Five travelled north up the Llynfi Valley to our walk starting point at Lleti Brongu Maesteg. The fine weather promised to hold for the duration of the walk, so, crossing fingers we set off down the lane to the Cwm Du Valley. A gentle ascent led us to The Pont Rhyd Y Cyff viaduct, a fete of engineering spanning the valley with seven 40ft span arches. The central span being eighty feet above the Nant Cwm Du. The eighth span, somewhat smaller as over land.
Sadly, the viaduct had been fenced off for past 15 years, as no longer in its original use as a railway link between Port Talbot and the Garw Valley. The structure is well maintained by the owners, Network Rail.
Passing by the viaduct we walked on up the slope passing established oak and ash trees on the hillside. Also, a holly tree in full berry! The walkers much appreciated the views across the valley.
We came by a stone house, Gelli Heblyg, which, although on mains electricity, its water comes via the mountain stream, over a chalk bed to the house. On a previous walk by, I had chatted to the current owner who took great pride in informing me that no bought bottled water could be sweeter. Eat your heart out S Pellegrino!
Passing on we began the descent, crossing the Nant Cwm Du in full flow, walking on down through the wooded valley to pause for a photo call in front of the viaduct. That just left the walk back to the car and on to The Old House at Llangynwyd where we enjoyed coffee before journeying home
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