Along the Llynfi Valley is the pretty hilltop village of Llangynwyd. This is one of the jewels of the area. With its imposing Tall-Towered Church and an Ancient Thatched Inn appropriately named Yr Hen Dy (The Old House) reputed to be the Oldest Inn in South Wales, the village is an absolute must-see location. Llangynwyd was the birthplace of the local poet and bard Will Hopcyn whose tragic ill-fated love of local girl, Ann Thomas, is said to be the basis of the old Welsh legend - The Maid of Cefn Ydfa. Both Will Hopcyn and Ann Thomas are buried at Llangynwyd churchyard and the cross between the church and the Old House, is a memorial to Will. With its old stone cottages and ancient church, the village looks undisturbed by time, taking you back to the pre-industrial days of rural hill villages, surrounded by beautiful views. If you visit during the New Year, you can see the ancient traditional Mari Llwyd (Grey Mare) custom held every New Year's Eve.

The Legend of Llangynwyd

The Christmas festival called 'Mari Lwyd' has now passed from truth into the realms of legend and folklore and no one can remember when the custom started. It's name was once thought to be connected to the Biblical story of Holy Mary as originally the event was a religious festival. Three people would dress to represent the Virgin Mary, Joseph and the infant JESUS.

Over time the religious significance of the festival was dropped and the three main characters were changed into a man dressed in a white sheet with the skull of a horse on his head and two other characters called the Leader and the Sergeant. The Festival now even includes a knock about duo called Punch and Judy!

The event also includes a large group of men and boys who carry flaming wooden torches, touring the streets of the village and knocking on the doors of houses requesting entrance and hospitality. This would involve a lot of comedy and singing.

There is another sad tale, which tells of Ann Thomas and her loving companion William Hopkin or Will as he was known. Will was a local roof Thatcher and poet, but he was not thought good enough for Ann and her mother Catherine forced her into marrying a 'gentleman' called Anthony Maddocks. Anne complied, but eventually died of what some say was a broken heart. The tale of the doomed pair is well known throughout the valley as a tragic love story. Ann and Will are buried in the graveyard at the village