South Wales Beaches are the finest

Whilst visiting the South Wales Valleys, why not visit one of our gorgeous beaches on the south coast.  We have some of the largest, quietest, cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the United Kingdom.

Penarth, enjoy the pebble beach and ice-cream from the seafront cafe.

Barry Island, well-known through the TV series "Gavin and Stacey."
Rossili - three miles of clear, uninterrupted sand with a backdrop of cliffs, and mountain greenery.
Porthcawl - famous for being overrun during "Miners' Fortnight," when many miners families from the valleys made their way to stay in a caravan during the summer shut down.

Use the link to find out more about South Wales beaches.


http://bit.ly/walesbeach

 

How Green was My Valley

Published by New English Library 1975, cost 96p

"How Green was My Valley," by Richard Llewellyn, a book about a Welsh mining family, was first published in 1939. In 1975 it became a major BBC TV serial starring Stanley Baker, pictured on the above book cover. With his fair skin and facial hair, you may notice Baker resembles many miners in photographs from the 40's and 50's.  Unfortunately, perhaps its me, but just below the picture, I can imagine pristine creases in the front of his slacks and suede slip-ons, not heavy hobnailed boots.  Not that valleys guys were scruffy. They took pride in their appearance, many sporting white silk scarves and three-piece suits on their 'day off.'

The cover photograph gives an idea of the valley geography which gives rise to the rumour that us valley kids grew up with one leg longer than the other in order to walk on the steep slopes.

Creating what has come to be recognised as the period's stereotypical welsh family, Richard Llewellyn also created a book title which everyone knows, but far fewer have read.

Both Richard Llewellyn and Alexander Cordell portray the valleys of years gone by.  Since my childhood, the pits and coal tips have gone.   So too have the hacking coughs so often heard on street corners, caused by coal dust on the lungs, and the pale complexions of the men who spent day and night in the dark.

Terraced houses in the distance

The welsh valleys are truly beautiful, more so because of nature's recovery from the abuse they suffered to provide coal and iron to the Empire.

How Green was my valley, and is once more. 

 

Alexander Cordell

Seriously injured whilst serving as a member of the British Expeditionary Force in 1940, Alexander Cordell's convalescence was spent at Harlech in North Wales, giving him a fascination and love of Wales and its people.

"I was never happy anywhere till I came to Wales and I am really sorry that I am not Welsh. Inthe Welsh people I have found a frankness, friendliness, hospitality and industry that I have found nowhere else." Alexander cordell 1959 at the success of "Rape of the Fair Country."

Opinions vary on the accuracy of his portrayal of valley life, but the writing certainly provides for the reader, the full spectrum of humour, violence, romance and much more. His wonderfully poetic prose is explosively descriptive. Its well worth reading one or more of his books for a taste of how life may have been in the Valleys during the heat of the Industrial Revolution.

Alexander Cordell wrote many books between 1954 and 1997, but his trilogy follows a family
through the Industrial Revolution - a soap long before Coronation Street.

"Rape of the Fair Country"
"Hostsof Rebecca"
"Song of the Earth"

Cover of Coronet Books, published 1984
First published 1960

A museum in his honour is located on the ground floor below the library in Blaenavon, Torfaen and he is also mentioned at the town's Heritage Centre.

Chris Barber of Blorenge Books has written many books on the South Wales area including:
"In the footsteps of Alexander Cordell," providing an insight into how the author researched his books in the area.

(Note: I love rummaging around charity shops. You can make some interesting finds.)
 

Mon & Brecon Canal, South Wales

Cliched Winter Wonderland

My favourite walk is along this canal.  I am dreading the planned future development of this area. After years of wrangling between local protest groups and the council the plan was thrown out, and then quickly reinstated.

Tunnel in the snow

This week the snow abated long enough for a 3 mile walk from Sebastopol to Cwmbran along the canal towpath. 

slush on canal surface

The surface of the water was covered in places with a smooth surface of what would could soon become ice.  In other places it had been disrupted by snow and ice falling from the overhanging trees, or by snowballs and dogs launched from the bank.

Tunnel entrance from west

Several freshly toppled trees lay in the canal.  Thick snow still lay on their branches.  The last week of snow had been heavy but without a great deal of wind.  Presumably the weight of snow on trees  rooted in ground already sodden from weeks of constant rain, proved too much.  (On our return from Cwmbran to Sebastopol, our bus was diverted due to another tree fallen across the road.)


View from the western end of canal tunnel (low winter sun)

View from eastern end of canal tunnel

View from Eastern end of Canal Tunnel

A few weeks ago, when the winter sun was low, I took photographs of the canal tunnel.  From the western end, the brickwork was illuminated for some distance inside the tunnel. 

I have now taken more photographs of the same tunnel in the snow.  The difference is evident.  Against the snow the opening to the tunnel looks black and daunting.

This beautiful canal is navigable from Brecon to the Cross-Keys Pub at 5 Locks which would entail sailing through this tunnel.  The old bargies would have "walked the tunnel roof," whilst lying on their backs on the barge roof.  Today's travellers, with an engine fitted to their craft, would find their progress easier.

Not many dog-walkers or cyclists out today, but evidence of their presence can be seen in the multitude of tracks left in the snow.

The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, South Wales

After all the cold weather, snow and rain, with more forecast, I thought a little sunshine from last summer might improve your mood.


What's better after a stroll in the sunshine, or a quick walk to the shops, than a glass of something cool (or hot), and a seat with a view.  At certain times of day, the Open Hearth also offers food. 




Situated on the canal towpath, it was extensively extended in the twentieth century.  Originally one of the stop-off points for workers from the nearby Panteg Steelworks to quench their thirst after hot, dirty work. 

It is now the stop-off point for cyclists, walkers and families looking for space for their children to play safely away from traffic.