Sirhowy Valley
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The Sirhowy Valley is a river valley in the South Wales valleys of industrial South Wales, containing the River Sirhowy.
[edit] Location
It shares its name with a small village at the head of the valley, just north of Tredegar. The River Sirhowy traverses the entire length of the valley passing the old Gelligroes Mill near Blackwood, Caerphilly along its path.
[edit] History
The valley's industrial history began with ironworks before evolving to meet the demand for coal and the expansion of coal mining. This process was led by companies such as the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company. Coal mines used to be located throughout the valley, these included Wyllie Colliery, Nine Mile Point colliery and Oakdale Colliery.
Prior to the Beeching Axe, the valley was served by the Sirhowy Line railway [1]. Stations could be found at many points including Nantybwch, Argoed, Blackwood, Pontllanfraith and Ynysddu.
