Glyntawe and Callwen

Glyntawe is part of the Community of Trecastle. It is a rural community that remained part of a rural Community Council because of it`s connections to farming and agriculture. Glyntawe has a settlement of Callwen and originally had a school. The school is now an Activity Centre operated by Dulwich College.

The Community church was originally called Callwen Church and continues to be called that by local people, although it has been renamed St Johns since 1964/65 when it was rededicated to St John the Baptist. The church was originally a Chapel of Ease for the village of Defynnog which is several miles north of Glyntawe.

Within the area of Glyntawe is The National Showcaves of Wales at Dan-Y-Ogof. This is the foremost attraction in The Brecon Beacons National Park and offers a fantastic visit for all ages and family groups. It has ample parking, camping and caravanning provision.

Contact: www.showcaves.co.uk

Glyntawe is also very close to Craig-Y–Nos Castle and Country Park. It was owned by the diva Adelina Patti in 1878. It is reputedly haunted and has opportunities for overnight stays, functions and special events.

Contact: www.craigynoscastle.com

The area also has facilities for more natural caving at Penwyllt. The Caves are managed by The South Wales Caving Club and has a magnificent range of underground cave systems. A virtual tour can be accessed on the website.

Contact: www.swcc.org.uk

Maes Y Egwys is a small working farm close to Callwen Church. It is a farm which is dedicated to sheep farming, but has a range of small farm animals also. It is situted fairly high above the church at Callwen and commands fantastic views of the top of the valley below. Immediately outside the farm at the road edge is the famous Old Trecastle Road which has good access for walking the ridge towards Llyn-Y-Fan. It would make a good base for outdoor pursuits in this area, and has good accomodation for camping and has teepee and 4 manned tent set ups.

Contact: www.ecocampingwales.co.uk

Down Heol Callwen is the Glyntawe Outdoor Centre located in the old school building, originally built in 1899. The school was closed in the 1970's and is now owned by Dulwich College and offers curriculum and skills-based activities and accommodation suitable for all ages and abilities.

Contact: www.glyntaweoutdoorcentre.co.uk