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Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf

A pleasant town with an indoor market, independent shops and multiples. For eating out there are a number of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

In the early 1800’s, Aberdare was a village of approximately 1500 people and dependent on agriculture.

When coal and iron were discovered, the population rose dramatically as Aberdare became one of the foremost iron making towns in the world. Coal was found in seams that ran close to the surface, but in In 1837, the first deep mine, the Abernant colliery, was opened at Cwmbach near Aberdare; quickly followed by three others: Upper Duffryn, Middle Duffryn and Blaengarw collieries. Like hundreds of other mines in South Wales, they no longer exist.

A famous rock band, Stereophonics, hails from Cwmaman, a village south of the town.

To see more of the town's history, through the medium of films and audio-visual productions, visit the Cynon Valley Museum & Gallery, Depot Road, Gadlys, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taff. CF44 8DL.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm.

For further information Tel: (01685) 886 729 Fax: (01685) 886 730.

By car, take the A4059 (Hirwaun, Brecon road). Gadlys, known locally as 'The Gadlys', lies just north of the town centre. Bus services 7, 8 and 12, run from the town.

For a spectacular sight, especially after a period of heavy rain, the waterfalls on the river Hepste at Sgwd yr Eira shouldn't be missed.

They can be accessed from the rear of the Lamb Inn at the village of Penderyn, situated approximately 6 miles north of Aberdare, on the A4059 Brecon road.

Way-signs, behind the Inn, indicate the route that is over primitive moorland, so it is quite important that sturdy shoes or boots are worn.

Directions

From the M4, Jctn.32 - A470 dual carriage, then A 4059 to Aberdare.

From the Midlands and Abergavenny, via the A465 'Heads of the Valleys' road, after passing the Jctn of the A470 (Cardiff - Brecon road), look out for the B4276 on the left. This takes you to Aberdare

From West Wales, on the M4, take the A465 at Jctn. 43 (Llandarcy). After 20 miles and 1 mile past Hirwaun, take the A4059 to Aberdare.