GeogOnline... Blaenavon
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		Here is Clydach south in its deep gorge which is followed by the Heads of the Valleys road from Abergavenny up to Brynmawr. Click to see map. Click on map is correct place to return to this page. Clydach has an industrial and quarrying past and the suburbanisation of the 1970s passed it by.  The photo shows that some recent gentrification is occurring. Property prices are considerably lower than in the National Park hot spots and so large properties are available at more affordable prices. The area is attractive and has industrial archaeological value.
In the last few years Clydach AFC has greatly upgraded its premises and this gives the impression of a thriving community.
		Higher up the gorge towards Llnaelly hill the scenic value becomes more apparent but the proximity and accessibility is greatly reduced.This view looks north east across the Usk Valley to the Sugar Loaf mountain in the distance.
Even higher up this view looks down at Clydach (North) and the Heads of the Valley main road.The Heas of the valley road has been closed in previous winters by rock and soil landslides down its precarious unstable slopes.
		A new property being constructed in the remote community of Llanelly Hill whose village school is under threat of closure following re-organisation within Monmouthshire.
Pwll Du adventure centre owned by South  Gloucestershire education authority. The mountain top here is isolated and very remote - there is  propane gas storage tank to provide fuel.
		The view from this extremely rural location over to the Sugar LoafThis Pwll Du site was suggested for open cast mining in the early 190s but thee was great opposition and plans were shelved.
Blaenavon is a world heritage site but as a town it is suffering. The population has changed from 1951: 9077 to 1961: 8451 to 1971: 7186 to 1981: 6836 to 1991: 6066. Indicators for social deprivation are vey high. The area is within the National park but is part of Torfaen Unitary Authority. The view shows council houses with open rural mountain beyond. Is this not extreme rural with  urban population problems?
		Blaenavon Ironworks - a World Heritage Site.The town needs improved access up the valley from Pontypool. There is  a tourism potential here and they are trying to imitate the sucess of Hay-on-Wye as a town of books. The town has few shops and is very insular and isolated. There are a few factories on the Gilchrist Thomas industrial estate. This is  a world away from the Usk Valley dormitory settlementsalthough the proximity is there..