We proceeded down the motorway to Neath and over the mountain to Pontardawe. From there we drove over the mountain to Cwmllynfell. Unfortunately, the Highland Cattle, which are frequently observed on the mountain, were today conspicuous by their absence. From Cwmllynfell we drove down through Ystrad Owen, Upper Cwmtwrch and Lower Cwmtwrch to meet the main Swansea Valley road at Ystalyfera and then on to the Abercrave Inn for coffee in the garden.
For those of you who have not been to the Abercrave Inn, this is a high quality eating establishment with bar meals and an excellent restaurant. The garden which boasts a waterfall and pool is a very pleasant spot to enjoy a quiet drink and/or coffee.
On leaving Abercrave we took the road over the mountain to Glynneath, passing the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on the hill. Some of you may remember the gardens at Penscynnor in Neath which closed some years ago. Most of the chimpanzees now at the sanctuary were housed at Penscynnor but there are also chimpanzees from abroad which have been rescued.
From Glynneath we took the old road down through Resolven, Abergarwed and Ynysarwed with a stop at Rheola to view the canal. Although we passed Aberdulais Falls, there was no time today to stop so this can be kept for a future visit. We then crossed the valley to Tonna and travelled down the valley to visit Gnoll Park at Neath.
Gnoll Park seems to be a well kept secret as not many people know it’s there. It’s a large park with many lakes and wild birds. There are forest walks and it is possible to walk from the very top lake and the Moss House, down through the trees to the park itself which has three lakes, cascades which were built in the 18th Century, a children’s adventure park, cafe, and shop.
We then made our way to Pontrhydyfen, the birth place of Richard Burton, Ivor Emmanuel and Rebecca Evans, and down to Port Talbot and back onto the M4.
Philip and Glenis then left the run as Philip was attending his old school’s Centenary Celebrations in Barry.
It was a good run which we enjoyed. The weather was good and we hope to be able to enjoy another run next month.