Today I’m taking you on a trip to Eve’s hometown of Ystradgynlais. Although she has moved on to bigger things and currently lives in the city of Cardiff, I thought it would be interesting to see where she grew up.
The River Tawe, Ystradgynlais
Ystradgynlais is located on the River Tawe and is situated between Penrhos, a small village to the northeast, and Ystalyfera, a slightly larger town located just a few kilometers to the southwest. See map. A bit further to the north of the town is Brecon Beacons National Park, a popular tourist and vacation spot. If I were taking a trip to Ystradgynlais I’d certainly make my way up to Brecon Beacons for some great views. The Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves and the Sleeping Giant appear to be worth the trip alone.
The Sleeping Giant near Ystradgynlais
Many residents of the town and surrounding areas speak native Welsh, a language that dates back as far as the 6th century. While entering any of the local pubs, you’re sure to get a belly full of good food and drink along with some great stories of the town’s history. If you’re lucky you might even learn some Welsh while you’re there!
Penybont Inn, Ystradgynlais
While mostly a rural community today, Ystradgynlais was built upon its iron-making, coal-mining and watch-making industries. It was the home of some of the first Welsh ironmasters with evidence of smelting reaching back to the reign of Elizabeth I. The picture below shows the remains of an ironworks.
Ynyscedwyn Ironworks, Ystradglynlais
Not far from Swansea, Ystradgynlais offers city amenities with the lifestyle advantages of a small market town. Shopping, entertainment and all commercial services can be found as well as high quality leisure amenities including golf, sailing and country pursuits.
Junction Shopping Centre, Ystradgynlais
This small Welsh town serves as a gateway to some of the most wonderful scenery in all of Wales. The surrounding areas are filled with beautiful mountains, waterfalls, deep ravines and ruins. If you love nature and Welsh history, this would be a great place to stay while you venture out and take in all of its beauty.
Farteg, SW of Ystradgynlais
I was able to find some great video clips on YouTube of a town resident who was out on an evening bike ride (please note that these are not my videos).
This first video shows the River Tawe as well a stroll through town.
A view of the downtown area.
Visiting a Welsh town requires at least one stop for some good food and drink. Here’s a video of the Ynyscedwyn Arms (the Sked).
If that’s not enough, check out the Penybont Inn. Here we get a real feel of the town and its people, who are enjoying some good beer, conversation and music.
The band that’s playing is Pure Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band performing a great song called “Wish You Were Here.” Watching this video makes me wish I was. I love the crowd and great atmosphere.
The town of Ystradgynlais looks like a great place to visit or at least a quick stop if you’re traveling in the area. The rich history, great surroundings and wonderful people should make anyone who visits there feel welcome.
I live in Wales and my daughters teacher lives next door to Eve in Cardiff.
Eve has also been to the school to present awards to the students, she is so down to earth like most Welsh people.
[...] talking about the second series of Torchwood; her 2006 BAFTA best actress award (Torchwood); and her home town of Ystradgynlais. Overall it was a great interview and it really brought out Eve’s funny [...]
Ystradgynlais Is in the Swansea Valley near Pontadawe Ystalyfera and then Ystradgynlais, many brilliant artists have originated from the Swansea ValleyThe Late Ryan Davies Commedian entertainer! The Late Rachel Thomas Actress ,and of course Eve (Myles) I myself being born lower down in Cardiff Caerdydd But recently moved to London but Wales will always be My home I am proud of my Welsh Heritage and my true Love for Wales Both my cars have Welsh stickers on them ! Cymru am Byth
Thanks for your insight as it’s much appreciated. I’m from the USA and am just getting familiar with Wales, using Wikipedia and other sources for information when writing articles. It would be nice to have someone that knows some or all of the areas of Wales contribute here. Let me know if you’d be interested.
I’d really like to visit there someday because it looks so beautiful and the people appear to be very friendly. I actually pictured myself going into the Penybont Inn in that video, getting a beer, and chatting with the townspeople. :)
Hi, I recently had the pleasure of renovating an empty chapel in a nearby village less than a mile away, called Lower Cwm Twrch. I had visited Wales on numerous occasions as my friends live far west at Fishguard plus my adult step-children’s grandparents live west of Cardiff. Wales is a beautiful place, with spectacular breathtaking scenery – you could be anywhere in Europe or even Canada! The people I have had the pleasure of meeting have been friendly and caring with a real sense of pride and a natural feel for their community. I get back to Cwm Twrch, Ystradgynlais whenever I can but it’s never enough
Thanks for the information, Marnie. It’s always nice to see comments from people that know the area. I’d like to visit Wales someday and take in all its beauty.
Wow, it’s absolutely gorgeous there!!! Thanks for the info and pics. :-)
yeah looks great thanks :)
it looks so nice :)
thanks for posting x