

Vale of Neath Leisure (01639 635013) – swimming pool and gym.

Glynneath Golf Club (01639 720452) - Our eighteen hole golf course measures just under 6,100 yards and plays to a par 71.

Java Bean Cyber Cafe, Glyneath (01639 729904‎) – open Monday to Saturday

Aberdulais Falls National Trust site (01639 636674)

Black Mountain Gallery (01639) 830920

Neath and Tennant Canals (01792) 426449 website link

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