Sirhowy Valley facts for kids

The Sirhowy Valley (which is Dyffryn Sirhywi in Welsh) is a valley in the eastern part of the Valleys region of Wales. It gets its name from the Sirhowy River (Afon Sirhywi in Welsh) that flows through it.

At the top end of the valley, you'll find the town of Tredegar. This area is part of Blaenau Gwent. The valley first heads south-southeast, running between two hills called Cefn Manmoel and Mynydd Bedwellte. Then, it turns more directly south. The middle part of the valley is one of the quietest areas in the Welsh coalfield.

Further south, the valley enters the area of Caerphilly. Here, you'll find towns like Blackwood (Y Coed Duon in Welsh) and Pontllanfraith. Finally, the valley turns east and joins the Ebbw River valley near Ebbw Vale at a place called Crosskeys.

A Look Back: History of the Valley

The Sirhowy Valley has a rich history, especially when it comes to industry.

Early Industry: Iron and Coal

The valley's industrial story began with ironworks. These were places where people made iron from raw materials. Later, as the world needed more coal, the valley became a big center for coal mining. Large companies, like the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company, helped this industry grow.

Many coal mines used to be found all over the valley. Some of the well-known ones included Wyllie, Nine Mile Point, and Oakdale. The Sirhowy River also flows past the old Gelligroes Mill, which is near Blackwood.

The Sirhowy Railway

Before a time known as the Beeching Axe (when many railway lines across Britain were closed), the valley had its own railway. This was called the Sirhowy Railway. You could find train stations at many places along the line, including Nantybwch, Argoed, Blackwood, Pontllanfraith, and Ynysddu.