Llwybr Macho Riverside Walk The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk The Sleeping Giant Foundation 1

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk The Present 2 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk • The Riverside Walk ‘Llwybr Macho’ at Abercraf is one of the sites of great importance in the heritage of the Swansea valley. The feeder for the Swansea canal is found here and it is this canal that opened up the valley’s riches to the industrial revolution. This feeder also provided water to power some 40 water powered installations that are sited along the canal. The path was used during the industrial revolution by miners and other workers in Abercraf. • The path benefits from being a site of natural beauty in mature deciduous woodland with many rare species of plant life. It is a haven for wildlife and salmon can be seen leaping the weir in late summer. 3 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk • The local community have long desired the path to be restored, as plant and tree growth and degenerating drainage are threatening to undermine the structure. They value the path not only as part of the heritage of Abercraf, but also as a valuable asset to the health and well-being of the local community. • We are in possession of over 20 signatures from people having walked this path for over 20 years and are in the process of registering the path in the hopes of linking it with the local path network. We have been in communication with British Waterways and Powys County Council who own the land to move this forward. 4 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk The head of the Llwybr Macho riverside walk is an important historical site. It is here that the feeder for the old Swansea canal can be found. It was this canal that enabled the industrial revolution to come to the valley. 5 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk Many features remain giving a glimpse into the heritage of the site. 6 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk The river Tawe, which runs alongside the walk, is forced through a gorge of sculpted rock and provides much geological interest. 7 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk The whole riverside walk is a haven for wildlife and many rare plant species can be found. 8 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk The Llwybr Macho riverside walk is a place of peace and calm away from the rush of daily life. It is used and appreciated by the local community. 9 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk It is also of interest to any visitors staying in Abercrave and the surrounding area. 10 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk The Past 11 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk • The Swansea Canal was the lifeline of the industrial revolution in the Swansea valley. • It enabled the mineral rich area of the upper Swansea valley to be exploited and its goods transported globally. Abercraf would not exist in its present form if it was not for this valuable asset. • The canal was completed in 1798 with the weir at the head of the Riverside Walk being rebuilt several times with the last known date of 1842. • The canal was originally meant to continue further up the valley, but due to a geological fault it had to terminate at Abercraf. The river Tawe which runs the length of the Swansea valley is channelled into a rock gorge at Abercraf and this enabled the canal builders to utilise the force of this water to fill the canal and run many other industries around the area. 12 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk The Future 13 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk How shall we preserve this place for the future? • a sculpture trail with work from local artists celebrating our heritage • a heritage trail of information boards • schools bringing children to learn of the heritage of the walk and how it contributed to the history of the area • nature outings in all seasons to watch and record the plant and animal life to contribute to national nature statistics • art days with activities for children and adults taking inspiration from the environment, the weir, the gorge, the wildlife etc • a procession of ‘workers’ in period costume with a performance at the weir head by local community theatre company 14 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk How do we link with other sites of significant heritage value in our area? • Our area is full of sites of heritage and historical importance. • At present there is very little publicised about our area which must be re-addressed as little is known of the many new technological innovations were started in the valley. • We can foresee that the regeneration of the Riverside Walk will be the first step in the promotion of the richness of our heritage and our wonderful countryside. • We can foresee that this can be a start of a heritage network of sites in the local area, of trails and walks, with guided outings and bus trips. 15 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk Other local sites of heritage and historical importance. Cribarth Mountain Site of geological and historical importance. ‘The Sleeping Giant’ 16 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk Other local sites of heritage and historical importance. Claypon’s Tram and winding house. Extensive tram networks are found on the Cribarth and Drum Mountains 17 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk Other local sites of heritage and historical importance. ‘Venty’ Ystradgynlais and District was a centre of the industrial revolution. Many relics of this past age are still around but most are in need of repair, restoration and celebration. 18 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk Other local sites of heritage and historical importance. Henrhyd Waterfall The tallest in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Only a few miles from Llwybr Macho this little known fall and valley walk is a gem of natural beauty in the upper Swansea Valley. 19 The Sleeping Giant Foundation

Llwybr Macho – Riverside Walk Contacts • John Williams – Forestry Commision • Lin Ashford – CCW • Clive Reed – Swansea Canal Society • Ruth Waycott – Herian • Marcus Punter – Powys County Council • Ystradgynlais Town Council • British Waterways 20 The Sleeping Giant Foundation