Ystalyfera and the adjoining town of Ystradgynlais were at the hub of the industrial revolution in the 1800's and early 1900's when iron production and reserves of local coal were driving the economy. The Swansea Valley Canal passes through Ystalyfera and this was an essential part of the early transport system that brought in raw materials and shipped out the iron produced in the area. Later the railway took over as the main means of bulk transportation. The railway has now gone, but evidence of the old canal can still be found, particularly in the form of a wonderfully designed and well preserved stone viaduct which carried the canal over the River Twrch (picture top right).

Ystalyfera today is still part of a regional centre with shops and pubs and over the past ten years has regained some of its former vitality. There are lovely views along the rivers Twrch and Tawe and the course of the old canal makes an interesting walk.