Crynant Forest lies between the rivers Tawe and Dulais and covers much of the western slopes of Mynydd Marchywell. Two very different routes pass through the forest: National Cycle Route 43 and the long-distance St Illtyd's Way. Choosing Crynant for a trip lets you focus on cycling or long-distance walking, while also exploring the area's cultural history.
Forest, Routes and Nature
The two routes pass through the same forest but represent different ways of getting around. Bus stops along the Tawe Valley are conveniently located for Crynant Forest. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current routes and timetables in advance. This lets you factor your journey into your plans without treating the forest paths as a single circular route.
Rhos Common also offers a distinct connection with nature: the area is now home to a large colony of the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Alongside the forest and its routes, local wildlife can therefore be another focus for your trip. The area's particular appeal lies in the range of these themes, rather than in combining them into a single set excursion.
Archaeological Remains Around Crynant
Above and north-east of Crynant are the house platforms and enclosure at Coed Ddu, which together are designated as a Scheduled Monument. The site comprises two house platforms and a large enclosure. They probably date from the medieval or post-medieval period and could be the surviving remains of Crynant Grange, which belonged to Neath Abbey. The possible link with the grange is a historical interpretation, and the dating of the site is also expressed with due caution.
Another Scheduled Monument is the Coed Ddu ring cairn, located above and north-east of Crynant. It probably dates from the Bronze Age, around 2300 to 800 BC. There are also four Neolithic burial mounds on Hirfynydd above Crynant. Together, these sites show that the area's archaeological remains belong to different periods and do not tell the same story.
Churches, Pilgrim Routes and Local History
Crynant Chapel of Ease has medieval origins. Around 1500, the parish church of Llangatwg in Creunant opened a daughter church or chapel to make pastoral care in the Dulais Valley easier. These early church connections can be complemented by a later work of art: the north, south and east windows of St Margaret's Church all contain stained glass by Celtic Studios, created between 1951 and 1966. The windows depict scenes from the life of Christ. The church stands on the east side of the A4109, set slightly back within a green churchyard.
Gelli Galed Ruin also connects local history with the pilgrim tradition. This Grade II listed farm was a resting place for monks on their pilgrimage to St Davids. Gelli Galed includes a secret chamber known as a priest's hiding place, where fugitives took shelter during the English Civil War. The route of the Roman road Sarn Helen can also still be traced near Crynant. The Crynant Village Trail describes Crynant as the oldest settlement in the Dulais Valley.
Mining History and Planning Your Visit
Cefn Coed Colliery Museum is in the area around Crynant, five miles north of Neath on the A4109. Cefn Coed Colliery was once the world's deepest anthracite mine. The exhibits include an authentic underground gallery showing coal mining from the Victorian era to modern times. The opening of the Neath and Brecon Railway in 1863 led to increased coal production in the Dulais Valley.
As of 1 September 2026, the museum was closed to the public for essential maintenance. As this status may change, check before planning a visit. This lets you include Crynant's mining history in your travel plans without assuming the museum is open. Alongside this industrial heritage, the churches, archaeological sites and forest routes offer a range of other interests.
Discover more destinations: Ystalyfera, Seven Sisters, Skewen, Pontardawe, Port Talbot, Glynneath, Cymmer, Aberdulais.
For the main travel overview: Neath Port Talbot.
