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With a long history of hopes, multiculturalism and strife to make a living, Cynon Valley is a picturesque Welsh region in the vicinity of Cardiff, once hosting crowded proletarian abodes scattered across it, and now a delight of tourists, drizzled with coquet Welsh houses and cottages. For a significant period of time, the economic value of Cynon valley resided in its underground mineral resources, which turned the valley into a mining region. It soon became populated with miners with different ethnic backgrounds, most notable in terms of numbers being the Polish, Italian and Irish migrants. They lived in rather poor conditions and housing was provided for them, looking rather grim and later turning into an unsavoury place to be, due to safety reasons. The overall image and feeling the valley projected unto visitors was far from aesthetics and countryside tranquility, as life was rough and the landscape was hardly pleasing to the eye due to the industrial activity that had taken over the region.
Today, however, the rough and rowdy
mining community has evolved into a completely different setting and
atmosphere altogether, suffering a radical transformation for the
better, as Cynon Valley enjoys worldwide appreciation for its natural
and architectural beauty – no wonder many deem it one of the
most beautiful places in the whole of Wales and the UK. For those who
want to gaze at peaceful and uplifting sceneries, a number of places
are recommended, such as Craig-y-Llyn summit, Dare Valley Country Park,
a mountain top footpath called Abercynon Ridgeway, which is ideal for
walking and photography enthusiasts. While the footpath also uncovers
the Merthyr valley in all its splendor, the Craig-y-Llyn summit, due to
its altitude, offers the best possible view over both Cynon and Rhonda
valley. Dare Valley County Park also offers the chance to
explore a vast and geologically varied territory and includes paths of
gradual difficulty, which will make any hiker’s delight.
With regards to cultural centres and places when one can see the
historical, traditional and spiritual essence of Cynon Valley
concentered in documents, artifacts, works of art and information of
all kinds that is most useful to tourists, there are a few places you
can’t miss. One of them is Cwamam Public Hall and Institute,
which is mainly an artistic centre but also includes a cinema and other
entertainment facilities on its grounds; it is a place of gathering for
artists of many kinds and an endeared venue to many inhabitants across
the valley. Another artistic centre is the Coliseum Theater, reserved
mainly for theater and cinematography. But first and foremost, if you
want to get more acquainted with the area the first place you should go
is Cynon Valley Museum & Gallery, which takes you back in time,
on a journey from ancient to modern times, as you can watch the history
and evolution of the Cynon valley unfold before your eyes.
Also, there are many architecturally and historically significant
churches one should not miss.
Cynon Valley might not have started out as a region blossoming with
rural charm, but it definitely is one today, and its tried
past and times of strife give it furthermore value towards
captivating visitors’ interest.
