The Towpath of the
Neath Canal has recently been upgraded and is now in good condition from
Giant`s Grave to Clyne, a distance
of about 7 miles.It is becoming well used by walkers and cyclists.
Sadly the Ynysbwllog aquaduct at Ynysarwed
was washed away by storm waters about 30 years ago and a pipe now carries
the canal water across the river at this point. |
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Just South of Ynysarwed on the Cadoxton side of the River stands
this public house- The Rock and Fountain.It
was run by David and Catherine Lewis(nee
Wagstaffe) in the 1880`s and 90`s. This image was taken in 1964 by American descendents of Catherine`s son , Edward, who emigrated in the early 1880`s. |
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Clyne Cyd
Terrace The terraced houses on the right were built for the Thinworkers of Clyne Tinpale Works which flourished from mid 1880`s to the 1930`s. The undergrowth lower botton hides the first of the two Clyne Locks. The second one follows shortly afterwards. |
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Towpath between Clyne Locks and Ynysbwllog
Aquaduct. |
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View across the valley towards Ynysarwed
farm. The canal has now crossed to the West bank of the river and the next two locks - Ynysarwed and Abergarwed - are a short walk away. These were partly filled in by coal sidings which were worked in the 1900`s. |
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The section of Canal from Clyne to Resolven
has not been restored yet. This picture shows the Neath River from Resolven
bridge where the old road through Llantwit Parish crosses the valley to
join the Cadoxton Road. Just south of this point, at Ynys-y-biben, an Iron
Aquaduct carries the stream which comes down to the river over the canal.
The Castings carry the name of the makers- NEATH ABBEY IRONWORKS. |
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The section running from Resolven to just below Glynneath has
been beautifully restored. The canal below the Resolven Lock has been widened and is used for canoeing. The valley rises steeply on the left of picture. |
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The towpath continues towards Bankhouse. The residence of one of the
last Canal workers, this is now used as a tearoom in the summertime. Bargetrips also leave from this point. |
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Section 1 - Up to Aberdulais Section 2 - Aberdulais to Resolven Bankhouse Section 3 - Crugau Lock to Aberclwyd Section 4 - Ynys yr Allor to Glynneath |