Dare Valley Mining Trail

This walk takes you on a journey through Aberdare’s rich coal mining history, uncovering the stories of the people, places, and innovations that shaped the town. From the early pits to world-changing inventions, you’ll discover how this valley helped power an industrial revolution
Follow the map, stop at key locations, and listen as Roy Noble CBE narrates the history hidden beneath your feet
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The walk begins and ends at St Elvan’s Church, with three routes to choose from--Accessible, Moderate, and Advanced—so you can pick the trail that suits you best. Our Accessible route will take you less than two hours with refreshments available after an hour at Dare Valley Country Park Visitor Centre. Moderate takes you around Dare Valley Country Park Lake and Advance takes you deeper into the Dare Valley to Bwllfa Colliery Wheel. All routes are relatively flat with one short uphill stretch to the Dare Valley Country Park Visitor Centre 
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Be sure to take refreshments, especially water, which is available at Spires Coffee Shop inside St Elvan’s Church

Step back in time, walk in the footsteps of miners, and experience the incredible legacy of Aberdare’s coal industry

Croeso | Welcome

St Elvan's - The Captains of Industry Window

St John's Medieval Parish Church

Gadlys Colliery

Dare Valley Railway

Brunel's Viaduct

Dare Valley Visitor Centre

Information Centre - Coffee Shop & Toilets
Also optional return
​Monk Street (Cwmdare Colliery - one hour) or Dare Inn & Lake (40 mins plus one hour)
Advanced visitors - Bwllfa No 2 (additional hour to and from Visitor Centre)
​Also option to drive to Bwllfa after your return to St Elvan's, if preferred

The Dare Inn

Dare Valley Lake

Bwllfa No 2

Return to Visitor Centre then resume

Cwmdare Colliery

Cambrian Lampworks

Return to St Elvan's

Final visitor instructions here
Return to St Elvan's - Spires - free Church Tour - free Stained Glass tour - E Thomas & Williams
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