The town of Aberdare

History

In the early nineteenth century, Aberdare is an agricultural village. The place is growing rapidly due to the abundance of coal reserves and iron ore. The population of the whole parish (religious community), which is only 1486 in 1801 is multiplied by ten during the first half of the nineteenth century.

Then, the population decreases because of the disappearance of most heavy industries.

Location

Aberdare is a town in Wales (Mid Glamorgan) south-west of Merthyr Tydfil, in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff.

The Dare Valley Country Park

The Park was opened in December 1973.

It was developped on a former coal mine.

The development of the park took two years and involved the clearing of coal tips and re-routing of the River Dare.

There are many historical remnants of the coal mining past to be seen in the Park, including colliery coal trams, and pit winding gear which forms part of a monument in the northern part of the Park.

In 1985 a Visitor Centre was established in the Park. You can visit the interactive visitor centre or you can Relax in the Country Park Café, 'y Cwtch'.

In the park, you can walk the network of countryside walks and trails, it is possible to experience the birds, countryside and spectacular views, 

There is also a camping site and a hotel with nice views of the country park.

by Mathis DE GREVE