An old lady who regularly travelled from Merthyr to Cardiff, on seeing a photograph of Newport commented "Mmmh, looks big."Tourists visiting Wales enjoy the North and Snowdon, mid Wales and Aberystwyth and even Pembrokeshire in the south. Few venture into the valleys of South Wales with their fabulous mountain views and interesting towns and villages. They are missing a wonderful experience.
Now that our industrial past has been sanitised, unfortunately, we are no longer able to offer smoke and soot laden air, chimney stacks, slag heaps and revolving pit wheels, although some male voice choirs can still be heard on dark evenings in community halls. Many towns are seeking a new identity. Most have close up views of magnificent mountains complete with ancient woodland, sheep and rock escarpments, making ideal walking country. Quaint rows of multi-coloured terraced houses snake interminably, or lie scattered on the steeply sloping hillside, resembling a heap of discarded children's building blocks.
The Eastern valleys of South Wales provide an inspirational experience for the tourist, with many unique places of interest along the way.
Within minutes of the Brecon Beacons and Talybont Reservoirs, the valleys provide facilities for action holidays, with rock climbing and off-road cycling. The town of Blaenavon at the top of the Eastern valley, with its Steam Railway offers scenic walks around Garn Lakes. Historic buildings including Llanhilleth Miners' Institute, the Abertillery Metro Theatre and Bedwellty House, provide an enjoyable day out, topped off with a visit to Cwmcarn Scenic Drive. Check on opening times, but this park provides motor car access to picnic areas and walks, as well as down hill cycling. Park at the top car park and enjoy a flat walk across the open mountainside to Twm Barlwm with its contentious history; Norman, Celtic, Roman?
I was born in South Wales, and it is a wonderful place to live.
Why not enjoy it with me?
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