First broadcast: Friday 16 September 2005
Trevor Fishlock's Cistercian Way (Programme 4)
BBC Radio Wales
6.00pm
While the remains of Margam Abbey are accessible to visitors of Margam Park, the ruins of Neath Abbey are rather more difficult to find, and are well hidden within the urban and industrial development of Neath.
This stretch of the Cistercian Way transports the walker to a time when large scale sheep farming first began in Wales. The Cistercian monks who came here from France were determined to be as self-sufficient as possible, so that contact with the outside world, and the temptations associated with it, could be kept to a minimum.
The land around Margam Abbey was extensively used for both arable and pastoral farming, and the ridge above Margam Park was at one time cultivated for wheat production. From the top of the ridge you can see the steel works at Port Talbot. This too has Cistercian connections because some of the buildings make use of surviving walls built by the monks and their lay workers for their farm buildings.
Another interesting location on this stretch of the Cistercian Way takes in the reed beds on the River Pelenna. The river water in this area was at one time heavily polluted by iron, the result of rainwater flowing through disused mines. A revolutionary system of reed beds has now been developed, and the water of the River Pelenna is flowing clear once again. The local wildlife is also recovering with bird species such as dipper, heron and grey wagtails on the increase.
Neath Abbey is a surprising and inspiring destination. The ruins are now managed by Cadw, and are extensive. The abbey is located alongside a canal, and is a pocket of tranquillity within a very busy area. The M4 is visible and audible, but easily forgotten by contemplation of what was once one of the area's most important religious and economic centres.
Cistercian Way: Margam to Neath
