waterfall
Sgwd yr Eira
Spectacular waterfall in the Brecon Beacons where you can walk behind the curtain of water on a natural rock ledge, a truly unique experience.
11 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomWales
Aberdare
Wales, United Kingdom · Europe
About Aberdare
Aberdare works well as a base: 10 minutes from Hirwaun, 12km from Nedd Fechan Gorge.
Aberdare is in Wales, United Kingdom, with about 31,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Hirwaun, about 5 km away.
Aberdare ( ab-ər-DAIR; Welsh: Aberdâr ) is a town in the Cynon Valley area of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, at the confluence of the Rivers Dare (Dâr) and Cynon. Aberdare has a population of 39,550 (mid-2017 estimate). Aberdare is 4 miles (6 km) south-west of Merthyr Tydfil, 20 miles (32 km) north-west of Cardiff and 22Read more
miles (35 km) east-north-east of Swansea. During the 19th century it became a thriving industrial settlement, which was also notable for the vitality of its cultural life and as an important publishing centre.
Where to Stay in Aberdare
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Explore the Area
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Aberdare?
Within an hour or so of Aberdare: Sgwd yr Eira (11 km), Sgwd Gwladys (Lady Falls) (11 km), Sgwd Clun-Gwyn (12 km), Nedd Fechan Gorge (12 km).
Are there any good drives near Aberdare?
The nearest famous roads are Black Mountain Pass (A4069), Gospel Pass and A466 Wye Valley (Chepstow to Monmouth).
Where is Aberdare?
Aberdare is in Wales, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Hirwaun.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 31,135
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Wales
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.7144, -3.4492
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Aberdare
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
waterfall
Sgwd Gwladys (Lady Falls)
A graceful fall on the Afon Pyrddin near Pontneddfechan, also walkable behind, in the heart of Waterfall Country.
11 km · about 20 min drive
waterfall
Sgwd Clun-Gwyn
The first of the Four Waterfalls on the Afon Mellte, a wide stepped fall in the limestone gorge near Ystradfellte.
12 km · about 20 min drive
natural wonder
Nedd Fechan Gorge
A limestone river gorge threaded with falls and caves between Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte, the spine of Waterfall Country.
12 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Pontsticill Reservoir
A long reservoir beneath Pen y Fan served by the Brecon Mountain Railway, with forest trails along its eastern shore.
13 km · about 25 min drive
cafe
Rattlesnake Biker Cafe
A characterful biker cafe in the Brecon Beacons serving as a popular pit stop for riders exploring the stunning Welsh mountain roads.
17 km · about 20 min drive
waterfall
Henrhyd Falls
At 27m the highest waterfall in south Wales, and the Batcave entrance in The Dark Knight Rises; reached by a steep wooded path.
17 km · about 20 min drive
waterfall
Melincourt Falls
An 24m fall in the Neath Valley painted by Turner in 1795, reached by a short riverside path.
18 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Aberdare
- 19 kmPen y FanThe highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres, the flat-topped summit of the Brecon Beacons offering sweeping views across Wales.
- 19 kmCorn DuPen y Fan's twin summit at 873m, with a Bronze Age cairn and the finest view over the Beacons' north escarpment.
- 31 kmBlack Mountain Pass (A4069)Top Gear's favourite British road, a smooth, empty ribbon of hairpins and open bends over the western Brecon Beacons between Llangadog and Brynamman.
- 32 kmSugar Loaf (Y Fal)A 596m conical hill above Abergavenny with a 360-degree view over the Usk valley and the Black Mountains; easy from the car park.
- 35 kmWaun FachThe highest point of the Black Mountains at 811m, a broad peaty summit above the Vale of Ewyas and the Gospel Pass.
- 37 kmSkirrid Fawr (Ysgyryd Fawr)A landslipped 486m ridge above Abergavenny whose split profile gave rise to the legend it cracked at the Crucifixion.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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