Cwmystwyth is one of the most magnificent valleys in the Cambrian Mountains. More than its unique distinctive landscape, Cwmystwyth has a vibrant community and a fascinating history. The mining activity of the 1700s and 1800s attracted a large population to Cwmystwyth and miners’ cottages, a chapel, and former school still dot the landscape. All mining in the valley stopped in 1940, causing many local services and businesses to close, including the primary school which finally closed in 1960.
The other mainstay of community life is farming. Farms and farming culture still thrives in this area. Farmers from Cwmystwyth and neighbouring areas sell and buy stock in the farmer’s market, or mart, in Devil’s Bridge. The popularity of this practice even inspired the recent ITV Wales series ‘The Mart.’ The community remains an active and vibrant one. Numerous artists have been attracted to live and work in the former miner’s cottages. An Eisteddfod,a Welsh-language cultural competition and festival, was relaunched in Cwmystwyth in 2015, with the best poet receiving the customary carved chair. Two choirs are also based in the area. Meibion y Mynydd are a popular male voice choir, who have been singing in concerts and competing since 2012. Merched Bro’r Mwyn, a women’s choir, has recently formed in the area.
Photo 1: Cwmystwyth Schools caption:
Cwmystwyth School in 1903 courtesy of People’s Collection Wales
Photo 2: Sheep shearing event caption: A sheep shearing event, where everyone in the valley would gather to collectively shear their sheep.
Photo 3 caption: The Meibion y Mynydd male voice choir.
Audio Caption 1: Meibion y Mynydd singing about Cwmystwyth.
