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The Gwendraeth Valley lies in the hill country between Llanelli and Carmarthen in South Wales. It runs approximately westwards from Cwm Mawr down to the coast at Kidwelly.
A drive down the valley reveals it to be one of green rolling hills, where dairy cattle are prominent, interspersed with small villages whose location usually resulted from the once extensive mining industry within the valley – the remains of which can be seen in a number of locations.
For those interested in industrial history and archaeology the valley offers a veritable treasure trove to those who will take the time to explore. Indeed, a heritage trail can be found running from Pont Yates down to the bridge at Pontnewedd following closely the route of the Burry Port and Gwendraeth Railway along which are information points with details of the local history and industrial heritage.
As part of the ongoing interest in the valley’s heritage the Gwendraeth Railway Project is aiming to restore services along the old Burry Port and Gwendraeth Railway starting with the section from Pont Yates to Pontnewydd and then extending this to incorporate both the route to the former top terminus at Cwm Mawr and also south over the currently lifted section back to a new terminus in the former docklands at Burry Port Harbour.
The purpose of this website is to act as a portal not only for information concerning this project but also as a source of information about the line’s history and the communities and industries it served.