Glamorganshire Canal, Industrial canal in South Wales, United Kingdom.
The Glamorganshire Canal is a historic waterway in South Wales that once ran from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff. The system included multiple locks designed to move cargo across varying elevations.
The canal was built at the end of the 1700s and opened in stages starting from 1793. It played a key role in industrializing South Wales by linking mining operations to the port.
The waterway was once the lifeblood of regional commerce, connecting the industrial heartland to the sea. People depended on it daily for trade, and it shaped how communities organized their work and daily routines.
Several sections remain accessible for walking and cycling, with different starting points available along the preserved portions. Check which sections are best maintained before planning which route to explore.
The system used an innovative water pump from 1807 to draw water from the nearby river. This engineering solution was essential for keeping enough water in the canal for boats and reflects the technical knowledge of early industry.
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