Childhood

Nina Bawden (1925-2012) - author of Carrie’s War - was evacuated to Aberdare during the Second World War. The experience inspired her famous coming-of-age story, set in a Welsh mining community, which was made into the popular 1974 television series. Prolific Welsh-language author Mihangel Morgan (b. 1955) was born and grew up in Aberdare. Dare Valley Country Park was the first in Wales to be created from land ravaged by industry. Nineteen pits and drift mines were located here, turning the countryside black. Today waymarked trails and orienteering courses take you alongside streams and lakes climbing to panoramic views. The Park sometimes runs water-sports and activity days.