From Cardiff or Merthyr: Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Hay-on-Wye, Medieval and Industrial Heritage

This fully inclusive guided tour departs from central Cardiff and explores the rich industrial heritage of the South Wales Valleys. All entry fees to attractions are included in the tour, offering a seamless and immersive experience. You’ll travel in a modern, luxurious, fully electric vehicle with a maximum of seven passengers, accompanied by your driver-guide Andy—a Mountain Leader, Green Badged Tourist Guide, and Visit Wales Pro. Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for Welsh history and landscapes, having held roles such as chair of Brecon Beacons Tourism and Warden of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The tour delves into the geological fortune that positioned South Wales at the heart of the industrial revolution, boasting rich deposits of iron, coal, limestone, and silica rock. From the iron boom of the 1750s to the coal dominance of the 1980s, the region was a powerhouse of smelting, mining, and innovation. As you journey through the valleys, you'll explore how this legacy shaped both the landscape and the lives of its people—those who toiled in the mines and those who prospered from their labour. The tour also highlights the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park and reflects on the ongoing recovery of local communities following the decline of the coal industry in the 1990s. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for the full list of stops and experiences included.