Ystradfellte
| Ystradfellte | |
| Welsh: Ystradfellte | |
  Ystradfellte Ystradfellte shown within Powys | |
| OS grid reference | SN929134 |
|---|---|
| Principal area | Powys |
| Ceremonial county | Powys |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Postcode district | Aberdare |
| Police | Dyfed-Powys |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament | Brecon & Radnorshire |
Ystradfellte (Welsh: valley floor of the Mellte) is a small village in southern Powys, Wales, in the Fforest Fawr area of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It lies beside the Afon Mellte. Ystradfellte is accessed via minor roads from the A4059 Hirwaun to A470 stretch.
History
Ystradfellte is chiefly known in Welsh history for being the spot where the Welsh nobleman and rebel leader Llywelyn Bren surrendered at the conclusion of his revolt of 1316. Llywelyn, who gave himself up on the condition that his men be spared, was put to death in 1318 at Cardiff.
Geography
The village is a popular centre for tourists, many of whom come for the hillwalking or visit the waterfalls and caves along the nearby rivers. Ystradfellte is also home to a pub, the New Inn, and Croydon Caving Club. Ystradfellte comes under Aberdare for postal purposes.
Caves
The area around Ystradfellte is renowned for its caves and karst scenery, making caving a popular activity. Some of the more famous caves near the village include:
- Porth yr Ogof - the biggest cave entrance in Wales, through which the river Mellte flows
- Little Neath River Cave
Waterfalls
The area is considered to be part of Waterfall Country. A popular attraction near the village is the Waterfalls Walk, a generally easy walk along the Afon Mellte. The route passes two main falls on the river, Sgwd Clun-gwyn and Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn, and finishes at Sgwd yr Eira on the Afon Hepste, where the footpath passes behind the waterfall.
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Sgwd Clun-gwyn, Afon Mellte
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Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn, Afon Mellte
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Sgwd y Pannwr, Afon Mellte
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Sgwd yr Eira, Afon Hepste
Notable people
The musical act Melthair and the LoveRats based themselves in Ystradfellte during the spring of 2007, recording the album 'National Record of Desire' in Dan y Bryn cottage. The band also appeared on Bethan Elfyn's Bethan Elfyn Radio One show during this period.
References
External links
- Village website
- Illustrated guide to the waterfalls
- Series of local photographs by Martin Wilmore Photography
- Photos from Swansea University Hiking Clubs Version of the Waterfalls Walk
- www.geograph.co.uk ; photos of Ystradfellte and surrounding area
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