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Written by Llion Jones - 16 Dec 2007
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Location notes
Aberdare is to the north of the South Wales Valleys, 22 miles from Cardiff. The line diverges off the Merthyr line from Cardiff at Abercynon.
Railway type and traffic
The Aberdare branch line is a terminus for trains travelling on the Merthyr line. Served by Arriva Trains Wales, 142s 143s and 150s are the usual traffic.
Coal trains hauled by class 66s and some times the odd class 60, though class 60s are very unusual along the branch, operate every weekday and some Saturdays from Tower Colliery.
Environment
The station is situated just out side the town of Aberdare. There is a car park serving the station, which fills up very quickly. Aberdare is a friendly station during the day, the station can get very quiet after dark.
Road directions
From M4, Junction 32:
Follow sings for Merthyr Tydfyl/A470, once on the A470 continue along the dual carriageway until you reach your first roundabout, take your first exit off this roundabout, follow this road (A4059), you will pass a large school at Mountain Ash next to a rugby/football field (about 2-3 miles down the road). Once you reach your first roundabout at Cwmbach you should see Cwmbach train station, continue over this roundabout, you will find you self on a road called Cwmbach road, continue on this road you should pass a Ford garage on your left, further down this road you should pass a fire station and a school both opposite each other, Aberdare station should come into view from there, there will be a park and ride situated by the station.

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Aberdare map co-ordinates
Parking
You can leave your car in the vicinity, lots of free parking. It is safe to leave you car there.
Public transport
The easy way to reach Aberdare is from Cardiff Central train station or Cardiff Queen street station, trains to Aberdare leave the stations every half hour. Operated by Arriva trains Wales.
There is also a bus service to Aberdare from Cardiff bus station oposite Cardiff central railway station. This service is usually operated by Veolia transport Cymru.

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Amenities
There are public toilets at Aberdare Bus Station, These are reached by crossing the footbridge by the train station.
There are places to eat including: 3 fish and chip shops, 3 bakeries(Greggs, Ferraries and Princes).
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Aberdare

Googly map
Streetmap links
Aberdare general view map
Aberdare close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Aberdare



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Photographic notes
The lighting is good on any part of the platform. You are able to picture trains travelling in both directions. Best to picture the trains in the morning and towards the afternoon.


General views - All photographs © Llion Jones unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 4 - Looking south


Fig 4 - Looking south


Fig 5 - Looking north



Fig 5 - Looking north

From the old High Level Station.

Fig 6 - Looking north



Fig 6 -  Looking north


Fig 7 - Looking south



Fig 7 - Looking south


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