Growing up, I have fond memories of visiting Treorchy. It was my grandparents' hometown and I often spent my summer holidays visiting my great grandmother, in Dumfries street, and extended family across the Valleys. However, as the years went by, my family moved to other areas in south Wales.
When I think of the Valleys, the main thing that comes to mind is its close knit communities, its underrated beauty and historical past. More than a decade later, I returned to Treorchy and visited other areas in the Valleys such as Rhigos, Pontypridd and Porth.
Here are the 10 things I learned while returning to the Valleys. You can get more Valleys news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Beautiful views
As a child, I never paid that much attention to the surrounding countryside and hills. To be honest I was more interested in sneaking some Wine Gums from my great grandmother's stash and playing in the park with my cousins, than the views. But as I've grown up, you learn to appreciate things more - and the stunning green hills - that London could only dream of having- are just the best.
It does not matter what street you are on, you will find greenery in every direction, with stunning views of the Welsh Valleys peeping out of the rows of terraced houses.
There are also some scenic views - near the village of Pontneddfechan on the Heads of the Valleys Road are waterfalls, one of the most beautiful splendours of real natural beauty in Wales. It's a must see if you haven't already seen it for yourself.
Also, take a walk up Eglwysilan mountain to see some of the most incredible scenery Pontypridd and the surrounding areas have to offer. It is one of the best walking spots to visit for spectacular views.
A thriving and diverse community
Historically, towns in the Valleys are known for their close knit communities and the sense of family and togetherness. As you walk through the high street and rows of terraced houses, you get a sense of belonging here -with many families still living a couple of doors down from each other - and a true feeling of ‘hiraeth’ amongst the community.
The Valleys is home to many religions, with a close-knit Muslim community thriving in the small town of Blaina, in Blaenau Gwent. For the past 18 years, they have been busy integrating themselves into the wider community of the town. Surrounded by green mountains and hills, it is a timeless place of sanctuary now where the Imaan Islamic Society of Blaenau Gwent use it as a place of worship and teaching for Muslims right across the Valleys.
Representation is also important in the Valleys. Rhondda Cynon Taf had its first ever pride in 2019, and the spectacular event returned in July of this year with performances from popular drag artists and local musicians. The community also came together to celebrate with food and pride stalls for people to browse and enjoy.
‘The hills are alive with the sound of music’
It is home to some wonderful musical venues, such as the unique Art Deco Coliseum Theatre in Aberdare and the Park and Dare in Treorchy. There are many choirs based here, as well as the Treorchy Male Voice Choir - of which my great grandfather was a member.
It’s not as far as I thought
The transport links in and around the valleys are improving all the time. The South Wales Metro rail project is set for 2024, which is the electrification of the Core Valley Lines (from Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr and Rhymney into Cardiff), as well as the Coryton and City Lines through the capital down to Cardiff Bay. Transport For Wales vows that installing the new track will allow faster and more frequent services using brand new tram-trains. A new timetable is also set to be in place from spring, 2024. Find out about the latest developments of the South Wales Metro here.
Food venues
Too many people think of the Valleys as a place of endless terraced houses with the odd fish and chip shop and pub dotted around. But there are many family-run businesses, banging bars, and really nice restaurants around. You don't need to go to Cardiff for some fancy food - it'll take you all summer to try the very best of what the Valleys has to offer. Find out more here.
From coffee and cake, to fine dining, exotic cuisine and good old fashioned pub grub, there’s plenty to choose from. I recently went to the Cardiff Arms Bistro and Hotel in Treorchy and was shocked that I could get a coffee and two Welsh Cakes for £1. Talk about value for money!
It also has The Lion pub, which does amazing work for the community and recently received a Royal visit this month from Prince Charles and Camilla. You can find the latest on the Royal visit here.
To highlight the best of what local businesses have to offer, Treorchy’s food and drink festival is taking place in and around the Park & Dare later this month. There will be a plenty of local food vendors serving wood-fired pizzas, Welsh beef burgers, churros, fudge, ice cream, candy floss and more, alongside some refreshing beverages. The family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, August 27. It's the perfect event to kick back and relax, eat good food and enjoy the sunshine. Take a look at Treorchy's first food and drink festival here.
Affordable housing
Whether you're looking for a family home or are handy at the old DIY and fancy renovating a property, the Valleys is a place where you'll get plenty for your money. More and more people are moving out of the cities and are relocating to live in the Valleys, with some choosing to commute to work in places like Cardiff, Bristol, and further afield.
There is a huge range of property types in the Valleys with something to suit everyone. From idyllic 18th-century ironworkers’ cottages to miners’ cottages and terraced houses and modern new builds - there is a wide range of variety to choose from. On Rightmove, properties across the Valleys are available from £27k to £750k.
Plenty of activities for family fun
The Valleys has many activities for adventure goers and families to enjoy. This month, Zip World opened its brand-new activity, Tower Climber, in Rhigos. At 30 metres high, with three storeys to climb, the new attraction is the biggest of its kind in the UK and features 69 different coal-mining themed elements to conquer. Down the road, there is also Bike Park Wales, in Merthyr Tydfil, which has the UK's most diverse selection of all-weather mountain bike trails - perfect for thrill seekers! And there's plenty more than these two examples. Don't believe me - here's a whole list of things you can do in the valleys this summer.
You can take a step back in time
There are many historical places to visit locally too, such as Llancaiach Fawr Manor at Nelson , the Brecon Mountain Railway at Pan, or Caerphilly Castle, to name just a few.
It is also known for its coal distribution. Big Pit National Coal Museum, in Blaenavon, offers the unique opportunity to experience what it was like to work in a coal mine. Merthyr Tydfil was also the focal point of iron production during the Industrial Revolution. You can visit Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery for an insight into the colourful history.
It has one of Britain’s best high streets
Treorchy was awarded the title of Britain’s Best High Street, 2019. The Rhondda town was commended for its high street initiatives including cultural events such as a Christmas Parade and the Rhondda Arts Festival. It triumphed over 39 other shortlisted locations, such as Narberth, Swansea and places in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.
It is home to many Welsh celebrities
You can visit places that inspired the Stereophonics, such as taking a photo inside the infamous red phone box on Fforchaman Road, Aberdare, which was used for one of the Stereophonics' early photoshoots in the '90s. You can also visit the places the band sang about on their first album - including Aberdare market - where Kelly worked on the fruit and veg stall. Also, visit Laura Street in Pontypridd, where the great Sir Tom Jones grew up and met his wife of almost 60 years, Linda Trenchard.
Recent Valleys legend Andrew "Biggie" Morris, has become somewhat of a celebrity in the Rhondda after his online rapping videos. With millions of views on social media, Biggie has become an online sensation throughout Wales. You can read more about the Valleys legend with a major online audience here.
Finally, how can we forget the cast of the MTV show The Valleys, that brought mixed opinions on what people are like in south Wales. The best 'known' contestant, Lateysha Grace, has since become a Welsh reality TV personality. Since the show, she has appeared on Big Brother, and MTV's show, Celebrity Ex on the Beach. Find out what the cast of MTV's The Valleys are doing now.
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