Tawe-Uchaf

rdf:langString Tawe-Uchaf

rdf:langString Tawe-Uchaf is a community in Powys, Wales. Situated north-east of Ystradgynlais in the upper valley of the River Tawe (hence the name), it includes the villages of Caehopkin, Coelbren, Glyntawe, Pen-y-cae, Penwyllt and Ynyswen. It had a population in 2001 of 1,516, increasing at the 2011 Census to 1,562. There are many caves in the area, the most famous of them being Dan-yr-Ogof, one of the largest cave systems in western Europe and a popular attraction for visitors. A part of Tawe-Uchaf lies within Fforest Fawr Geopark and the Brecon Beacons National Park. A complex of Bronze Age monuments known as (the "black rocks") – consisting of a stone circle, avenue, and three-stone row – and (the "great stone") can be seen near the source of the Tawe at the northern end of the community area. Tawe-Uchaf is also home to Craig-y-Nos Castle, a country house built in 1841 and subsequently purchased and much extended by the renowned operatic singer Adelina Patti. Opencast coal mining is an important activity in the area.