Days out in Swansea Valley

Cwm Clydach

Enjoy a stroll through this RSPB Reserve in a peaceful woodland setting on a lovely summer day. You might see pied flycatchers, redstarts and buzzards, as well as dippers along the reaches of the Lower Clydach river.

Cwm Clydach Information
Website www.baytrans.org.uk
Services Access via service 121 to Craig Cefn Parc.

Pontardawe Canal walk

The Swansea Valley is at its most beautiful and tranquil along the canal, well separated from the main road through the valley. The canal is in the ownership of British Waterways for first part of the walk though from Ynysmeudwy onwards, it is part of a linear nature reserve managed by Neath Port Talbot Council.

Pontardawe Canal walk Information
Website --
Services 120, 125

Clydach, Dynamic Rock

Dynamic Rock is a dedicated indoor climbing centre, providing a high quality indoor rock climbing venue for climbers and potential climbers of all ages and abilities.

Clydach, Dynamic Rock Information
Website --
Services 120, 121, 122, 125

Pontardawe Arts Centre

Pontardawe Arts Centre is a multi-purpose cultural venue in Herbert Street.

The centre has built a deserved reputation for live entertainment and visual art covering a broad spectrum of exciting entertainment.

Opened in 1996, the Arts Centre receives core funding from the Arts Council of Wales and maintains a varied programme including:

  • Drama - adult and child, Welsh language and English language
  • Dance - classical and contemporary
  • Comedy - comedy club and named comedians
  • Music - roots, world, blues, rock/pop
  • Entertainment - adult and child including pantomime
  • Film - mainstream and specialist with resident film club

The building is also home to the Oriel Lliw Gallery which displays twelve exhibitions per annum by local, national and international artists; the Clydach and District Amateur Operatic Society; Class Act Theatre School, and the Pamela Miller School of Ballet.

Pontardawe Arts Centre Information
Website www.npt.gov.uk
Services 120, 121, 122, 125, 132, 148, X20, X22, X25

Ynyscedwyn Ironworks

Ynyscedwyn Ironworks Park was created on the site of the ironworks which made Ystradgynlais famous. According to evidence found here, iron was being smelted here from as early as 1612. Iron making ceased in 1941 and the soaring arches and preserved machinery are all that now remain.

Ynyscedwyn Ironworks Information
Website www.ystradgynlais,info
Services 120, X20, 125