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Situated between the Rhondda, Llynfi and Neath Valleys, the Afan Valley and
its villages emerged as a result of coal mining in the area. Although the
valley itself had been occupied for thousands of years beforehand, it was
the exploitation of its mineral wealth during the 1900’s that really put it
on the map. |
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Each village had its own pit and in some cases often as many as
four or five.
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Despite the fact that the area had seen
train lines meander through it as far back as 1830, it was not until 1901
that the first road was laid towards the upper reaches of the valley.
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Today it is hard to believe that the
Afan Valley was host to such heavy industrialisation. |
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Green woodlands have now returned to
its slopes and it is known to many as ‘Little Switzerland’. |
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Originally an Ironmongers shop in the
valleys industrial heyday, Ivy House is located in Cymmer, the village which
lies at the heart of the Afan Valley.
Its ideal location means that it's
served by many local amenities and
attractions. An eight minute drive down
the valley leads to The Afan Argoed Country Park, with its museum, gardens,
walks and café.
A stones throw from the house over the old bridge at the
top of the hill leads to the GWR Refreshment Rooms and Restaurant, which
have remained even though the railway has long gone.
To the north, lie the
village of Glyncorrwg and Glyncorrwg Ponds, ideal for fishing and canoeing.
The area also boasts a newly built Mountain Bike centre and café. |
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Cymmer itself has a swimming pool, a bank
and several grocery shops. The Brecon Beacons National Park lies just 50
minutes away by car and Mumbles Seafront at Swansea together with the Gower
Peninsula lie just 35 minutes away.
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