Tawe Uchaf is a community in Powys, Wales. Situated north-east of Ystradgynlais in the upper valley of the Afon Tawe (hence the name), it includes the villages of Caehopkin, Coelbren, Glyntawe, Pen-y-cae, and Ynyswen. It had a population in 2001 of 1,516, increasing at the 2011 Census to 1,562.
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Map of Tawe-Uchaf, UK
There are many caves in the area, the most famous of them being Dan-yr-Ogof, one of the largest cave systems in western Europe and a popular attraction for visitors.
A part of Tawe Uchaf lies within Fforest Fawr Geopark and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
A complex of Bronze Age monuments known as Cerrig Duon (the "black rocks") – consisting of a stone circle, avenue, and three-stone row – and Maen Mawr (the "great stone") can be seen near the source of the Tawe at the northern end of the community area.
Tawe Uchaf is also home to Craig-y-Nos Castle, a country house built in 1841 and subsequently purchased and much extended by the renowned operatic singer Adelina Patti.
Governance
An electoral ward in the same name exists. This ward includes Ystradfellte and at the 2011 Census had a population of 2,118.
Opencast coal mining is an important activity in the area.