Canals are an indication of an industrial past and, having just recently read Alexander Cordell's book 'Song of the Earth' I couldn't help but bring images of that dirty, noisy and dangerous time in Wales's history. Coal was mined all over the Neath Valley, there was a tin works down at Aberdulais and a busy brick factory all around the waterfall area where I love to wander. People struggled to make a living and lived in apalling conditions. Now the canals are quiet and we can wander along the towpaths breathing in fresh air.
But we must not forget!