Aberdulais Falls
| Aberdulais Falls | |
| Glamorgan | |
|---|---|
 Water wheel on the Aberdulais Falls | |
| River: | River Dulais |
| SS771997 | |
| Co-ordinates: | 51°40’57"N, 3°46’45"W |
The Aberdulais Falls are found on the River Dulais at Aberdulais, near Neath in Glamorgan. The falls are formed as the river plunges over beds of hard Lower Pennant Sandstone just before meeting the River Neath flowing down the Vale of Neath. Europe's largest electricity-generating waterwheel is powered by these waterfalls.
The falls and associated industrial infrastructure are in the care of the National Trust in recognition of the site's value as a key part of the region's industrial heritage. Car parking for visitors is available just off the A465 road which passes the site. The falls are considered by some to constitute a part of the celebrated Waterfall Country of Brecknockshire and Glamorgan, though most of these falls are located several miles to the north-east at the head of the Vale of Neath.
History
Power has been drawn from the waterfall since 1584, when it first provided energy used in the manufacture of copper, using ore imported from Cornwall. The copper-works ceased to operate early in the 17th century, and the site was later used for corn-milling and later as a tinplate works. The weir and waterwheel were added during the 19th century.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Aberdulais Falls) |
- Aberdulais Falls - information at the National Trust
- Visitors' website
- FREE Pictures &Video of Aberdulais Falls on EventPicture.co.uk