Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera

Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera form a ward in the upper Swansea Valley, characterised by its steep hillsides and the River Tawe. The area's history is deeply rooted in the anthracite coal industry, with former colliery sites and industrial infrastructure shaping the landscape. Terraced housing climbs the valley slopes, reflecting the communities built around the now-closed mines. The local economy has transitioned, with light industry and services now present alongside the enduring physical reminders of its past.

The ward includes the distinct communities of Cwmllynfell, perched higher in the valley, and Ystalyfera, located further down along the river. Ystalyfera is home to a specific local landmark, the Ynyscedwyn Ironworks engine house, a preserved remnant of the earlier iron industry that preceded coal's dominance. Recreational use of the valley is facilitated by sections of the Swansea Valley Path, following old tramway and canal routes. The geography strongly dictates settlement patterns, with linear development tightly following the contours of the valley floor and sides.