Discover Pontardawe

A stay in Pontardawe can be planned around a range of interests: walks through a gorge, routes connected with industrial history, or cultural events. These themes offer practical starting points when deciding what you would like to experience during your trip and how to spend your days.

Gorge, canal paths and longer circular routes

The local nature reserve of Cwmdu Glen encompasses a 1 km-long gorge on the Upper Clydach, with cascades and waterfalls. There are walking paths in the area. Visitors particularly interested in the waterscape will find a different focus here from the paths that explore the area’s industrial heritage.

The Industrial Trail follows a preserved section of the Swansea Canal to explore Pontardawe’s industrial history. You may also spot a kingfisher along the way. The Pontardawe Town Trail is an easy walk from the town centre: it passes through significant heritage sites, by the canal and historic buildings, and along the river. You can choose between a route clearly connected to the canal and one that links a variety of historic sites and landscape features.

The Trebanos Trail starts in the centre of Pontardawe and crosses a river with cascades before following woodland paths to a church, a disused railway line and the remains of a former colliery. The Carn Llechart Trail leads above Pontardawe to ancient burial sites and a remote chapel. It can be walked as an extension of the Cwmdu Glen Trail; the full circular route is then about 16 miles long.

Another route to explore is the Gellionnen Chapel Trail. It leads from a former colliery site along a centuries-old bridleway to an old white mountain chapel. From the chapel, there are views across Swansea Bay. The destinations along the routes therefore vary considerably: some focus on the canal and industrial history, while others lead to a chapel or ancient burial sites, or offer views over the bay.

When planning, it is important to distinguish between two different measurements: the 1 km refers to the length of the gorge at Cwmdu Glen, while the approximately 16 miles refers to the entire circular route when extended to include the Carn Llechart Trail. The figures therefore do not describe comparable route lengths.

Buildings and industrial history

Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre was established in 2018 and is located in a preserved historic building that originally served as a canal port. As the main tourist information centre, it provides information on tourism, local heritage walks and local facilities. It is also a useful starting point if you would like to combine your visit with a walk to historic sites.

The town’s churches offer further insights into its architectural history. St Peter’s Church was built between 1858 and 1860 in an unusually elaborate Decorated Gothic style. All Saints’ Church was built in 1885–1886 in the Lancet style. A look at their different dates and architectural styles adds a distinct cultural perspective to the history of the canal and industry.

The course of a former canal branch is also part of this history: in the 19th century, a branch of the Swansea Canal ran beneath the aqueduct to the wharves of Pontardawe Tinplate Works and to a tramway from Primrose Colliery. This connection highlights the role that waterways and transport played in the area’s industries at the time.

Events and practical information

Pontardawe Arts Centre hosts films, children’s events, comedy, dance, drama, exhibitions, live music and theatre throughout the year. Its programme caters to a range of cultural interests. If you would like to include a particular event in your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.

Cross Community Centre has a gallery featuring exhibitions by local artists. It also hosts the Swansea Valley History Society’s monthly talks, which are open to everyone. The talks run from September to April. Unlike the Arts Centre’s year-round programme, they are therefore limited to part of the year; check the dates when planning a specific visit.

Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre is open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm for exhibitions and visits. Check opening times in advance if you are planning a visit. There are also bicycle racks in the town centre where you can park your bike securely.

Discover more destinations: Aberdulais, Neath, Rhos, Ystalyfera, Port Talbot, Crynant, Seven Sisters, Cymmer.

Return to the main travel overview: Neath Port Talbot.