Glanaman: Chapels, Riverside Path and Countryside

If you are considering Glanaman as a destination for your stay, you can focus on two local themes: chapel history, and paths and countryside. Capel Brynseion is in the centre; Golwg-yr-Aman is a traffic-free section of the riverside path. Other highlights include Hen Fethel, between Glanaman and Garnant, and the coal tips that once towered above Glanaman and are now part of Gelliwerdd Country Park. Architecture, a regular Christmas service and nature offer different focuses for planning your trip.

Chapels and their history

Capel Brynseion is an independent chapel built in 1909–1910 and listed as a Grade II* building. It is in the centre of Glanaman, 25 metres south of the A474, on the eastern side of High Street.

Hen Fethel, also known as The Old Meeting House, was the first chapel to be built, in 1773, on the north side of the valley between Glanaman and Garnant. This distinguishes it from Capel Brynseion in both date and location: Hen Fethel dates to 1773 and is situated in the valley between two places; Capel Brynseion was built in 1909–1910 in the centre of Glanaman. There is also an architectural detail: Pevsner describes the wine-glass pulpit stem at Hen Fethel as an exceptional rarity.

Y Plygain: a regular Christmas service

Hen Fethel is also used for Y Plygain, a traditional Welsh service held by candlelight at 6:30 a.m. every Christmas morning. The time serves a different purpose from the building dates: 1773 and 1909–1910 place the chapels in their historical context, while 6:30 a.m. on Christmas morning marks the annual service. This makes clear the distinction between historical dates and a specific seasonal event when planning your trip.

Riverside path and countryside

Golwg-yr-Aman offers another focus for outdoor activity. The name refers to a 3.5-kilometre traffic-free section of the riverside path from Ammanford to Brynaman. The Golwg-yr-Aman path starts at the car park next to Bryn Seion Chapel in Glanaman and offers lovely views along the Amman Valley. The 3.5 kilometres refers to the section and its endpoints; the car park marks the start of the path. The length and start point therefore answer different questions about how to find your way.

Gelliwerdd Country Park combines an interest in nature with landscape history. The coal tips that once towered above Glanaman are now part of the park. This transition from the landscape of the past to its present-day place in the park adds a different historical perspective to the story of the chapels. Gelliwerdd is a place for walkers and nature lovers.

When choosing between the two outdoor options, the difference is practical: Golwg-yr-Aman can be described by its length, traffic-free character, endpoints and views; Gelliwerdd by its role as a park for walkers and nature lovers, and its connection with the former coal tips. If having a defined route is important to your plans, the information about the riverside path gives its length and endpoints; the park is more about scenery and walks.

Discover more destinations: Llangadog, Bancyfelin, Myddfai, Brechfa, Llansadwrn, Newcastle Emlyn, Llangyndeyrn, Llanddarog

For the wider travel overview: Carmarthenshire.