+ A memorable railway - and the track is still there to Onllwyn - why not use it?
And the link to Madam Patti
n 1878, the renowned opera singer and celebrity Madame Adelina Patti purchased the Craig-y-nos estate in the valley below Penwyllt. The N&B rebuilt Penwyllt station in stone with a private waiting room for Madame Patti, and both the GWR and Midland provided saloons for her use, and special trains were laid on to allow her to attend singing engagements. In addition private stations existed at Penpont and Abercamlais in the Usk valley
The Neath & Brecon Railway was absorbed by the GWR as part of the Grouping on 24 July 1922, but it was not until the LMS withdrew its through Hereford-Swansea trains on 31 December 1930 that the GWR introduced Brecon to Neath trains. The northern section of the line was closed, along with all other lines to Brecon, in December 1962, although the section from Neath to Onllwyn remains open to serve the washery.
Source:http://www.wrrc.org.uk/n&brc.php
+ More about Madame Patti
Craig-y-Nos Castle and grounds were once the estate of the celebrated opera diva Adelina Patti who during her lifetime ( 1843-1919 ) became one of the worlds most famous and highly rewarded entertainers.
Madame Patti was a remarkably talented woman who gained singing fame as a child and built on it throughout her life to become a legend in her own time. She was an accomplished actress, a shrewd business woman, and a master of publicity and social graces. Her contacts were impeccable and she moved in the highest echelons of Victorian society, not only in Europe but on the World stage.
Her supreme talent however derived from the quality of her voice and the "vocal gymnastics" which she was able to perform, apparently without effort.
Before the time of microphones, amplifiers and recording equipment Adelina Patti was filling huge theatres with her rich voice and even the people in the poorest seats at the back of the hall were never disappointed. Not only would she maintain her performance for hours at a time, but she would often give two shows in one evening, with only an hour's rest between them. On her tours she would keep up an incredible work rate for a period of several months.
Source: http://www.craigynoscastle.com/adelina_patti.html
The Castle is now a venue for weddings and accomodation.
Close by are the Dan Yr Ogof Show Caves. Why not visit both for great day out.
