Crynant: Forest, Churches and Mining History

Crynant combines forest scenery with traces of different eras. Crynant Forest covers much of the western slopes of Mynydd Marchywell between the Tawe and Dulais rivers. Nature and outdoor activities sit alongside an unusually layered local and industrial history—from medieval buildings to memories of coal mining.

Forest and trails in Crynant Forest

The forest lies between the Tawe and Dulais and offers a clear point of reference for anyone looking to combine their stay with outdoor activities. National Cycle Route 43 passes through Crynant Forest, as does the long-distance St Illtyd's Way. These are two different routes through the same woodland: one for cyclists, the other for walkers. Those arriving by bus can consider bus stops along the Tawe Valley. Check current routes and timetables before travelling.

Archaeological traces above Crynant

Coed Ddu comprises two house platforms and a large enclosure, probably dating from the medieval or post-medieval period. These features may be the surviving remains of Crynant Grange, which belonged to Neath Abbey. The house platforms and enclosure are protected as a Scheduled Monument and lie above and to the north-east of Crynant. The Coed Ddu ring cairn, also protected as a Scheduled Monument, is another archaeological feature: it is thought to date to the Bronze Age, around 2300 to 800 BC, and is also located above and to the north-east of the village.

Churches and local history

Crynant Chapel of Ease has medieval origins. The stained-glass windows at St Margaret's Church depict scenes from the life of Christ. Created by Celtic Studios between 1951 and 1966, they are in every window on the north, south and east sides. The church stands on the east side of the A4109, set back slightly within a leafy churchyard. Its building, setting and stained glass offer different, vivid facets of Crynant's religious history.

The religious history of the Dulais Valley also goes back a long way. Around 1500, the parish church of Llangatwg opened a daughter church, or chapel, in Creunant to make pastoral care in the valley easier. The Crynant Village Trail describes Crynant as the oldest settlement in the Dulais Valley. The course of the Roman road Sarn Helen can also still be traced near the village.

Gelli Galed Ruin is a Grade II listed farmhouse where monks stopped to rest on their pilgrimage to St Davids. A secret chamber is known as a priest's hiding place; during the English Civil War, fugitives hid there. These stories add accounts of pilgrimage and refuge to the tangible remains of the buildings.

Mining history in the Dulais Valley

The area's industrial past is also evident nearby. Cefn Coed Colliery was once the deepest anthracite mine in the world. Cefn Coed Colliery Museum is in the vicinity of Crynant, five miles north of Neath on the A4109. An authentically designed underground gallery there presents coal mining from the Victorian era to modern times. A notice dated 1 September 2026 states that the museum is currently closed for essential maintenance. Check whether access has since changed before visiting.

The opening of the Neath and Brecon Railway in 1863 led to increased coal production in the Dulais Valley. The region's history can therefore also be viewed as a link between transport and mining: the development of the railway was followed by increased extraction of mineral resources.

Choosing Crynant as a holiday destination

When looking for a holiday rental in Crynant, first consider what you want your stay to centre on: the forest and routes through it, or the churches, monuments and mining history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pontardawe, Port Talbot, Skewen, Ystalyfera, Cymmer, Glynneath, Seven Sisters, Aberdulais.

Back to the main travel overview: Neath Port Talbot.