In Pontardawe, walking trails through gorges and along the canal lead to places with industrial and cultural history. When planning, it is worth looking at the different trail profiles: some pass through the town centre, while others lead out to chapels, old burial grounds or the remains of former industry.
Trails Through the Gorge, Along the Canal and Across the Hills
Cwmdu Glen is a local nature reserve featuring a one-kilometre-long gorge on the Upper Clydach, cascades and waterfalls. Walking trails run through the area. The Pontardawe Town Trail has a different focus: this easy walk leads from the town centre past significant heritage sites, along the canal and historic buildings, and beside the river.
The Industrial Trail focuses on the area’s industrial heritage. It follows a preserved section of the Swansea Canal; there is a chance of seeing a kingfisher along the way. The Trebanos Trail leads from the centre of Pontardawe across a river with cascades and through woodland paths to a church, a disused railway line and the remains of a former colliery. The routes therefore differ in their themes and the landscapes described.
Above Pontardawe, the Carn Llechart Trail leads to old burial grounds and a remote chapel. It can be walked as an extension of the Cwmdu Glen Trail; the full circular route is about 16 miles long. The Gellionnen Chapel Trail follows a different historic route: from a former colliery site, it follows a centuries-old bridleway to an old white mountain chapel. From there, you can enjoy a view of Swansea Bay.
The trails vary in length: the Town Trail is described as an easy walk, while the circular route combining Cwmdu Glen and the Carn Llechart Trail is about 16 miles long. Those primarily interested in exploring canal history can do so on the Industrial Trail; the chapel trails, by contrast, focus on elevation and historic destinations.
Culture and Industrial History in Pontardawe
The Pontardawe Arts Centre hosts cinema screenings, children’s events, comedy, dance, drama, exhibitions, live music and theatre throughout the year. The Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre complements this cultural offering with local heritage walks and information about local facilities. It was established in 2018 and is housed in a preserved historic building that originally served the canal port.
The Heritage & Visitor Centre is open year-round for exhibitions and visits on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit. The Cross Community Centre also has a gallery featuring exhibitions by local artists. From September to April, the Swansea Valley History Society holds monthly talks there, which are open to everyone.
The churches also showcase different architectural styles: St Peter’s Church was built between 1858 and 1860 in an unusually elaborate Decorated Gothic style. All Saints’ Church was built between 1885 and 1886 in the Lancet style. The two construction periods and styles offer specific reference points for local architectural history, without requiring a particular itinerary.
The canal’s history extends beyond the preserved section followed by the Industrial Trail. In the 19th century, a branch of the Swansea Canal ran beneath the aqueduct to moorings at Pontardawe Tinplate Works and to a mine railway from Primrose Colliery. There are also bicycle racks in the town centre for securely parking bicycles. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh up nature trails, historical themes and a year-round cultural programme.
Discover more destinations: Ystalyfera, Skewen, Cymmer, Glynneath, Seven Sisters, Neath, Aberdulais, Rhos
Return to the main travel guide: Neath Port Talbot.
