The Valleys Edition. Olympic Cyclist Geraint Thomas, MBE, on what makes The Valleys a cyclist s paradise

Transcription

1 The Valleys 2012 Edition Olympic Cyclist Geraint Thomas, MBE, on what makes The Valleys a cyclist s paradise Ideas for a girly weekend and a romantic break From field to fork, get a real taste for The Valleys Win a Valleys Safari for 4 Plus: Suggested days out and itineraries Extensive events calendar Where to stay and how to get here 1

2 Real, refreshing, and ripe with character Main image: Folly Tower Clockwise from left to right: Cwmcarn Forest Lunchtime at Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill The Miniature Railway at Cyfarthfa Park Bedwellty House and Park Contents 04 What a difference a day makes Suggested itineraries for days out and the Top 10 Valleys Essentials. Experiences you can t miss 08 A word from the locals Interesting facts about the area with inside knowledge on what to see and do 10 Valleys of delicious delights Simon Wright shares his favourite culinary treasures in the region with help from a local producer and a resident chef 14 A romantic action adventure Ben and Esyllt who normally visit the area to see family explore what s on offer for a romantic weekend away 16 Take two friends... Lifelong friends Kay and Beryl escape for a girly weekend on their doorstep 18 Life on wheels Olympic Cyclist, Geraint Thomas MBE, on what makes the region a cyclist s paradise 20 Festivals, fêtes and fun A guide to the events you ll want to put in your diary 22 Take your pick... A look at the rest of Wales regions 24 Making the grade Helping you make sense of our gradings 25 Accommodation listings Accommodation listings for the area 40 Attractions and activities listings From heritage attractions to golf clubs you ll find it all here 45 WIN a safari break Enter our competition to win a weekend getaway for a family of four 46 How to find us Take a look at the map and you ll see how accessible The Valleys is A warm Welsh welcome indeed to our 2012 Valleys brochure. While industrial heritage is still king, we ve also filled our pages and landscapes with big green spaces, brimming with walks, nature and more. It s time to forget the Disney-dream theme parks; come visit us at our real adventure playground of towering castles and daring, deep mines. A visit to The Valleys also means ditching the diet. Discover a land - a larder! - jam-packed with champion cheeses, glorious golden ales, and iconic ice creams. Don t worry either about becoming a slouch; we ve got the works here from mountain biking and climbing to skiing and pot-holing. Come rain or shine, The Valleys is a place to get out and about and cwtch up to our cracking communities. We love a good get-together, and events range from sporty to arty and back again. You ll find this guide packed with ideas for accommodation, attractions, activities and all, from fun family breaks to glam girly weekends. We re helpful like that. 2 3

3 Right: Top 10 Valleys Essentials Clockwise from left to right: Family fun at Greenmeadow, Community Farm, Go Ape, Cyfarthfa Park Miniature Railway The Unmissables When Rough Guide author and Valleys fan, Mike Parker, was tasked with compiling a list of his Top 50 Valleys Essentials, the result was an impressive mix of heritage attractions, cracking events, delicious eateries and scenic walks.the list was put to public vote and over 4,500 local Valleys people helped determine the ranked Top 10 Valleys Essentials. This is the ultimate list of things to see and do in The Valleys, make sure you don t miss any of them. Top 10 Valleys Essentials 1. Sidoli s ice cream parlour, Ebbw Vale and Cresci s Café and ice cream parlour, Gwaun- Cae-Gurwen: many of The Valleys Italian cafés included home-made ice cream on their menus, and some have continued solely as ice cream parlours. These are two of the best, and for all their fancy ideas, I still don t think you can beat their creamy vanillas. 2. Ruperra Castle, near Machen: an unexpected delight, Ruperra is a medieval castle that was heavily What a difference a day makes Victorianised, and now lies in gaunt, ivy-clad ruin. Extensive outhouses and the remains of formal and kitchen gardens can also be made out: this was one massive estate. You can t get into the ruin, though a public footpath goes alongside and gives some great views and a good sense of the size of the estate. 3. Guardian, Six Bells, Abertillery: Sebastien Boyesen s memorial to the 1960 pit disaster which killed 45 men and boys is utterly breathtaking. A twenty metre high sculpture of a sinewy miner, it towers over the spectator and provides a moving memorial to all miners, in this region and beyond. 4. South Wales Miners Museum, Afan Forest Park: No whistles and bells here; just sober, sometimes quite detailed and utterly fascinating exhibits about the story of coal in south Wales, and the men who mined it. Proud, moving and inspiring too. 5. Sarn Helen, Banwen: On the cusp of The Valleys and the Brecon Beacons National Park, Banwen is a trim, proud little place, intersected by the great Roman highway that connected north and south Wales. It s a fine base for some good walks, either north onto the wide slopes of Fforest Fawr or south into the woods of Hirfynydd, the long mountain. Make the decision over a coffee in the Sarn Helen Café. 6. Pontypool Museum & Park (Shell Grotto & Folly Tower): The often turbulent history of this eastern Valleys town includes the surprisingly delicate craft of japanning. Continuing the surprises, the adjacent parkland contains a folly and the quite bizarre shell grotto. 7. Mountain Biking in Afan Forest Park or Cwmcarn Forest: The Valleys topography is ideal for the growing sport of mountain biking, and two of the finest trail centres can be found either side of the area. With new trails opening in 2012, prepare to get very muddy indeed! 8. Cyfartha Castle Museum, Merthyr Tydfil: this gaudy mock-gothic castle was built in 1825 for William Crawshay, one of the town s most notorious ironmasters, and enabled him to look down in every sense on his workers in the seething town below. It s now home to a fabulous museum about this most gutsy of towns, together with a delightful art collection. 9. Winding House, Caerphilly: What the locals say: Fantastic museum with excellent interactive exhibitions of Caerphilly County s history. Current collections include objects on loan from the local community. Great calendar of free events and on site research facilities. The café s coffee and cupcakes are worth a visit alone! (People s Choice Award). 10. Cynon Valley Museum, Aberdare: one of the most interesting and diverse museums in Wales, a treasure trove of ooh, I never knew that, whether about the local coal industry, the miners strike or the area s proud part in Welsh publishing history. Forget stuffy, posh or untouchable - The Valleys is a place that s real, relaxed, friendly and fun, which makes it the perfect stomping ground for families. Family Fun Day 1 Head eastwards for a winning combination of fun and education at Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran, where children of all ages get to interact with animals in a natural, relaxed environment. A big play area and an onsite café complete the offer. And the fun doesn t stop there, as a handy stone s throw further up the Afon Lwyd Valley is the Pontypool Ski Centre - Wales longest dry ski slope at 230m, with beginner s area, ski lifts and mogul run. Onwards and upwards brings you to Big Pit: National Coal Museum, located within the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, which includes an underground tour guided by ex-miners whose knowledge and anecdotes create a brilliantly authentic experience. And don t forget Blaenavon s Heritage Railway which provides the ideal rest-stop for the family to kick back and enjoy a spectacular journey through the World Heritage Site on the highest standard gauge railway in Wales. Look out for the Top 10 and Top 50 symbols Day 2 Get active for the day, starting at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar, which boasts mountain bike trails and a BMX track for adrenaline junkies, countless nature-filled walks and a lovely lakeside picnic spot. If your picnic is rained off however, a short drive away is favoured Valleys hotspot, Sidoli s Ice Cream Parlour - a delicious product of The Valleys Italian connections. Next up, get your newly reenergised selves down to nearby Ebbw Vale Festival Park, which includes shops galore, a children s adventure castle and the UK s longest super tubing slope. And if you ve still got energy left, there are cycling trails for all the family at Cwmcarn Forest, Abercarn further down the Ebbw Valley. Day 3 Start in the north with a trip to Merthyr Tydfil s mighty Cyfarthfa Castle built by notorious ironmaster William Crawshay, home to a great museum and most recently a redeveloped miniature railway. Also in the Taff Valley is Parc Taf Bargoed - formally the site of three collieries, it s now a place for bird watching, canoeing, cycling and fishing. Nearby is the Rock UK Summit Centre with its climbing and bouldering areas and world class man-made caving system with waterfall. Head south for the Rhondda Heritage Park, Trehafod, at the site of the Old Lewis Merthyr Colliery, where the whole family can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the pit. And if you fancy a chance to meet the last few working animals from the coal mines, check out The Pit Pony Sanctuary at nearby Penycoedcae. Day 4 Begin your day in the western Valleys at Bryngarw House and Country Park, Brynmenyn, which has some great family attractions including nature spots and a children s adventure area. Be sure to check out nearby Eco Dysgu education centre which has woodland trails and gardens, a cafe and creative workshops, or Wiggley's Fun Farm - an all-weather attraction with themed indoor and outdoor play areas, farm animals, pets corner, woodland walks and duck ponds. But for some real high-adrenalin family fun, a short zip along the M4 brings you to Margam Park and the heady heights of Go Ape! high-wire adventure activity. Vertigo sufferers can also stay grounded and enjoy cycling, fishing, an adventure playground, geocaching and nature trails. 4 5

4 Clockwise from far left to right: Blaenafon Cheddar Company, Afan Forest Park, Call of the Wild, Kidwelly Castle, Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill, Caerphilly Castle, Guardian, Parc Penallta, Penderyn Distillery 48 hours east The eastern Valleys are a hub of proud industrial heritage, both down below in deep mining experiences and high above in the soaring sculptures. Throw in some adventure activity, excellent eats and gigantic green spaces too, and you re good to go. 48 hours west As you venture across the western Valleys you ll see the landscape becomes more rural, but there s still a variety of things to do, whether you want a mining museum, castle or fantastic farm shop. Day 1 Day 2 Day 1 Day 2 There are a number of jewels in The Start off big at Caerphilly Castle s Get the adrenalin pumping first thing Heading west, take a drive, cycle or Valleys crown, but one of them is thirty acre fortress, with its courtesy of outdoor activity company a refreshing walk across Mynydd y definitely the unusually lofty town magnificent moat, leaning tower Call of the Wild, Seven Sisters, which Gwair from Clydach to Ammanford of Blaenavon located within the which out-leans Pisa, and impressive offers locally-based adventures on one of the finest roads in south Blaenavon World Heritage Site. fourteenth-century great hall. A short including climbing, caving, gorge Wales which spans a bleak but Explore the Ironworks, Big Pit and the drive away in Nelson is Llancaiach walking, kayaking and much more. Of beautiful moor. If all that exercise has Heritage Town where you will find Fawr Manor - a magnificent Tudor course, a trip to the area wouldn t be made you hungry, then well worth a evidence that this area was once at the manor house with a hands-on, period complete without a visit to one of visit in itself is fantastic family-run heart of the iron industry. Among the dress history experience, giving Wales top mountain biking hotspots at farm shop and eatery Cwmcerrig Site s countless other offerings is the visitors a glimpse into life during the Afan Forest Park, which also has a Farm Shop & Grill nearby. The edge Blaenafon Cheddar Company shop, Civil War. A great lunch stop between variety of other interesting features, of the western Valleys boasts many where as well as taste and buy you can the Rhondda and Cynon Valley is the including a Japanese garden and trails country, woodland and recreational have a go at dipping your own cheese. Brynffynnon Hotel, Llanwonno galore. Throw in some history too and parks, but also some fantastic historic A short drive away is the area s striking a real gem of a pub with great beer, you have a well-rounded day, so be attractions like Kidwelly Castle. A fine 20m-high Guardian memorial in Six good food on a tiny ridge-top hamlet sure to check out the South Wales medieval fortress, take pleasure in Bells, a must-see. In neighbouring location. If you re keen to sample more Miners Museum nearby - its detailed scampering around its battlements and Rhymney Valley you ll find Parc homegrown produce, head further up and fascinating exhibits about the towers in the location that featured in Penallta, Ystrad Mynach - a fresh take the Valley past Aberdare for the story of coal in south Wales will keep the very first scene of Monty Python on a former mining landscape, where Penderyn Distillery tour (including you browsing but it's worth asking for and the Holy Grail. the 200m-long earth sculpture of tasting) and gift shop. Finally, follow a guided tour. Sultan the pit pony takes centre stage. the Heads of the Valleys road east to For more ideas of things to see the Merthyr to Brecon Mountain and do in the area, download Railway at Pant for a steam journey The VALLEYS Top 50 Guide iphone along the Valley of Taf Fechan and app for free at itunes. Pontsticill reservoirs. 6 7

5 A word from the locals I m always telling people how amazing The Valleys is. The people are so friendly and the place is so beautiful. Sophie Evans, West End star of Wizard of Oz. The warmth of the locals is what makes The Valleys so unique. Walk into a pub and you ll end up drinking with the regulars. Lose your way and you ll encounter plenty of characters happy to help you back on course. And boy do we love to chat. We know that the people you meet can make or break your trip. In fact it s so important to us that we created official roles for local people as Community Tourism Ambassadors. Hundreds of people, from school teachers to hotel owners and ex-miners to young people, signed up and trained to act as the area s visitor tour guides. Meet some of our Ambassadors Did you know? Andrew Barry, who owns Funky Kabs in Merthyr Tydfil completed the Ambassador training along with his call centre staff and drivers... So many visitors are blown away by Cyfarthfa Castle and it s funny because locals are so blasé about it. It s such a beautiful building and people often don t believe it when I tell them that I went to school there, they think it s like Hogwarts! Our drivers love telling passengers quirky facts about Merthyr Tydfil, one of their favourites is that every other house used to be a pub on Dowlais High Street. The reason for that was that the steel and iron works used to pay people with beer tokens. They were working in such hot environments, so they would pay them with fluids. Alun Clement is a Rhondda boy through and through and wants to encourage more visitors to explore the area... With its scenic walks and cycle pathways and panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons, the Bristol Channel and Vale of Glamorgan, the Rhondda Valley really is an incredible place to visit. Gone are the scars suffered from the old collieries and today you ll see natural, outstanding beauty that is rich in wildlife and history. One of the jewels in the Rhondda Valleys crown would have to be Darran Park. Its large picturesque natural lake, which is popular for fishing, is surrounded by eyecatching woodland and a high pennant sandstone quarry, offering stimulating walks. We have a Heritage Site to rival the Great Wall. A building with a bigger lean than Pisa s famous tower. And Tom Jones is one of our many famous faces. The Valleys really is full of surprises. Sister Anna Larkins gives guided tours around the ancient Llantarnam Abbey in Torfaen... When I first moved to The Valleys from Scotland I immediately felt at home.the landscape was similar and the people were so friendly. I want to make sure that visitors receive the same warm welcome that I did all those years ago. From Llantarnam Abbey which dates back to the 12th century to a number of Roman archaeological sites, the area is laced with interesting history that s waiting to be explored. Teresa Darnbrook fell in love with The Valleys when she visited on a camping holiday as a little girl. She s lived here now for 50 years... One of my favourite places to soak up the atmosphere is the bustling town of Pontardawe in the Swansea Valley. There s a riverside walk, a cycle route that goes all the way to the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea and a fantastic walk around the golf course and past an 800 year old church. Plus there s a calendar of excellent events, from the annual Pontardawe Festival to street parties and theatrical shows at its brilliant Arts Centre. Keen walkers should also visit the Amman Valley, which boasts beautiful scenery and interesting history. You ll be amazed. Share what you discover with LoVE The VALLEYS on It s that thing you don t realise - what you have until you walk away from it. Nothing rings truer and nothing makes you more proud than being from The Valleys. That s what s real about it people take you for who you are and it s just such a refreshing change. Ian Watkins, lead singer of the Lostprophets. Growing up in this part of the world was so important in my development as a person and as a musician because I was always surrounded by the love of a very close family but also a very tight knit community. Tim Rhys Evans, Only Men Aloud founding member. The Valleys is green, beautiful and unspoilt. And it really is nice to come back when you ve been in big cities. Bonnie Tyler, 80 s pop icon. I ve lived all over the place, in Liverpool, Manchester and Sydney, but I missed the humour and the dry wit of The Valleys. And, whoever you are, Valleys people keep your feet firmly on the ground. Jonathan Davies, rugby legend and TV personality. There is nowhere quite like The Valleys, and certainly nowhere else where you will receive such a warm welcome. It truly is a rewarding, and unique, place to visit. Mike Parker, co-author of Rough Guide to Wales. Caerphilly Castle is the largest in Wales and the second largest in Britain, after Windsor Castle. Its south-east tower has a steeper lean than the iconic Tower of Pisa. The Valleys is the birthplace of many famous musicians. The Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics, Katherine Jenkins, Tom Jones, Lostprophets and Only Men Aloud were all born and bred here. Bill Roberts, an engineer from Penydarren in Merthyr Tydfil, built Doctor Who s Daleks. Hollywood actor and film producer, Sir Stanley Baker, who starred in films including Zulu and Helen of Troy, came from Ferndale in the Rhondda Valleys. The Oscar nominated actor Richard Burton grew up in Pontryhdyfen in the Afan Valley. The first Ferrari in the UK and one of the first ever produced by the Italian company was owned by Dudley Folland, from Glanaman in the Amman Valley. The first official performance of the Welsh National anthem was at Maesteg s Tabor Chapel in 1856 and was composed by a father and son from Pontypridd. The biggest lump of coal in the world (weighing 15 tons) can be found at Bedwellty Park in Tredegar. It has been a world record holder for over 150 years, since John Rhys- Davies, best known for playing the Arab excavator Sallah in the Indiana Jones films and the dwarf Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy is from Ammanford. Designers Laura Ashley and Julien MacDonald are both from the industrial town of Merthyr Tydfil. The Valleys is home to the UK s longest super tubing slope, which can be found at Festival Park in Ebbw Vale. Kidwelly Castle is featured in the opening scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Blaenavon is a World Heritage Site, along with the likes of The Great Wall and Taj Mahal. 8 9

6 Left: Three generations of the Sidoli family Right: Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill Left: The Big Cheese Valleys of delicious delights Middle: Neath Food Festival Right: The Bunch of Grapes 10 Take a trip to The Valleys and you ll discover a larder packed with culinary treasures - from irresistible cheeses, to golden ales and incomparable ice creams, you re never far away from something scrumptious to eat. Simon Wright is a food writer and broadcaster living and working in Wales. He is the former editor of the AA Restaurant Guide and was named Wales The True Taste Champion for 2010/11. People often talk of a food revolution having taken place in Wales and there are good reasons for that - the standard of the nation s food offering, the richness of its produce and the depth and variety of places to eat have all been transformed for the better in the last couple of decades. But when we look at our food culture we d do well to remember that a good part of its strength is still drawn from traditions that go back to the distant past and nowhere is that more true than in The Valleys. In fact it wouldn t be stretching a point to argue that in respect of one significant modern trend, let s call it the Cappuccino Culture, The Valleys was over a 100 years ahead of the rest of the UK. The influence of the northern Italian immigrants who first started coming to Wales and opening cafés in the late 19th century is still evident on streets up and down The Valleys where shop fronts adorned with names like Conti, Sidoli, Cresci and Carpanini remain a familiar sight and where the sounds and smells inside will take you back in time. It s a unique and wonderful chapter in the history of this part of Wales and one that should be treasured and preserved at the same time as we witness new life being breathed into the food offering of the area. Much as the landscape of The Valleys itself has been transformed, green shoots have burst through all the way along the food chain with producers, shopkeepers and caterers all contributing to a vibrant food economy, built on an enthusiasm for fresh, flavour-packed, local produce. It s not all about posh restaurants either. Yes, there are some swish special occasion places to be found, but there s a refreshing honesty about the food offering in The Valleys that means you can find delicious and distinctive things to eat in takeaways, pubs, cafés and markets. This is food that does indeed have real heart and soul and there s a wealth of it just waiting to be discovered - what are you waiting for? Pubs with personality The Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd Warm, welcoming and run by enthusiasts. Home to their own Otley ales and a range of other craft beers. Great food is an important part of the mix too. Wheatsheaf, Llantrisant Real local character, hearty pub food and an array of real ales including Celt and Newman ales brewed in the new microbrewery in the cellar. Nant Ddu Lodge, Merthyr Tydfil A friendly, characterful bar in a country hotel nestled in the Brecon Beacons. Traditional and modern Welsh food and a roaring log fire in the winter. Café culture Carpanini s Cardiff Arms Café, Treorchy A family business dating back to The wood panelling and classic formica tables plus the authentic coffee machine all add up to that unique Valleys Italian atmosphere. Sidoli s Ice Cream Parlour, Ebbw Vale A Valleys legend making their own ice cream for over 80 years using the same traditional recipes, and run by the third generation of the Sidoli family. Cresci s Café, Gwaun Cae Gurwen At the hub of the local community since 1920, they produce homemade ice cream based on a Welsh recipe from the late 19th century and of course there is great coffee too. Fantastic food fests Neath Food Festival, Neath Only three years old but already one of the most exciting and popular food festivals in Wales with over 50 producers and a host of events and demos across a Friday and Saturday in October. The Big Cheese, Caerphilly Set in the shadow of the magnificent castle, this fun filled event boasts a plethora of entertainment in the shape of comedy, music and dance to add to the ample food and cheese market and cookery demonstrations. Takes place in July each year. The Big Welsh Bite, Pontypridd An annual summer food and agriculture showcase with a huge range of Welsh produce to try and buy, together with demonstrations by local chefs. Delicious delis Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill, Gorslas A wealth of wonderful Welsh produce on offer including terrific meat from their own farm which includes their top notch beef from Hereford cattle. The Delicatessen, Pontyclun A feast of delicious cakes and savouries made in their own kitchen together with an array of other deli items including Welsh cheeses and cured meats. Blaenafon Cheddar Company, Blaenavon No less than eleven variations on the cheddar theme as well as four goats cheeses for good measure. The Pwll Mawr cheddar is actually matured deep inside the mineshaft at nearby Big Pit. Restaurant refinement Miskin Manor, Groesfaen Modern British cooking in the majestic setting of a wood panelled dining room in a grand manor house turned hotel set in 22 acres of land. Llechwen Hall, Pontypridd Situated in the heart of the Cynon Valley with magnificent country views, the elegant oak beamed restaurant offers accomplished cooking based on fresh local ingredients. Trattoria, Talbot Green and Pontypridd Two classic Italians from the same stable offering the likes of pizza and pasta made daily in-house and using olive oil from the family s own groves in southern Italy. La Mancha, Neath A modern Mediterranean restaurant and an experienced team of Chefs with an emphasis on the use of fresh, top quality Welsh produce and an array of award winning wines and signature cocktails. The Stables View, Merthyr Tydfil Traditional Welsh menus with a modern twist. Using meat from Cig Mynydd Cymru, which won Gold at the Wales: True Taste Awards in 2011, they can even tell you which nearby farm your meat comes from. 11

7 Top: Susan Fiander-Woodhouse Middle: Blaenafon Cheddar Company Bottom: Bringing the Pwll Mawr cheddar from Big Pit The new black gold Susan Fiander-Woodhouse set up Blaenafon Cheddar Company in 2006 and has since become one of the most successful, established and well travelled Welsh food producers. A true taste of The Valleys Above: Sebastian Vanoni and the Bunch of Grapes The secret of her success is a passion for using locally sourced produce and a pledge to put The Valleys on the map. Five years ago I opened a small, family business in Blaenavon at the head of the Afon Lwyd Valley. The concept was to combine the wealth of local flavours being produced in the area with fine cheddar and goats cheeses to make new and unique products. Since then, Blaenafon Cheddar Company has won several accolades including three gold, three silver and a bronze award at this year s Royal Welsh Dairy Competition and I was officially crowned Lady Cheddar from Wales during a promotional visit to France! Today we produce 11 varieties of cheese, each made by hand, in our shop in Broad Street, Blaenavon, where visitors can drop in to see the mixing and waxing processes taking place. Our most famous is the Pwll Mawr cheddar, matured 300 feet below ground in the shaft of nearby Big Pit: National Coal Museum. Once a fortnight, the miners bring up 120 kg of the matured cheddar and take the next batch back down to the dark and humid depths of the pit. This process has really created a buzz amongst visitors who come from Big Pit to Blaenavon Heritage Town to see what the mad idea is all about. We pride ourselves on using ingredients sourced from local producers, and believe our cheeses tell a story of the area s unique heritage. Local produce has been incorporated in all our medium cheddars to create exciting and tantalising flavour combinations. And we like using the local tipple too! From Penderyn Whisky, the only single malt whisky produced in Wales, used in our Blaenafon Cheddar and the award-winning Black Dragon Cider from Gwynt y Ddraig, near Pontypridd, used in our Apple Charlotte Cheddar, to Tomos Watkins Cwrw Braf Ale which is mixed with pickled onions and chives to make our Cymru Crunch. The Valleys is widely recognised for its industrial landscapes shaped by past mining communities. But thanks to the richness of the land, food is fast becoming The Valleys new black gold. And I m proud to be representing it. From pan fried cockles, laver bread and leeks to braised lamb shank, rosemary and onions, the Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd offers a tantalising menu of award winning dishes. Here, Head Chef Sebastian Vanoni tells us how to make a restaurant quality dish from the comfort of our own homes. Tucked away on Ynysangharad Road, the Bunch of Grapes is Pontypridd s very own gastro pub serving a range of awardwinning ales and ciders on tap, including our own locally-brewed Otley beers. A friendly and exciting place for foodie and real ale enthusiasts alike, we have a packed events calendar which celebrates local and international food and drink including the American Thanksgiving Festival, our notorious bottled beer festivals, Welsh cider and cheese tastings and Chef Talks events led by me and the team. We pride ourselves on sourcing and serving top-quality Welsh beers and ciders, and the Bunch of Grapes was recently certified as the official Welsh arm of the UK s Beer Academy. But we re just as enthusiastic about our food as we are about our beers! We serve innovative dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal produce and homegrown vegetables where possible, and our in-house deli has a fantastic range of freshly baked bread, home-cooked ham, fresh fish, pickles, jams, olives and mustards. I also think our beers and local produce work even better together! We use a number of our award-winning Otley beers in dishes such as braised Breconshire ox cheek with a black IPA Oxymoron jus, toasted Bara-brith with Dark-O stout syrup and our popular range of beer ice-creams. So here s one of my particular favourite recipes which you can now try yourself. Then make sure you pay us a visit to try the rest of the menu! Pot roasted leg of chicken in Otley O1 ale with wild mushrooms Ingredients: 4 chicken legs thigh bone removed 2 white onions sliced 2 cloves of garlic chopped 1 bay leaf 285ml of O1 ale 285ml of chicken stock 1 tsp white sugar 1 handful thyme tied Cayenne pepper Sea salt 250g wild mushrooms Method: 1. In each chicken leg put a little branch of thyme and tie with string. 2. In a thick bottom pan, sweat the onion, garlic, bay leaf and thyme in a little olive oil. 3. Add the sugar, salt and cayenne pepper. 4. Add the stock and O1, bring to the boil. 5. Lower the heat and add the chicken legs. 6. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. 7. In a frying pan saut the wild mushrooms in butter with salt and pepper. 8. Place them on top when serving. 9. Enjoy with melted Welsh rarebit on toasted bread

8 Main image: The 80ft high Melincourt Waterfall Clockwise from left to right: Ben and Esyllt Esyllt and Ben prepare to race at Dinefwr Riding Centre Dining at La Mancha, the Bluebell Hotel, Neath Checking out the local produce at Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill Ben climbs high at Dynamic Rock A romantic action adventure Esyllt Dafydd, 30 and Ben Sears 26, like thousands of other people, visit The Valleys with the main purpose of seeing family, often bypassing the range of attractions and activities on offer in the area. We asked the couple to explore the western Valleys as proper tourists. Esyllt shares their experience. Useful links Ben and I currently split our time between Poole and Aberystwyth and try to visit Treorchy when we can to see my mum s family who still live there. We were looking forward to exploring a different area of The Valleys and having some quality time together. We woke up to a gloriously sunny day, perfect for the first activity on our itinerary, horse riding at Dinefwr Riding Centre in Ammanford. We were greeted by Penny the owner of the stable who introduced us to our horses, Ivan and June, before her daughter Vicky gave us a joint lesson. I ve been riding since I was five years old, but Ben has only had a couple of lessons. Vicky was really attentive and made it suitable for both of our abilities. As part of the lesson we used a mechanical horse, which I ve never done before, it helps to correct your positioning. I couldn t believe how realistic it was. We ended the session with a race and I m glad to say I won two out of three; otherwise Ben would never let me live it down! Penny and Vicky were so friendly that we could have stayed and chatted for hours, but with our stomachs beginning to rumble we made our way to Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill, in Gorslas, just 15 minutes away. The Farm has been in the Watkins family for nearly 60 years and a couple of years ago they opened the Farm Shop and Grill on site. Local produce is really important to Ben and me and we always try to buy local whether we re home or away. The food couldn t get more local at Cwmcerrig with its award winning meat reared in the surrounding fields. We opted for the beef carvery, a really hearty roast that tasted amazing. After lunch we had a look around the shop, we couldn t believe how busy it was there and the variety on offer. If we lived in the area we would be here every weekend! With the boot full of treats from Cwmcerrig we took a leisurely drive across the Swansea Valley to Dynamic Rock in Clydach for a one hour taster session at the indoor climbing centre. We both dabbled in climbing and abseiling in school, but that was quite a few years ago, so we weren t exactly confident about reaching dizzy heights. Dan, our instructor, was brilliant and after giving us demonstrations of his impressive skills, helped us get to grip with the ropes. It was challenging but so much fun and really got the adrenalin pumping. Ben is now considering pursuing it further. Feeling pleased with ourselves we made our way to the Bluebell Hotel in Neath, to check in and enjoy a well deserved glass of wine. The staff were all really friendly and gave us a warm welcome. After all the activities we were feeling rather tired but resisted the temptation of having a siesta in our luxurious room. We dined in the hotel s Mediterranean restaurant, La Mancha, although busy it had a relaxed atmosphere and the Spanish staff added to its authenticity. We started with generous portions of fried whitebait and calamari and then to continue the theme of the day we opted to try something new, ostrich, which was cooked just how we like our steaks. We just about managed to squeeze in dessert, a crème Catalan, which finished off the meal perfectly. We slept soundly and woke feeling refreshed for the last stop of our trip, Melincourt Waterfall. We do a lot of walking, with a one year old border collie we have to, but had never explored the Waterfall Country. We d read great things about the 80ft high waterfall which was painted by Turner in 1794, and it didn t disappoint. It really was spectacular and we couldn t believe it was just a 15 minute walk from the road. We had such a lovely weekend we didn t want it to end. On our journey home we made a pact to do more activities in the area in the future, whether visiting family or not

9 Clockwise from left to right: Beryl and Kay master the art of chocolate at Chocs Away Relaxing at the Fusion Spa in Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa Bedwellty House and Park Afternoon Tea at the Orchid House Tea Rooms Green Badge Guide John Morgan points out places of interest in Tredegar Take two friends We asked two life-long friends from Monmouth, who usually holiday in the Lake District to try out a girly weekend in The Valleys and explore an area closer to home. Kay Spencer shares their experience. Beryl and I share a love for food and family, and any excuse to get away and have a good old catch up is ideal. We were looking forward to having a break without the long journey. Our first stop was Chocs Away, based in Blaenavon Heritage Town, where you can learn how to make your own hand made chocolates. This was a fantastic start to our trip. Although we are both keen cooks neither of us had done anything like this before. Pam, the owner, was really welcoming and such a good teacher, explaining everything really clearly and carefully. There were four other ladies in our workshop and we all got on really well. We had a good laugh over our various skills and mistakes. After three hours we each had an assorted box of chocolates bearing the fruits of our labour to take away with us. We re now planning to astonish our friends and family with personalised chocolates for birthdays and Christmas. We said our goodbyes and headed to Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa in the Rhymney Valley to check in for our Sunday Slumber. We were thrilled to find our room had a wonderful view over the golf course and surrounding countryside. With time to relax before our dinner reservation we made our way to the Fusion Spa and enjoyed a relaxing couple of hours in the beautifully warm pool, jacuzzi and hydro spa. Lounging in our fluffy white robes we really did feel like celebrities on a luxury retreat. We dined in the hotel restaurant, Defoy s Bar and Grill, and like our room, our table had fantastic views. We also had the benefit of a nearby fireworks display which provided a lovely spectacle over dinner. After a comfortable night s sleep and a light breakfast we headed once again to the Fusion Spa. This time we were booked in for a massage treatment, a first for Beryl. Our therapists, Sam and Leona immediately put us at ease and explained the treatment in detail. Needless to say Beryl can t wait to have another one. Feeling relaxed and refreshed we checked out, vowing to return and continued on our journey to Bedwellty House and Park in Tredegar. We were met at the gates of the historic house by our very own Green Badge Guide, John Morgan, who led us on the Aneurin Bevan Heritage Trail. Despite the weather not being on our side, it didn t dampen our enthusiasm. John s knowledge about the area and Aneurin Bevan was second to none and we learnt a tremendous amount about the politics and people of Tredegar at the turn of the last century. Back at Bedwellty, which has recently reopened to the public following a multimillion restoration programme, we had a short tour of the impressive house, gardens and grotto, where we saw the largest block of coal in the world. After all the walking we had worked up a real appetite. The Ironmasters afternoon tea in the Orchid House Tea Rooms, where all the cakes are homemade and delightfully fresh, was the perfect end to our Valleys experience. As we chatted over our tea we both admitted how surprised we were to find such a range of things to see and do in the area. We couldn t believe we hadn t been to any of these places before, especially as they are on our doorstep. With a warm welcome from all of the people we met during our stay, we re officially hooked and will definitely be back to discover more. Useful links:

10 Main Photograph: Geraint Thomas Far Right: Geraint at Cwmcarn Forest 25-year-old Geraint Thomas MBE from Cardiff is one of the golden boys of British cycling. We ve got singletrack, downhill and cross country, great scenery, CAfes and accommodation we ve GOT bike shops, trail maps and hwyl (fun the Welsh way). You ve GOT the chance to be part of it all, so come and join the revolution! Check out our website for all the information you need on mountain biking in South Wales (all abilities welcome!) Life on two wheels His speed on track and road in the last few years has left the rest of the peloton breathless: an Olympic gold medal in Beijing (setting a world record in the process), a track Champion of the World and stunning form on the road with Team Sky during the last Tour de France, finishing top Briton. Apparently, we have to go back as far as the 1967 Tour to find the last Welshman (Colin Lewis for all you cycling anoraks out there) to complete this most arduous of races. Watch this space: Chris Boardman, the godfather of British cycling, reckons that Geraint has the potential to go all the way and challenge for the Tour s famed Yellow Jersey. A leading member of Team Sky, Geraint is a busy boy. Roger Thomas just about managed to catch up with him for a chat. RT: When did you realise you had a special talent? GT: I was always winning races for the under 12s, under 14s and under 16s. But I never thought that I could make a career of it until I won the Junior World Championships when I was 18. I won a few big races that year that s when it started to get serious. RT: You ve always said that it has to be fun as well as hard work... GT: Definitely, you have to enjoy being on the bike because you can train for up to 36 hours a week. There s all the hard training, all the effort of the time away from home, all the sacrifices you have to make so, yes, you ve got to enjoy it. RT: How did where you were brought up help you? GT: From Cardiff, there s a loop going over Storey Arms (just north of Merthyr) and the Rhigos and Bwlch climbs (classic mountain passes in The Valleys). The Rhigos and Bwlch are testing by anyone s standards, definitely good training. That loop is a fair few miles, and it s a great feeling when you get back to know you ve done them. I have family up in Ebbw Vale so rode that way quite a bit too, but wherever you are in The Valleys there are lots of ups and downs, so it was a great advantage for me to have these roads on my doorstep. Even when the weather was wet, I still enjoyed getting out and doing all the hours you have to do. I just got on with it. RT: The Welsh stage of the recent Tour of Britain finished in Caerphilly. That must have been quite an experience? GT: Yes, it was unbelievable to be racing on roads I grew up with. But all that way up Caerphilly Mountain still hurt a bit. It was great, with the amount of support out there and all those Welsh flags. I m proud to be Welsh and come from Wales. It was good to race in front of my family, girlfriend and mates. They don t get to see me too much because I m constantly away racing. RT: Are you a mountain biker too? GT: Not really, but it s a bit of fun in the offseason. It s good to see that so many people are now coming to The Valleys, particularly Afan Forest Park and Cwmcarn Forest, because of its reputation as a top mountain biking destination, and to enjoy the scenery. I know cyclists always get a good welcome here. I ll definitely be checking out the Cognation MTB trails in south Wales in RT: What about the big local road riding events? GT: It s good to see the Wiggle Dragon Ride (based in Margam Park in 2012) and the Merlin Bike Ride (held in July with routes going through the Amman Valley) getting so big and popular. And the Junior Tour of Wales (also based in The Valleys) is probably the toughest of the junior events on the domestic calendar. I really enjoy racing on home roads and it was always the one I wanted to win, but could only manage second. It s a great race. (Geraint is now the Patron of the Junior Tour of Wales held each August in The Valleys.) RT: What s your career highlight? GT: To date it has to be the Olympics. I grew up watching them and always wanted to be there. To win that gold medal early on in my career was amazing. RT: So for 2012 will you concentrate on the London Olympics or the Tour de France? GT: The Olympics in London is a once-in-alifetime opportunity so we have decided to concentrate all efforts on that. I want to give them every possible chance I have to do well there and I don t want to jeopardise that in any way. RT: And your ultimate cycling ambition? GT: The Tour and the Classics. I d love to win a gold medal in London but after that I may concentrate on the road events where there are lots of things I want to achieve. RT: Any hobbies off the bike? GT: I don t have much time for much else, but anything that involves sitting down and chilling out, like watching a bit of rugby or football. Nothing too strenuous really

11 Festivals, Fêtes and Fun 2012 Events Here s just a small sample of what s happening in 2012 for full event listings visit or pop into a Tourist Information Centre (see p46.) 4 February William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle UK and Ireland s best horses run in prelude to the following month s Gold Cup in Cheltenham. ffoslasracecourse.com March Richard Burton 10k Run Get involved in a fun run in the scenic Afan Valley, the birthplace of legendary actor Richard Burton. The race is in aid of local charities and Macmillan Cancer Care. richardburtonroadrace.com May Celtic Tapas Festival A fusion of Celtic music, Spanish and Welsh tapas meet up in the centre of Maesteg. bridgendbites.com June Cwmbran Big Event Located at the scenic Boating Lake in Cwmbran, enjoy dance performances and live music, as well as raft races on the lake. visittorfaen.co.uk 2-5 June Margam Kite Festival Join in the kite flying festival fun, set on the lawns of the magnificent Margam Castle within the grounds of Margam Country Park on Diamond Jubilee bank holiday weekend. margamcountrypark.co.uk 10 June Wiggle Dragon Ride A challenging bike ride though southern Wales that has been chosen as Britain s favourite sportive by readers of Cycling Weekly for the last three years. wiggledragonride.com 30 June - 1 July Blaenavon World Heritage Weekend Festival, street party, Victorian funfair, music and the annual heritage costume parade in celebration of World Heritage Day. visitblaenavon.co.uk July Ponty s Big Weekend Music festival at Pontypridd s Ynysangharad Park. Headline act will follow in the footsteps of chart toppers The Wanted and JLS. pontysbigweekend.com July From jazz festivals to Christmas markets, The Big Cheese to the Wales Valleys Walking Festival. We love a good celebration in The Valleys, and you re invited! So get the family together, round up the troops and come join us. We re a friendly bunch! Amman Valley Big Day Out Carnival parade, stalls, activities and entertainment on Ammanford recreation ground. discovercarmarthenshire.com 1 July Merlin Bike Ride The Merlin Route is a stunning 107 mile ride over the Black Mountain and through the Amman Valley, before finishing at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales in Llanarthne. merlincycletours.co.uk 1 7 July Adain Avion The Works at Ebbw Vale is the temporary custodian of a mobile arts space, social sculpture and travelling time capsule created from the recycled and transformed fuselage of an abandoned DC9 aeroplane by Spanish sculptor Eduardo Cajal. adainavion.org/ebbw-vale July Abertillery Blues Festival This annual event attracts high profile performers from across the globe as well showcasing local talent. abertillerybluesfestival.co.uk July The Big Cheese A spectacular summer festival with street entertainment, funfair, historical re-enactments, music, dance, food and drink. And, as befits the birthplace of comedian Tommy Cooper, plenty of joyful silliness. caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese July Steelhouse Festival Enjoy a weekend of rock music from international artists, up-and-coming breakthrough acts and the best tribute bands around, surrounded by beautiful countryside and breathtaking views. steelhousefestival.com AUGUST Pontardawe Festival A celebration of local traditions, music and arts in the centre of Pontardawe. pontardawe.org 3-5 AUGUST The Big Welsh Bite Welsh food and craft stalls, children s attractions and funfair rides, falconry, rural and animal displays, music and much more. rctcbc.gov.uk/whatson 5 AUGUST Kings Weekend Right: The Big Cheese Below: Runners at the Nos Galan Race The servants are busy preparing the Llancaiach Fawr Manor in Nelson Manor as Colonel Prichard welcomes King Charles I. llancaiachfawr.co.uk 24 AUGUST Ladies Day Four jump races, four flat races and a chance for ladies to get glammed up and don their finest hats for the occasion. ffoslasracecourse.com AUGUST Junior Tour of Wales The cycle race comprises of five stages of fast and furious road racing. Open to any rider aged between 16 and 18 years of age it attracts teams and individual riders from all over the UK and Europe. The race headquarters is at Nantyglo Leisure Centre in Blaenau Gwent. juniortourofwales.com September Wales Valleys Walking Festival Get to know The Valleys on foot. Featuring a great choice of guided walks for all interests and abilities, taking place across The Valleys. 7-9 September Pontypool Jazz Festival Well-established annual jazz festival showcasing up to 30 bands and performers from across Wales. pontypooljazzfestival.org.uk October Neath Food and Drink Festival Over 50 food producers from across south Wales will come together to celebrate all that is good about Welsh food and drink. neathfoodfestival.co.uk 2 November Fireworks Skyshow 2012 A magnificent aerial pyrotechnic display held in the splendid setting of Cyfarthfa Park. merthyr.gov.uk 17 November - 24 December Santa s Toymine Join Toy Miners on a magical underground adventure and discover Santa s secret hide away. rhonddaheritagepark.com 1-2 December Blaenavon Winter Wonderland Christmas market, outdoor ice rink, real reindeer and Santa s Grotto for festive fun. visitblaenavon.co.uk 8-9 December Caerphilly Medieval Christmas Fayre Christmas shopping in the shadow of Caerphilly s massive medieval castle. Street entertainment, cookery demonstrations, funfair rides and more. caerphilly.gov.uk/christmas December A Victorian Christmas Traditional fairground rides, stalls, roasting chestnuts, mince pies and mulled wine and a special visit from Father Christmas. bryngarwhouse.co.uk 20 December River of Light Parade The town centre of Caerphilly is transformed by one of Wales longest festive lantern parades. caerphilly.gov.uk/christmas 31 December Nos Galan Road Race Held annually on New Year s Eve, Nos Galan is a 5k race around the Cynon Valley to commemorate the legendary Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran. Each year, a famous sports personality takes part in the race, whose identity is kept hidden until the event. nosgalan.co.uk Festival and Events throughout Wales For more information go to visitwales.co.uk 31 May - 10 June Hay Festival, Hay on Wye hayfestival.com 4-9 June Urdd National Eisteddfod, near Caernarfon urdd.org/eisteddfod 3-8 July Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod international-eisteddfod.co.uk JulY Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells rwas.co.uk 4-11 AugUST National Eisteddfod of Wales, Vale of Glamorgan eisteddfod.org.uk Summer Cardiff Festival cardiff-festival.com AUGUST Brecon Jazz breconjazz.org AUGUST Green Man Festival, Crickhowell thegreenmanfestival.co.uk SeptEMBER Abergavenny Food Festival abergavennyfoodfestival.com SeptEMBER Bridgend Food Feastival, Bridgend Town Centre bridgendbites.com SeptEMBER Porthcawl Elvis Festival elvies.co.uk 27 OctOBER - 9 NovEMBER Dylan Thomas Festival, Swansea dylanthomas.com 20 21

12 Take your pick... ACTIVITIES FOR ALL Swansea Bay - Mumbles, Gower, Afan and the Vale of Neath The Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Countryside Introducing Wales Holiday Areas The Valleys Heart and Soul of Wales is one of the Holiday Areas within Wales. Each area has its own distinct character. The Isle of Anglesey A place like no other, Anglesey offers unparalleled beauty, amazing adventures, serious solitude and warm welcome. Easily accessible; this unique Island, with its coastline, varied beaches and historical towns make it a superb base for all the family. Those that have visited need not be told. They just return T: +44 (0) or (0) E: tourism@anglesey.gov.uk Llandudno, Colwyn Bay Vibrant Llandudno, the Victorian seaside gem with a history that goes back to the Bronze Age. World Heritage Conwy with its rich maritime past. The National Zoo of Wales at Colwyn Bay. Year round breaks, filled with family fun, good food, great walking, world class theatre and a full calendar of exciting events. All within easy reach of Snowdonia. The North Wales Borderlands Short journey: very different place. At less than 20 minutes from Chester, we re just a hop and a skip away from the North West and the West Midlands. From the bustling shops and nightlife of Wrexham to the culinary delights of the Mold food and drink festival to the world-famous Llangollen International Eisteddfod. 100% Wales on your doorstep! T: + 44 (0) E: tourism@wrexham.gov.uk Snowdonia Mountains and Coast/Eryri Mynyddoedd a Môr An exciting destination that includes the Snowdonia National Park, Llŷn Peninsula and Cambrian Coastline. A wide choice of quality accommodation, attractions and activities castles, narrow-gauge railways, golf, cycling, walking, award winning beaches, country parks, coastal path, World Heritage Site, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast. Ceredigion - Cardigan Bay & the Cambrian Mountains Some of the UK s finest coast and countryside. Holiday areas include Aberporth, Tresaith, Llangrannog, New Quay, Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Borth, Cardigan, the Teifi Estuary and Valley, Devil s Bridge and the Cambrian Mountains. Popular pursuits include mountain biking, cycling, walking, sailing and angling and, of course, wildlife watching. T: +44 (0) E: brochure@ceredigion.gov.uk Pembrokeshire Britain s Only Coastal National Park Rated by National Geographic magazine experts as the second best coastline in the World. With 186 miles of magnificent and varied coastline and over 50 beaches, there s plenty of space for everyone. Choose between lively Tenby and Saundersfoot or peaceful St Davids and Newport. Perfect for outdoor activities or just relaxing. Wales is the UK s activity capital. Find out more with the help of these FREE action-packed guides and take a look at the websites. Fishing With endless coastline and countless rivers and lakes it s no wonder Wales is an angler s paradise. Golf Wales The secret s out! More and more players are discovering and thoroughly enjoying Golf as it should be in Wales. Unwind in the UK s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, relax on award-winning beaches, and explore unspoilt countryside. Visit some of the UK s best locations for walking, cycling, watersports and golf, together with Swansea, Wales Waterfront City, home to the country s first premiership football team. T: +44 (0) E: tourism@swansea.gov.uk Cardiff, capital of Wales The capital of Wales has unique attractions, top-class entertainment and quality shopping with a difference. Cardiff Castle, the Millennium Stadium, National Museum Cardiff and Wales Millennium Centre combined with Cardiff Bay offer indoor and outdoor entertainment for everyone. T: +44 (0) E: visitor@cardiff.gov.uk Get your free brochures and activity guides Holiday Area Brochures The Isle of Anglesey Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Cardiff The Glamorgan Heritage Coast & Countryside Wye Valley & Vale of Usk The dramatic Heritage Coast and popular resorts of Barry Island and Porthcawl are fringed by lovely Vale and Bridgend countryside and green hills. Discover the special character of an area steeped in history and it s close to Cardiff, Wales cosmopolitan capital. T: +44 (0) or (0) E: tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk tourism@bridgend.gov.uk The Wye Valley and Vale of Usk Brecon Beacons, Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blaenavon World Heritage Site and Celtic Manor Resort. Explore bustling market towns, formidable castles, Roman towns, and magnificent gardens. Busy bees, real ales, artisan producers, Michelin stars and Abergavenny and Newport Food Festivals help to make this the food capital of Wales. All you need for a proper holiday! T: +44 (0) E: tourism@monmouthshire.gov.uk For free copies of any three Holiday Area Brochures please tick the appropriate boxes and send to: visit wales, dept l13, po box 1, cardiff cf24 2xn Name T: +44 (0) E: llandudnotic@conwy.gov.uk Rhyl and Prestatyn Among the best recognised British seaside resorts. Fabulous award-winning beaches with a range of family friendly attractions, events and activities. Walk the Offa s Dyke path in Prestatyn. An hour s drive from Merseyside and the West Midlands. T: +44 (0) / E: rhyl.tic@denbighshire.gov.uk T: +44 (0) E: tourism@gwynedd.gov.uk Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons Step into fabulous walking country, right on your doorstep. Two National Trails and a National Park, charming spa and market towns, outdoor pursuits in outstanding scenery. Home to Hay Literary Festival and Brecon Jazz, events throughout the year make this a destination for all seasons. T: +44 (0) E: tourism@powys.gov.uk T: +44 (0) E: tourism@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Carmarthenshire - Carmarthen Bay Stretching from Carmarthen Bay in the South to the Western Brecon Beacons in the North, discover Wales longest beaches, the Botanic Gardens of Wales, the home of Merlin the magician plus Laugharne, Llandeilo, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Pendine, Llandovery & the Teifi & Towy valleys. Perfect fishing, cycling & walking. T: +44 (0) E: marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk Rhyl & Prestatyn The North Wales Borderlands Snowdonia Mountains & Coast/Eryri Mynyddoedd a Môr Mid Wales & the Brecon Beacons Ceredigion Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains Pembrokeshire Carmarthenshire the Garden of Wales Swansea Bay, Mumbles, Gower, Afan & the Vale of Neath Activity Guides Fishing Wales Golf Wales Address Postcode For free copies of any of the Activity Guides please tick the appropriate boxes and send to: visit wales, dept M13, po box 1, cardiff cf24 2xn Name Address Postcode [ PLEASE PRINT YOUR DETAILS ] 22 23

13 Making the grade All the accommodation featured in this publication has been independently assessed so you can make your choice in confidence, knowing that each place to stay has been given a rating according to the quality and facilities on offer. Accommodation listings These ratings mean that you can be sure of standards and choose the accommodation that is just right for you. Visit Wales and the AA are the only agencies in Wales assessing against nationally agreed standards, checking out over 5,000 places. STARS are your guide to quality. The Star Quality Grading Schemes apply to all types of accommodation: serviced hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast, farm accommodation, hostel/hostel type accommodation, selfcatering cottages and apartments and caravan holiday home and touring/camping parks. All accommodation grades are based on a set of common quality standards agreed by Visit Wales, Visit England, Visit Scotland and the AA. The star ratings reflect the facilities and overall quality of the experience. Cwmcarn Forest Campsite Nantcarn Road, Cwmcarn, Crosskeys, Caerphilly, NP11 7FA cwmcarn-vc@caerphilly.gov.uk Touring & Camping Park What do our star ratings mean? Accommodation operators are graded between one and five stars based on the overall quality of the experience and the facilities available. Simple, practical, no frills Well presented and well run Good level of quality and comfort Very good Excellent Does a lower star rating equal less quality? Many lower star rated accommodations may still offer high quality but do not meet all of the facility and service expectations for the higher star ratings. Is it particularly important not to compare Guest Accommodation ratings against Hotel ratings as different criteria are used when assessing. The advice is to always check that an establishment offers the services and facilities that meet your needs before booking. They will be only too pleased to help. Walkers and cyclists welcome Walking and cyclist enthusiasts should look out for this sign, which includes the boot and wheel symbols. Some properties qualify for both symbols, others just the one. The symbols are displayed by properties that have undertaken to provide features which walkers and cyclists always find welcome. Accommodating visitors with disabilities All Visit Wales graded properties have an Access Statement. This statement tells visitors in a clear, accurate and honest way how the property can meet their particular needs. Please contact the provider directly for details of their access statement. Please note: All gradings and awards were correct at the time of going to press in November Occasionally, it may not have been possible to undertake a grading. This situation is clearly identified by Awaiting Grading appearing within the entry. Grading assessments are ongoing and improvements made by establishments may have resulted in a revision since publication. Please check when booking. Further information on gradings and awards is available from Visit Wales, Welsh Government, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3UR T: E: quality.tourism@wales.gsi.gov.uk Any problems? In the unfortunate event that you do encounter problems with your chosen accommodation, please refer to wales.gov.uk for further guidance. Accommodation is listed alphabetically firstly by Valley, then by grading and establishment name. For further information on accommodation in the area please visit www. and contact the establishment directly for specific requirements. Hotel Guest House B&B Self-Catering Camping/Caravan Farm Cwmcarn Forest Campsite Pods 24 25

14 Left: Afan Lodge Right: Springfields Guest House Afan Valley Afon Lwyd valley Afan Lodge Bryn Teg House Afan Valley Cottage Best Western Parkway Hotel Plas-y-Coed Guest House Ty-Cooke Farm Afan Road, Duffryn Rhondda, Neath Port Talbot, SA13 3ES Craig-y-Fan, Cymmer, West Glamorgan, SA13 3LN jwilliams@brynteghouse.com 27 Beatrice Street, Blaengwynfi, Port Talbot, SA13 3TS info@afanvalleycottage.co.uk Ty Coch Lane, Llantarnam Park Way, Cwmbran, NP44 3UW enquiries@parkwayhotel.co.uk Plas-y-Coed Road, Cwmffrwdoer, Pontypool, NP4 6UE joan.piddin@btconnect.com Mamhilad, Pontypool, NP4 8QZ tycookefarm@hotmail.com Guest House Green Lanterns Guest House Hawdref Ganol Farm, Cimla, Neath Port Talbot, SA12 9SL info@greenlanterns.co.uk Guest House The Barn B&B Ty n Cellar Farm, Water Street, Margam, SA13 2PD relax@thebarnbandbtyncellarfarm.co.uk Bed & Breakfast Tyn y Coed No 10, Ten Acre Wood, Margam, SA13 2SU llewelyn37@talktalk.net Bed & Breakfast Afan Retreat 8a Tonmawr Road, Efail Fach, Port Talbot, SA12 9UB info@afanretreat.co.uk Windways 50 Afan Road, Duffryn Rhondda, Port Talbot, SA13 3ET gary@neuadd-afan.com Self-Catering Glyncorrwg Ponds Ynyscorrwg Park, Glyncorrwg, Port Talbot, SA13 3EA glyncorrwgcampsite@hotmail.com Camping/Caravan Hotel Premier Inn Cwmbran Avondale Road, Pontrhydrun, Cwmbran, NP44 1DE enquiries@premiertravelinn.com Premier Inn Pontypool Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, NP4 0RH enquiries@premierinn.com Travelodge Pontypool Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, NP4 0XB Guest House Springfields Guest House 371 Llantarnam Road, Llantarnam, Cwmbran, NP44 3BN springfields@webster.uk.net Guest House Gelligravog Farm B&B Gelligravog Farm, Cwmbran, NP44 5AT charmandchris@btinternet.com Oakfield B&B 1 Oakfield Terrace, Varteg Road, Blaenavon, NP4 9DS enquiries@oakfieldbnb.com Ty Shon Jacob Farm Tranch, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 6BP tyshonfarm@aol.com Jenny s Cottage 17 Park Street, Blaenavon, NP4 9AB hugothree69@yahoo.co.uk Rhiw Ffranc Farm Apartments Pentwyn, Abersychan, Pontypool, NP4 7TJ rhiwffrancfarm@aol.com co.uk Self-Catering 26 27

15 From Left: Ty Newydd Country Hotel, Cwmcarn Forest Campsite Pods, Soar Chapel Guest House Amman valley Cynon valley DULAIS valley EBBW valley Lothlorien Cottage Ty Newydd Country Hotel The Falcon Inn Crynant Cottages The Newbridge Hotel The Kings Arms 49 Heol y Gors, Cwmgors, Carmarthenshire, SA18 1PT lothlorien@rainbowzebra.com Penderyn Road, Hirwaun, Aberdare, CF44 9SX relax@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk Country House Hotel 1 Incline Row, Off Foundry View, Godreaman, Aberdare, CF44 6LU office@thefalcon.co.uk Llwyn Llanc Uchaf Farm, Crynant, Neath, SA10 8SF crynantcottages@btconnect.com High Street, Newbridge, Caerphilly, NP11 4FH thenewbridgehotel@yahoo.co.uk Hotel New Church Road, Newtown, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, NP23 5BD / paul@paulbowen1.wanadoo.co.uk www. Bryncethin Farm Bryncethin Road, Garnant, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, SA18 1YS info@visitcarmarthenshire.co.uk Self-Catering Bryncoch Farm Camping Llandyfan, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, SA18 2TY southwalescamping@live.co.uk Camping and Log Pods Rofawr Farm Golden Grove, Dryslwyn, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8RP ann@rofawrfarm.com Farm Premier Inn Aberdare Riverside Retail Park, Tirfounder Field, Cwmbach, Aberdare, CF44 0AH Fifth Avenue House Lower Halt Road, Rhigos, Aberdare, CF44 9UP bookings@fifthavenuehouse.co.uk Guest Accommodation Dare Valley Country Park Trecynon, Aberdare, CF44 7RG darevalleycountrypark@rctcbc.gov.uk Guest Accommodation Marquis Inn Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 7EN info@themarquisinn.co.uk Inn Beili Helyg Cwm Cadlan, Penderyn, Aberdare, CF44 0YJ willow.walks@hotmail.co.uk Maesyronnen Ystradfellte, Aberdare, CF44 9JE Cynon Valley Activity Centre Halt Road, Rhigos, Aberdare, CF44 9UW info@cyat.org Bunkhouse Dare Valley Country Park Aberdare, CF44 7RG darevalleycountrypark@rctcbc.gov.uk Caer Arba 7 Brynawel Road, Crynant, Neath, SA10 8SR sueplasypentre@aol.com Nant y Ffin Rhos Common, Crynant, Neath, SA10 8PP enquiries@breconcottages.com The Park Hotel Station Road, Waunlwyd, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, NP23 6TN theparkhotel@live.com www. Hotel Premier Inn Ebbw Vale Victoria Business Park, Waunlwyd, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, NP23 8AN ebbw.vale.pi@premierinn.com Soar Chapel Guest House Baptist Place, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, NP23 5JJ info@soarchapel.co.uk Guest House and B&B Awaiting Grading. Guest House and B&B Cwmcarn Holiday Let 32 Caradoc Street, Crosskeys, Caerphilly, NP11 7EF enquiry@cwmcarnholidaylet.co.uk Cwtch Cottage 23 Medart Street, Crosskeys, Caerphilly, NP11 7AG cwtchcottage@yahoo.co.uk Cwmcarn Forest Campsite Nantcarn Road, Cwmcarn, Crosskeys, Caerphilly, NP11 7FA cwmcarn-vc@caerphilly.gov.uk Touring & Camping Park Inn Touring & Camping Park 28 29

16 ELY VALLEY (LOWER TAFF VALLEY) Gwendraeth Valley Miskin Manor Country House The Countryman Inn Llwynau Farm Pine Lodges Harbour House Blaenpant Dan-Y-Cwarre Pendoylan Road, Miskin, Pontyclun, CF72 8ND Coutry House Hotel Tri-nant Fishery, Llantrisant, CF72 8LQ Inn Llantrisant, Pontyclun, CF72 8LP & Self-Catering The Harbour, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0ER Mynydd Y Garreg, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 4RP meynonfreeman@yahoo.com Five Roads, Llanelli, SA15 5JA jackierawlings@fsmail.net Self-Catering Bed & Breakfast Premier Inn Llantrisant Gwaun Elai, Magden Park, Llantrisant, CF72 8LL Garw valley The Stables at Brook House Rhiwsaeson Road, Cross Inn, Pontyclun, Llantrisant, CF72 8NZ info@thestablesllantrisant.co.uk Bryngarw House Jac Y Do & Ty Rhosyn 23 Park View Drive & 5 Avalon Court, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 5EJ tegwen@burnspet.co.uk 4 Silver Terrace Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0NA rayanddi@tiscali.co.uk Cwmbach Cottage Maesybont, Llanelli, SA14 7SR info@cwmbachcottage.co.uk Maesachddu Cottage Porthyrhyd, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8PX mail@maesachddufarm.co.uk Pantymeillion Cottages Wren Cottage Parc y Llong Holiday Cottages, Off Trimsaran Road, Kidwelly, SA17 4RN julia@westwalescottages.net Self-Catering Black Lion Caravan & Camping Park 78 Black Lion Road, Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, SA14 6RU caravansite@aol.com Camping/Caravan Park Bryngarw House Brynmenyn, Bridgend, CF32 8UU bryngarwhouse@bridgend.gov.uk Country House Hotel Gwendraeth Valley Stradey Park Hotel Furnace, Llanelli, SA15 4HA reservations@stradeyparkhotel.com Hotel Diplomat Hotel Felinfoel, Llanelli, SA15 3PJ reservations@diplomat-hotel-wales.com AA stars Hotel Stradey Park Hotel Cae Abbot Cottages Llangeinor, Bridgend, CF32 8RX Tyn-Y-Cwm Guest House Narberth Road, Pontyates, Llanelli, SA15 5TB mike.mactavish@btinternet.com Guest House Cwrt Y Cadno Heol Waun Y Clun,Trimsaran, Kidwelly, SA17 4BS info@welshcoastholidays.net and Self-Catering Kidwelly Bed & Breakfast 62 Causeway Street, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 4SU kidwellybandb@yahoo.co.uk Betws Eco Lodge Betws Boys & Girls Club, The Old Council School, Heol Dewi Sant, Betws, CF32 8TA / info@yobz.co.uk Bunkhouse Accommodation The Lodge Penyfai Lane, Llanelli, SA15 4EH cardenthelodge@btinternet.com Ffynnon Rhosfa Farm Llwynteg, Llannon, SA14 8JN ffynnon.rhosfa@virgin.net & Bed & Breakfast and Self-Catering 6 Pant Y Gino Trimsaran, Llanelli, SA17 4DJ bookings@ffoslasaccomodation.com 6 Silver Terrace Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0NA linda.emmanuel@btconnect.com Bantwen Off Heol Y Capel, Carmel, Llanelli, SA14 7SG pargeter@btinternet.com Bayview & Sidan Cottage Gwscwm Road, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0YU alun@williams2186.freeserve.co.uk Furnace, Llanelli, SA15 4YB julia@fpplimited.co.uk Tanylan Farm Holidays Tanylan Farm Holidays, Tanylan Farm, Kidwelly, SA17 5HJ barbara@tanylanfarmholidays.co.uk Self- Catering & Camping/ Caravan Garnffrwd Mynyddcerrig, Llanelli, SA15 5BB garnffrwd@btinternet.com & 2,3,4 Parc Y Llong 2,3,4 Parc Y Llong, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 4RN julia@westwalescottages.net Self-Catering Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park, Port Way, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 5HQ holidaysales.carmarthenbay@parkresorts.com Holiday Park Fferm Glanyrynys Farm Porthyrhyd, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8PX Glanyrynysfarm@btconnect.com Farm B&B & Self-Catering Penlan Isaf Farm Penlan Isaf Farm, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 5JR kidwellyfarmcottage@live.co.uk Awaiting Grading. Farm B&B & Self-Catering 30 31

17 Romany Caravan NEATH valley Castle Hotel The Parade, Neath, SA11 1RB Hotel The Bluebell Hotel The Parade, Neath, SA11 1RA Clockwise from above: The Bluebell Hotel, Coed Y Mwstwr Hotel, Miners Cottage, Heron s Brook B&B Hotel Llynfi valley Cwmbach Cottages Col-Mar Guest House 2 Bethania Street, Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 9DJ marlene@colmarguesthouse.plus.com Ty Tanglwyst Farm Cottages Ty Tanglwyst Farm, Pyle, Bridgend, CF33 4SA info@tytanglwystholidaycottages.co.uk Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton, Neath, SA10 8AH l.morgan5@btinternet.com & Guest House Meadow View Ogmore valley Coed Y Mwstwr Hotel Hazelwood Guest House Rhondda valley Ty Draw Farm B&B Guest House EcoDysgu Tondu House Farm, Tondu, Bridgend, CF32 9HF ecodysguecolearn@aol.com Bunkhouse Swn Y Nant Cwm Risca Lane, off New Road, Tondu, Bridgend, CF32 0EH aclswnynant@hotmail.co.uk Ty Gwyneth Ffordd y Gyfraith, Tondu, Bridgend, CF32 0BS gaina@gainamorganmedia.co.uk Ty Maen Cottage Llangynwyd, Maesteg, CF34 0EH / tymaencottage@aol.com Romany Caravan Ffordd y Gyfraith, Tondu, Bridgend, CF32 0BS gaina@gainamorganmedia.co.uk Awaiting Grading. Self-Catering Yr Hen Beudy Bach Ulwch-Y-Felin, Garth Fach, Llangynwyd, Maesteg, CF34 0EH / byron.lambert@virgin.net Awaiting Grading. Self-Catering Cwm Tawel Llety Brongu, Llangynwyd, Masteg, CF34 0DU cwmtawel@gmail.com Awaiting Grading. Alternative Accommodation Brynhyfryd Ffordd y Gyfraith, Tondu, Bridgend, CF32 0BS Glan Gwrelych, Glynneath, Neath, SA11 5LN holidaysinthecountry@hotmail.co.uk Neath Valley View Aberdulais, Neath, SA10 8HL enquiries@neathvalleyview.com Yr Hen Stabl Abergwrelych House, Pontwalby, Glynneath, SA11 5LN margaret@cottagessouthwales.com Clyngwyn Bunkhouse Ystradfellte Road, Pontneddfechan, SA11 5US enquiries@bunkhouse-south-wales.co.uk Bunkhouse Coychurch, Bridgend, CF35 6AF hotel@coed-y-mwstwr.com Hotel Masons Arms Hotel Bryncethin, Bridgend, CF32 9YR masonsarms@googl .com Inn Days Inn Bridgend Cardiff Sarn Park Services, M4 Junction 36, Bridgend, CF32 9RW cardiff.hotel@welcomebreak.co.uk Premier Inn Bridgend Central The Derwen, Bridgend, CF32 9ST Tondy Road, Bridgend, CF31 4LJ info@hazelwood-house.co.uk Guest House Heron s Brook B&B 2 Buarthau, Blackmill, Bridgend, CF35 6ER Heronston Barn Cottage Heronston Barn Cottage, Heronston Lane, Ewenny, Bridgend, CF31 3AX holiday@heronston.co.uk Miners Cottage Margam Row, Kenfig Hill, Bridgend, CF33 6DP cottage@minerscottage.com Blaencwm, Treorchy, CF42 5DW tydrawfarm@yahoo.com Heronston Barn Cottage, Camping/Caravan Park 32 33

18 Rhymney valley Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa Maesycwmmer, Near Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, CF82 7SN Hotel Premier Inn Caerphilly North Corbetts Lane, Caerphilly, CF83 3HX Premier Inn Crossways Crossways Business Park, Pontypandy, Caerphilly, CF83 3NL Travelodge Caerphilly Castlegate, Penrhos Roundabout, Nantgarw Road, Caerphilly, CF83 1SN Ty Castell Guest House 48 St Martins Road, Caerphilly, CF83 1EJ Guest House Wern Ganol Guest House Caerphilly Road, Nelson, Caerphilly, CF46 6PS Guest House Cottage Guest House Mountain View, Pwllypant, Caerphilly, CF83 3SA Guest House Y Fron Guest House Pwllypant, Caerphilly, CF83 3HW cwmdu@hotmail.co.uk Guest House Bryn Heulog 11 Bedwellty Road, Aberbargoed, Caerphilly, CF81 9AE brynheulogguesthouse.bb@googl .com Highfields Tir-y-Berth Farm, Penpedairheol, Hengoed, Caerphilly, CF82 8BS anitaevans@hotmail.co.uk Lugano Hillside, Mountain Road, Caerphilly, CF83 1HN lugano_guesthouse@gmail.com Bed & Breakfast The Coach House Guest House 2 Twyn Sych, Rudry, Caerphilly, CF83 3EF coachhouserudry@yahoo.co.uk Bed & Breakfast Journey s End B&B 27 Newport Road, Trethomas, Caerphilly, CF83 8DA journeysend@u.w.club.net Bed & Breakfast The Forge Lower Machen, Caerphilly, NP10 8GU Bed & Breakfast Castell Cottage 1 St Martins Road, Caerphilly, CF83 1EF tomleach@live.co.uk Gwern-Ty-Isaf Cottage Mill Road, Deri, Bargoed, Caerphilly, CF81 9HF lidog166@aol.com Valley Break 72 Hanbury Street, Glan Y Nant, Bargoed, Caerphilly, NP12 3XP jan@valleybreak.co.uk The Courtyard Bryncenydd House, Nantgarw Road, Caerphilly, CF83 3FB nigelwphillips@aol.com Self-Catering Llwyn Iago Farm Guest House Fochriw, Nr Bargoed, Caerphilly, CF81 9JR llwyn.iago@lineone.net Farmhouse Top: Bryn Meadows Golf & Country Hotel Middle left: Castell Cottage Middle right: Gwern-Ty-Isaf Cottage Bottom: Highfields 34 35

19 Sirhowy valley swansea valley and mawr Halfway House Upper Gelligroes, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, Caerphilly, NP12 2HT Safe Haven Lodges Ty Hafod Tudor, Wattsville, Caerphilly, NP11 7QQ Clockwise from Left: Safe Haven Lodges, Cwmshon Cottages, Cilhendre Fawr Cottages, Taylor s B&B at The Rock Inn Taylor s B&B at The Rock Upper Grippath Farm Holiday Cottages Tredegar Road, Blackwood, Caerphilly, NP12 1DD therocktavern@btconnect.co.uk Risca, Caerphilly, NP11 6JB holidaycottages@uppergrippath.co.uk Inn Roseland B&B Bunkhouse at Parc Bryn Bach Roseland Dukestown Road, Dukestown, Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, NP22 4RE susanroseland@hotmail.co.uk Countryside Centre, Merthyr Road, Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, NP22 3AY parcbrynbach@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk Bunkhouse Cwmcarn Holiday Apartments Parc Bryn Bach Caravan Site 123a Newport Road, Cwmcarn, Near Crosskeys, NP11 7LZ cwmcarnholidayapartments@gmail.com Glendene Garden Annexe Glendene 9 Gelli Avenue, Risca, Caerphilly, NP11 6QF sharman.stark@sky.com Countryside Centre, Merthyr Road, Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, NP22 3AY parcbrynbach@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk Camping/Caravan Park Pen Y Fan Caravan Park Manmoel Road, Near Oakdale, Caerphilly, NP12 OHY graham@daviesandhext.co.uk Touring & Holiday Park Pentre Tai Farm B&B Rhiwderin, Near Newport, NP10 8RQ enquiries@pentretaifarm.co.uk Farmhouse Roseland B&B Cwmshon Cottages 8 & 9 Old Road, Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot, SA8 4PN cwmshon@rickson.idps.co.uk Gellifelgaws Farm Tyllwyd Road, Bryncoch, Neath, SA10 7DX walesholidaysdirect@live.co.uk Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, Swansea, SA8 3JQ enquiries@walescottages.com 1 & 2 Tan Yr Eglwys Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot, SA8 3JR rees.lloyd@btinternet.com Cilhendre Fawr Cottages Wernddu Road, Alltwen, Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot, SA8 3HY info@cilhendrefawrfarmcottages.co.uk Rose Cottage 40 Pen y Bryn, Cwmllynfell, Neath Port Talbot, SA9 2FL Valley View Craigcefnparc, Swansea, SA6 5TE cartrefholidays@fsmail.net 7 Quarry Road Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot, SA8 4JD david.t.hwathorne@btinternet.com Self-Catering White Springs Garnswllt Road, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8QG edward_lloyd@btconnect.com Self-Catering Sleeping Giant Cottage 53 Heol Rhiolau, Abercrave, SA9 1TQ maggie.hinde@ntlworld.com

20 Taff valley Bessemer Hotel Hermon Close, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3DP Clockwise from Left: The Butchers Arms Merthyr Tydfil Camera Club, Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre, Nant Ddu Lodge Hotel Merthyr Tydfil Camera Club Bessemer Hotel Hotel Castle Hotel Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8BG Hotel Heritage Park Hotel Coed Cae Road, Trehafod, Pontypridd, CF37 2NP Premier Inn Merthyr Tydfil Mount Pleasant Inn Fairmead Guest House Winch Fawr Lodge Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre Hotel Llechwen Hall Hotel Cilfynydd, Pontypridd, CF37 4HP Country House Hotel Nant Ddu Lodge Hotel Cwmtaf, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2HY Hotel Tregenna Hotel Park Terrace, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8RF Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4BD Travelodge Merthyr Tydfil Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Village, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UT Central Guest House Stow Hill, Treforest, Pontypridd, CF37 1RZ Guest House Llwyn Onn Guest House Mount Pleasant, Merthyr Vale, CF48 4TD Inn Penrhadw Farm Guest House Penrhadw Farm, Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2TU Guest House The Mount Guest House 41 Lan Park Road, Craigwen, Pontypridd, CF37 2DL Guest House 24 Gelligaer Road, Trelewis, Treharris, CF46 6DN Ty Gronfa Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UP Ceffyl Cottage Cefn Farmyard, Cefn Lane, Pontypridd, CF37 3AL Winch Fawr, Heolgerrig, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1RD nigel@winchfawrlodge.com The Butchers Arms Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UE info@butchersarmspontsticill.co.uk Hostel University of Glamorgan Glamorgan Conference Centre, University of Glamorgan, Treforest, CF37 1DL events@glam.ac.uk & Campus Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3PW dolygaer@merthyr.gov.uk Hostel Grawen Farm Cwmtaf, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2HS grawen.touring@virgin.net Camping/Caravan Park Hotel The Imperial Hotel High Street, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8UH imperial.hotel@btinternet.com Llwyn Onn, Cwmtaf, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2HT reception@llwynonn.co.uk Guest House Tredegar Arms Hotel 66 High Street, Dowlais Top, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3PW bookings@tredegararmshotel.co.uk Inn Granary Cottages Ystradgynwyn, Torpantau, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UT sian@granary-cottages.co.uk Castle Hotel Merthyr Tydfil Camera Club Hotel 38 39

21 Attractions listings ACTivites Absolute Adventures Ltd Upper Swansea Valleys Afan Forest Safari Port Talbot Amman Valley Riverside Cycle Path Amman Valley All Terrain Services Pontardawe Blaenafon Mountain Tours Blaenavon BMX at Parc Bryn Bach Tredegar Bryn Oer Tramroad Tredegar Caerau BMX Track Bridgend Call of the Wild Ltd Neath Climbing Station Pontypridd County Cycles Cross Hands Cwmcarn Mountain Bike Trails Cwmcarn Cwmdown Mountain Bike Uplift Service Cwmcarn Dare Valley Country Park Aberdare Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre Merthyr Tydfil Dulais Valley Quads & Archery Centre Neath Dynamic Rock Adventures Ltd Clydach Ebbw Fach Trail Blaenau Gwent EcoDysgu EcoLearn Tondu, Bridgend G-Force Karting Pontypool Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre & Ponds Port Talbot Go Ape! High Wire Forest Adventure Port Talbot Gwent Adventures Pontypool Liquidfriction Adventure Port Talbot Milestone Activities Pontyclun Outdoor Ed Venture Pen Y Cae Paraventure Airsports Blaenavon Parc Bryn Bach Activity Centre Tredegar Pontymoile Day Boat Hire Pontypool Pontypool Ski Centre Pontypool Ps Cycles Abercarn Quad Challenge Amman Valley Rock UK Merthyr Tydfil Sbri Cymru Ltd Swansea South Wales 2000 Shooting Ground Nr Newbridge Supertubing at Festival Park Ebbw Vale Surfschool Wales Port Talbot Swiss Valley Cycle Route Llanelli Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre Pontypridd Team Force Paintball Llangyfelach Top Gun Paintball Neath Twin Dragons Archery Range Pontypool Vale of Neath Gliding Club Glynneath Wales Activity Breaks Pontypridd Wet and Wild Adventures Pentre HORSE RIDING CENTRES Amman Valley Trotting Club Amman Valley Cimla Trekking & Equestrian Centre Cimla Neath Dinefwr Riding Centre Amman Valley E K M Equestrian Bridgend Greenmeadow Riding Centre Aberdare Rockwood Riding Centre Rhondda Cynon Taff HORSE RIDING CENTRES (continued) South Wales Equestrian Centre Bridgend Sunny Bank Equestrian Centre Rudry Talygarn Equestrian Centre Pontyclun Tickens Trekking Centre Cwmbran Tir Twyn Farm Yard Ystrad Mynach Waun Fawr Farm Riding School Pontardawe ARTS AND CRAFTS Ammanford Miners Theatre Ammanford Art Gallery - Rhondda Heritage Park Trehafod Beaufort Theatre and Ballroom Ebbw Vale Berwyn Centre Nantymoel, Bridgend Black Mountain Gallery Cwmllynfell Blackwood Miners Institute Blackwood Bro Aman Museum Ammanford Canolfan Soar Merthyr Tydfil Congress Theatre Cwmbran Corner House Gallery Ammanford Ebbw Vale Institute Ebbw Vale Llanhilleth Miners Institute Llanhilleth Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre Cwmbran Market Hall Cinema Brynmawr Muni Arts Centre Pontypridd Myfanwy Theatre Merthyr Tydfil Parc and Dare Theatre Treorchy Parc Howard Museum and Art Gallery Llanelli Pontardawe Arts Centre Pontardawe Tredegar Little Theatre Tredegar The Coliseum Theatre Aberdare The Grogg Shop & Museum Pontypridd The Met Abertillery GOLF CLUBS Aberdare Golf Club Aberdare Bargoed Golf Club Bargoed Blackwood Golf Club Blackwood Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa Blackwood Caerphilly Golf Club Caerphilly Corus Golf Club Port Talbot Earlswood Golf Club Neath Garnant Golf Club Amman Valley Glyn Abbey Golf Club Trimsaran Glynhir Golf Club Amman Valley Greenmeadow Golf & Country Club Cwmbran Lakeside Golf Club Port Talbot Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club Llantrisant Llanyrafon Golf Course Cwmbran Maesteg Golf Club Maesteg Merthyr Tydfil (Cilsanws) Golf Club Merthyr Tydfil Morlais Castle Golf Merthyr Tydfil Mountain Ash Golf Club Rhondda Cynon Taff Neath Golf Club Neath

22 GOLF CLUBS (continued) Oakdale Golf Course Oakdale Parc Bryn Bach Golf Course Tredegar Pontardawe Golf Club Pontardawe Pontnewydd Golf Club Cwmbran Pontypool Golf Club Pontypool Pontypridd Golf Club Pontypridd Rhondda Golf Club Pontygwaith Ridgeway Golf Club Caerphilly Tredegar & Rhymney Golf Club Tredegar Virginia Park Golf Club & Driving Range Caerphilly West Monmouthshire Golf Club Brynmawr Whitehall Golf Club Treharris Woodlake Park Golf & Country Club Pontypool VISITOR ATTRACTIONS Bedwellty House and Park Tredegar Big Pit: National Coal Museum Blaenavon Blaenafon Cheddar Company Blaenavon Blaenavon Heritage Railway Blaenavon Caerau BMX Track Bridgend Chocs Away Blaenavon Cwmbran Boating Lake Cwmbran Canolfan Cyfarthfa and Splashpad Merthyr Tydfil Festival Park Ebbw Vale Ffos Las Racecourse Trimsaran Garwnant Visitor Centre Merthyr Tydfil Greenmeadow Community Farm Cwmbran Llantarnam Abbey Cwmbran Maesteg Town Hall Maesteg Margam Abbey Stones Museum Port Talbot Margam Country Park Port Talbot Mynydd Bach Trout Ponds Maesteg Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park Upper Gwendraeth Valley Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre Aberdare Pontardawe Arts Centre Swansea Princess Royal Theatre Port Talbot Roundhouse Towers Nantyglo Shell Grotto Pontypool St. Elvan s Church Aberdare St. James Pond Tredegar St. John the Baptist Church Aberdare The Black Mountain Centre Ammanford The Pit Pony Sanctuary Pontypridd Thomas Dadford Canal Trip Boat Neath at The General Offices Ebbw Vale Wiggley s Fun Farm Bridgend HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS Aber Valley Heritage Museum Senghenydd /5 Aberbeeg Packhorse Bridge Aberbeeg Aberdulais Tinworks & Waterfall Neath Abertillery & District Museum Abertillery HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS (continued) Aneurin Bevan Trail Tredegar Bedwellty House & Park Tredegar Big Pit: National Coal Museum Blaenavon Blaenafon Community Heritage & Cordell Museum Blaenavon Blaenavon Ironworks Blaenavon Blaenavon World Heritage Centre Blaenavon Blaengarw Workmen s Hall Blaengarw, Bridgend Blaina Heritage Action Group Museum Blaina Brecon Mountain Railway Merthyr Tydfil Brynmawr Museum Brynmawr Butetown Heritage Trail Butetown, Rhymney Caerphilly Castle Caerphilly Cefn Coed Viaduct Merthyr Tydfil Cefn Coed Colliery Museum Neath Cefn Cribwr Ironworks Bridgend Cefn Golau Cholera Cemetery Tredegar Chartists Cave Tredegar Chartist Exhibition and Information Centre Blaina Coity Castle Bridgend Clydach Ironworks Brynmawr Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Park Merthyr Tydfil Cynon Valley Museum and Gallery Aberdare Ebbw Vale Works Archival Trust The Works, Ebbw Vale Folly Tower Pontypool Garw Valley Railway Company Ltd Sarn, Bridgend Gelligaer Roman Fort Gelligaer Guardian Abertillery Gwent Record Office Ebbw Vale Joseph Parry s Ironworker s Cottage Merthyr Tydfil Kidwelly Castle Kidwelly Kidwelly Industrial Museum Kidwelly Llancaiach Fawr Manor Nelson Llanyrafon Mill Cwmbran Miners Family Statue Llwynypia Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Pontypool Nantgarw China Works Museum Nantgarw Nye Bevan Memorial Stones Tredegar Pontypool Museum Pontypool Pontypridd Museum Pontypridd Rhondda Heritage Park Pontypridd Ruperra Castle (Preservation Trust) Machen Sirhowy Ironworks Tredegar South Wales Miners Museum Port Talbot St. Illtyd s Church Abertillery St. Peter s Church Pontardawe The Old Bridge Pontypridd The General Offices Ebbw Vale Tredegar Town Clock Tredegar Tredegar Museum Tredegar Trefil Rail Road Tredegar

23 HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS (continued) Trevithick s Tunnel Merthyr Tydfil Ty Ebbw Fach Abertilllery Ty Mawr Mansion & Roundhouse Towers Nantyglo Winding House New Tredegar Ynysangharad War Memorial Park Pontypridd Ynysfach Engine House Merthyr Tydfil COUNTRY PARKS Aberdare Park Aberdare Afan Forest Safari Port Talbot Afan Forest Park & Visitor Centre Port Talbot Allt Nant Y Ci Recreational Park Ammanford Barry Sidings Country Park Pontypridd Beaufort Hill Woodlands Ebbw Vale Bryngarw Country Park Bridgend Carmel Woods Nature Reserve Llandybie Craig-y-nos Country Park Pen Y Cae Cwmcarn Forest Cwmcarn Cwmcelyn Pond Blaina Cwmtillery Lakes Abertillery Cyfarthfa Park Merthyr Tydfil Dare Valley Country Park Aberdare Festival Park Ebbw Vale Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve Blaenavon Glamorgan Wildlife Trust Tondu, Bridgend Gelli Aur Country Park Gelli Aur Gnoll Estate Country Park Port Talbot Kidwelly Quay & Glan Yr Afon Nature Reserve Kidwelly Lakeside Farm Park Glynogwr, Blackmill Llyn Llech Owain Country Park Gorslas Margam Country Park Port Talbot Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park Tumble Parc Bryn Bach Tredegar Parc Coetir Bargoed Bargoed Parc Cwm Darran Bargoed Parc Nant y Waun Ebbw Vale / Brynmawr Parc Penallta Caerphilly Parc Slip Nature Park Tondu, Bridgend Parc Taf Bargoed Trelewis, Merthyr Tydfil Pen y Fan Pond & Country Park Blackwood Pontypool Park Pontypool RSPB Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve Clydach Silent Valley Nature Reserve Ebbw Vale Sirhowy Country Park Nr Crosskeys St James Reservior Tredegar Ynysangharad War Memorial Park Pontypridd Ynys Dawela Nature Reserve Amman Valley Originally a coaching inn dating back to the 17th century and birthplace of the Welsh Rugby Union, the family run Castle Hotel is a delightful retreat located in the heart of Neath. Enjoy two nights accommodation in a family room with a hearty Welsh breakfast to get you on your way both mornings. Afan Forest Park is a 48 square-mile haven for walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts, but what better way to explore the area than by Land Rover as part of the Win a two night BREAK for a FAMily of four We re offering one lucky family of four a chance to escape to The Valleys for a weekend getaway at the Castle Hotel in Neath and a full day Land Rover safari experience through Afan Forest Park. Afan Forest Safari? Our four lucky winners will travel by road, country lanes and ancient byways and take in the deep narrow valleys, forested mountains, diverse local history and varied wildlife on an unforgettable full day adventure safari with a two course lunch included. Visit www. to enter and be in with a chance of winning a weekend with a warm welcome* Afan Forest Safari is open all year round with special deer feed trips in Margam Park between January and March and a new night time adventure safari using night vision devices to see how the forest looks after dark! The three star Castle Hotel boasts 29 tasteful and traditionally furnished bedrooms, Green s Restaurant, which serves a fine selection of fresh, local produce and the on-site Lounge and Castle Bars. GUIDES Blue Badge Guides Central Enquiry Cordell Country Official Guides Eco Explore Walking Tours Machen Heads of the Valleys Tour Guide Network M W Guiding Services Treharris Tywi Tours Ammanford *Terms and conditions: Prize includes two nights accommodation in a family room at the Castle Hotel. Prize includes breakfast for four on both days. Prize includes a full day s activity at Afan Forest Safari including lunch. Prize must be redeemed in 2012 and 14 working days notice must be provided. Prize is subject to availability and is non transferable. Competition closes on 31 July For full T&Cs visit 45

24 How to find us By CoACH and bus Traveline Cymru Traveline Cymru provides an all Wales information service. T: +44 (0) National Express National Express provides coach services to Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd with good onward connections to The Valleys. T: +44 (0) Tourist Information Centres If you d like some help in planning your trip or for information on the local area, contact one of the Tourist Information Centres below, where the friendly and knowledgable staff will be pleased to help you. By Car Aberdulais Falls Llanelli The M4, M5 and M50 provide easy access to The Valleys from the South East, the Home Counties, the Midlands and the South West. By Train Hourly services from major cities to Cardiff with good regional railway connections to The Valleys. National Rail Enquiries T: +44 (0) Eurotunnel T: +44 (0) By Sea Services operating across the Irish Sea: Fastnet Line (Cork to Swansea) T: +44 (0) Stena Line (Rosslare to Fishguard) T: +44 (0) Irish Ferries (Rosslare to Pembroke) T: +44 (0) By Air Cardiff Airport, Bristol Airport and Birmingham Airport handle flights into the region from the UK, Europe and USA. For flight information: Cardiff Airport T:+44 (0) Bristol Airport T: +44 (0) Birmingham Airport T: +44 (0) Aberdulais Falls National Trust Property, Aberdulais, Neath, SA10 8EU T: +44 (0) E: aberdulaistic@nationaltrust.org.uk Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and TIC Church Road, Blaenavon, NP4 9AE (closed Mondays except Bank Holidays) T: +44 (0) E: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk Bridgend Bridgend Designer Outlet, The Derwen, Bridgend, CF32 9SU T: +44 (0) E: tourism@bridgend.gov.uk Visit Caerphilly Twyn Square, Caerphilly, CF83 1JL T: +44 (0) E: tourism@caerphilly.gov.uk Carmarthen Castle House, Adj to County Hall, Carmarthen, SA31 1JP T: +44 (0) E: carmarthentic@ carmarthenshire.gov.uk Millennium Coastal Park Discovery Centre, Millennium Coastal Park, North Dock, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 2LF T: +44 (0) E: discoverycentre@ carmarthenshire.gov.uk Merthyr Tydfil 14a Glebeland Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AU T: +44 (0) E: tic@merthyr.gov.uk Pontypridd Museum and Tourist Information Centre, Bridge Street, Pontypridd, CF37 4PE T: +44 (0) E: enquiries@pontypriddmuseum.org.uk Visit Swansea Bay Plymouth Street, Swansea, SA1 3QG T: +44 (0) E: tourism@swansea.gov.uk Tredegar Parc Bryn Bach Countryside Centre, Merthyr Road, Tredegar, NP22 3AY T: +44 (0) E: parcbrynbach@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk 46 47

25 We love to talk in The Valleys and we d love to hear from you. There are lots of ways to get involved: Sign up to our newsletter at www. to find out the latest news, special offers, competitions and exclusive events. us at contactus@ Find LoveTheValleys on, and Download The Valleys Top 50 Guide iphone app for free at itunes Use the QR reader app on your smart phone to scan this code to enter our competition. Cover image: Geraint Thomas, MBE in Cwmcarn Forest The Valleys Heart and Soul This guide has been funded and produced by The Valleys Consortium consisting of Blaenau Gwent CBC, Bridgend CBC, Caerphilly CBC, Carmarthenshire CC, Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Neath Port Talbot CBC, Powys Council, Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC, City and County of Swansea, Torfaen CBC, Welsh Government and Capital Region Tourism. Important notice: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this publication, the publishers cannot accept liability whatsoever for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, or for any matter in any way connected with or arising out of the publication of the information. This brochure may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the prior consent of the publishers. 48