Pretty 'waterfall country' village packed with cosy pubs

...where you can choose a roast or a pint after an autumn walk, as Lifestyle editor Kathryn Williams reports

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> Info centre and toilets

(John Myers)

W'E'RE absolute enthusiasts for a charming Welsh village which offers splendid countryside walks, snug pubs, and local allure. Pontneddfechan? It ticks all the boxes.

Nestled in the heart of the Neath valley, this neat Welsh jewel is your entry point to one of the most breathtaking parts of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) - Waterfall Country.

Situated where the Afon Mellte and Afon Nedd Fechan rivers converge, the village has long been a picturesque favourite among nature and outdoor enthusiasts. With its dramatic waterfalls, rugged gorges and a rich industrial history intertwined with the mystical landscape, Pontneddfechan should be a priority on your south Wales bucket list.

Pontneddfechan boasts a rich history, largely owing to the Industrial Revolution. In the 1800s, the area underwent a transformation with the construction of ironworks, a bustling coal trade, and the establishment of the Swansea Canal.

During the 19th century, the region was part of the thriving ironworks and coal mining industries which fuelled much of Wales' economy during the Industrial Revolution.

The Pontneddfechan Ironworks was once at the centre of this industry, producing iron and contributing to the economic growth of the region.

The industrious village expanded around this industry, and many of the buildings in the area date back to this period, offering a glimpse into the hardworking lives of the people who lived and worked here.

Pontneddfechan serves as the entrance to Waterfall Country, a title bestowed upon the upper stretches of the Vale of Neath. This bustling tourist destination around the valley's head boasts an exceptionally high concentration of publicly accessible waterfalls that attract enormous crowds of cascade enthusiasts.