Spectacular waterfalls-fascinating heritage-great walks.
Easy by bus from Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea
The Vale of Neath has been renowned through the centuries for its remarkable beauty, epitomised by some of the world’s top artists, notably J.M.W. Turner; the tributary Dulais Valley is also very attractive.
The two valleys contain Britain’s greatest number of spectacular waterfalls, with nine significant ones and numerous smaller falls and cascades. There is a series of walks of varying grades that caters for all from the leisure walker to the very energetic.
Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall
A superb heritage site where the former tinworks and waterwheel have been beautifully restored to tell the story of Aberdulais’ contribution to the Industrial Revolution; its spectacular waterfall is a key part of the story as it provided the means to power the tinworks.
Get there on the 58 or T6 bus direct from Neath and Swansea; the bus stop is adjacent to the entrance. The T6 bus also provides a direct link from Brecon.
- Aberdulais Falls 58, T6
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Cefn Coed Colliery Museum
The museum tells the story of coal mining here – once the deepest anthracite coal mine in the world – through words, pictures and artefacts throughout the museum. The underground gallery, a simulated working seam, brings the harrowing conditions of the miners to life. It is also home to a massive steam winding engine and houses a former Neath gas tram which last ran in 1920 and beautifully restored.
Please note the museum is open on weekends and weekdays (except Mondays and Wednesdays) and will be closed during the winter months. Get there on the 58 or T6 bus direct from Neath and Swansea; the bus stop is adjacent to the entrance. The T6 bus also provides a direct link from Brecon.
- Cefn Coed 58, T6
Neath and Tennant Canals
Though only partially restored the two canals provide a wealth of transport history and natural heritage along their length through locks, aqueducts and canal basins (used for loading and trans-shipment).
There is good, level walking on the towpaths of both canals and access by bus is easy at various points.
- Jersey Marine X55 or 58
Neath Abbey 34
Tonna X55
Aberdulais 58 or T6
Clyne X55
Resolven X55
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St Catwg’s Historic Church, Cadoxton
St Catwg’s Church is believed to be the oldest church in the valley, founded in the 13th century by St Catwg, arch rival of St Iltyd who built his church across the valley in Llantwit. The tower is from the 13th century, the nave, chancel & porch from the 18th century.
It is renowned for its ‘Murder Stone’ marking the grave of Margaret Williams, murdered in 1822, age 26. The words on the stone are from Elijah Waring, a local Quaker, who commissioned it to express outrage of the community at the murder and belief in retribution from which there could never be any escape.
- Cadoxton Green Dragon 58
Four great walks
Neath Canal TrailRead moreGunpowder and Waterfall TrailRead moreAberdulais Heritage TrailRead moreBanwen Romans and Waterfall TrailRead more
Waterfall Country
Waterfall Country is well named as the Vale of Neath contains more spectacular waterfalls in its river catchment than anywhere else in the British Isles!
Here are a few of the best showing how they can be reached by bus.
Sgwd yr Eira X55 i Bont Pontwalby (taith gerdded 5 cilometr)
Rhaeadr Henrhyd 58 i’r Coelbren (taith gerdded 2 gilometr)
Rhaeadr Melin-cwrt X55 i Felin-cwrt (taith gerdded fer)
Rhaeadr Aberdulais 58 neu’r T6 i Raeadr Aberdulais (gerllaw – tâl mynediad)
Rhaeadr Sgwd Gwladys X55 i Lyn-nedd (taith gerdded 2.5 cilometr)
Public transport
- Neath
- X55 Swansea and Neath to Tonna, Melincourt,
Resolven, Glynneath – Mon to Sat
58 Swansea and Neath to Cadoxton, Aberdulais, Cefn Coed, Banwen, Coelbren Mondays to Saturdays
T6 Swansea and Neath to Aberdulais (on to Ystradgynlais, Brecon) – Mon to Sun
