Discover Aberdulais: Waterfall, Canals and Industrial History

Aberdulais brings together water, canals and industrial history within a compact thematic area. Aberdulais Falls are formed where the River Dulais plunges over hard layers of Lower Pennant Sandstone before reaching the River Neath. The Aberdulais site also includes the Turbine House and the fish pass. Anyone looking for a place for a family holiday with opportunities to observe nature, a fascinating past and easy-to-follow paths will find several different ways to experience a day here.

Experience the Waterfall and Industrial History

The history of the site spans several uses. At Aberdulais Falls, tinplate works operated from the 1830s to the 1880s. The site was later used as a corn mill, for ironworking and for the production of tinplate. A tour of the remains of the 19th-century tinplate works offers an opportunity to learn more about this industrial past.

The Aberdulais tinplate works monument is also noteworthy: It is of national importance because it has the potential to expand knowledge of industrial processes from the 18th or 19th centuries. Aberdulais Canal Basin was the link between the Neath Canal and the Tennant Canal. As a result, the history of water engineering is just as much a part of the character of the site as the waterfall and the former works.

Level Paths for Different Day Plans

For visitors who want to combine culture and exercise, the Craig Gwladys circular walk begins and ends at Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall. The Aberdulais Heritage Trail links Tonna with the Tinworks and Waterfall site via the Neath Canal and the Tennant Canal. It follows canal paths, paths and pavements and is level throughout. This means the day can be planned according to your interests as a circular walk, a stroll along the canals or a visit focused on the industrial history.

There are bicycle racks at Aberdulais. The site also offers accessible paths and/or maps; access is level throughout and the site itself is flat. This information may be relevant when choosing a holiday apartment or holiday cottage if you pay particular attention to level paths, orientation or arriving by bicycle when planning your day. Admission to Aberdulais is free.

Landscape Around Aberdulais

Part of Graig Gwladus Country Park lies within the Aberdulais electoral ward. Coed Gawdir is also nearby, an acidic watercourse in an old woodland area undergoing restoration. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the waterfalls and historic sites with further landscape experiences, without reducing the area to a single attraction.

Aberdulais is accessible via the A4109 and lies 3 miles north-east of Neath. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore consider whether to stay directly in Aberdulais or choose the village as one of the focal points of your stay. Further places in the same destination area can be found under Pontardawe, Cymmer, Rhos, Ystalyfera, Skewen, Glynneath, Neath and Port Talbot.

For the main travel overview: Neath Port Talbot.