Cross Hands: Mining History, Art Deco and Cycle Route
Accommodation in Cross Hands
If you are interested in local history, art or a route on foot or by bike, Cross Hands offers several specific points of interest. The themes range from former coal mining to an Art Deco building and a mural, as well as a route that ends in Cross Hands. You can tailor your stay to the aspect that interests you most: the industrial past, public art or outdoor activity.
Mining History and Art Deco Hall
Cross Hands grew around the former Cross Hands Colliery, which opened in 1869. This should be distinguished from New Cross Hands Colliery, which was the northernmost terminus of the Llanelly and Mynydd Mawr Railway. The railway opened in 1883 and operated until 1966; it connected New Cross Hands Colliery with the coal-loading points at Mynydd Mawr at the docks in Llanelli.
Today’s Cross Hands Public Hall was built in 1920, replacing the original building, in a striking Art Deco style. It is one of three such buildings in Wales. Its construction date places the hall in local history; its status as one of three such buildings in Wales also invites comparison with places beyond the area.
Mural, Cinema and Local Motifs
The Cross Hands mural is on the side of Squires and Lane Hairdressers on Llandeilo Road. Its motifs include the Mynydd Mawr Miners Lamp and a Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Cross Hands Cinema generally shows blockbusters and smaller films three times a week. If you plan to visit the cinema, check the current schedule for your travel date.
The Welsh Slate and Gifts Boutique is on Carmarthen Road in Cross Hands. The boutique’s slate gifts are made from genuine Welsh slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales. If you would like to visit the boutique, check in advance whether it is currently open.
Swiss Valley Cycle Route and Garreg Hollt
The Swiss Valley Cycle Route is a walking and cycling path that follows a disused railway line. 98.2 percent of the route is car-free. In Cross Hands, it ends at the Art Deco public hall and cinema. This identifies both the character of the route and its destination.
A stone lies at Garreg Hollt on the Swiss Valley Track; a short detour leads to it. According to tradition, Owain Glyndwr struck the stone with his sword. According to tradition, the stone gave Cross Hands its name; “Split Stone” is the translation. For planning purposes, these are different scales: the route is the walking and cycling path as a whole, while the stone is a short detour to a single point on the track.
Nature Trails in Llyn Llech Owain Country Park
Llyn Llech Owain Country Park offers a different focus from local history: it has nature trails. Many paths are well surfaced and accessible to wheelchair users. The rare peat bog surrounding the lake is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Nature trails and a designated habitat sit alongside Cross Hands’ cultural and historical attractions.
Discover more destinations: Hendy, Llansadwrn, Ferryside, Gwynfe, St Clears, Upper Brynamman, Kidwelly, Garnant.
For the wider travel overview: Carmarthenshire.
