About Maesteg

Maesteg is a small, ex-coal mining town at the centre of the Llynfi Valley in South Wales. All the mines were closed by the mid 1980's, creating a major hole in the economic and social life of the area. Since that time the majority of the estimated 25,000 population have travelled to work in either Bridgend, Swansea or Cardiff. Recently, the Town Hall has been revamped, new supermarkets have been built, a new school has been proposed and many new houses have appeared. This is helping to bring trade back into the area and regenerate the soul of the valley.

The town centre is actually only made up of two long streets of shops, banks and other outlets. The town itself though is composed of several villages from the beautiful historical hamlet of Llangynwyd to the sprawling estates of Blaencaerau.

There's lots to do in the area - Llangynwyd has the oldest pub in Wales, aptly called the "Old House", in a lovely tranquil setting shadowed by a Norman Church and rolling fields. It is well worth a visit. Another pub - the "Corner House" sits next door to it. There's certainly enough passing trade for both. The Forestry Commission site on the nearby hills is where people often go cycling and these pubs provide a pint stop on the way back. In town, Friday is "market day". People come from far and wide to pick up a bargain from the open air stalls.

Sports facilities are very good. The swimming complex was upgraded a few years ago to allow a health suite to be added to the 25m swimming pool and children's pool. The sports centre, on a separate site, has a large hall, multi-gym, squash courts and more. The town has both rugby and football teams and many pitches for the general public's use - most notably in Maesteg's very large public park and Garth recreational park. A new building for Maesteg Golf Club has also been constructed recently.

This is just a sample of what's on offer.

Only thirty miles from Cardiff and the same from Swansea, Maesteg is definetely worth a visit.