The Guardian of the Valleys: A Monument to Mining Heritage and Remembrance
A towering steel miner watches over Six Bells, honoring the lives lost in the 1960 mining disaster amid tranquil valley landscapes.
The Guardian of the Valleys is a striking 20-meter tall steel statue located in Six Bells, Abertillery, South Wales. It commemorates the 45 miners who lost their lives in the tragic Six Bells pit disaster of 1960. Overlooking the beautifully landscaped Parc Arael Griffin, the memorial is a poignant tribute set in a tranquil nature reserve, offering visitors a place for reflection amid scenic valley views and well-maintained walking trails.
A brief summary to The Guardian Of The Valleys
- Six Bells Rd, Abertillery, Six Bells, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit Ty Ebbw Fach nearby for a small museum and cafe offering local history, refreshments, and home-cooked meals.
- Take a walk along the Ebbw Fach Trail to enjoy the landscaped park and nature pond with a dipping platform for children.
- Plan your visit during daylight hours for the best experience of the scenic valley views and peaceful surroundings.
- Bring a camera for striking photos of the 20-meter tall statue and the panoramic landscapes of the South Wales valleys.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Abertillery town center to Six Bells, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Services run regularly but check schedules on weekdays only. The stop is within a 10-minute walk to the memorial. Tickets cost around £2-£4.
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Car
Driving from Abertillery, the journey to Six Bells takes about 10 minutes via local roads. Parking is available near the memorial site but limited, so early arrival is recommended. No parking fees apply.
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Walking
For active visitors, a scenic 30-minute walk from Abertillery town center along the Ebbw Fach Trail leads directly to The Guardian. The path is well-maintained, mostly flat, and suitable for most fitness levels.
The Guardian Of The Valleys location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Guardian Of The Valleys
A Powerful Tribute to the Six Bells Mining Disaster
The Guardian of the Valleys stands as a solemn and awe-inspiring memorial dedicated to the 45 men and boys who perished in the Six Bells colliery disaster on June 28, 1960. This underground explosion deeply affected the local community of Six Bells near Abertillery, leaving a lasting scar on the region. The 20-meter (approximately 66 feet) tall steel statue was created by artist Sebastien Boyesen and was unveiled fifty years after the tragedy, embodying both remembrance and respect for the miners' sacrifice. Each name of the deceased is inscribed on the statue’s plinth, personalizing the memorial and connecting visitors with the human stories behind the disaster.Setting and Surroundings: Parc Arael Griffin and the Ebbw Fach Trail
The Guardian overlooks Parc Arael Griffin, a landscaped former colliery site transformed into a peaceful nature reserve. The park features naturalistic landscaping, seating areas, and a nature pond with a dipping platform that is especially engaging for families and children. The memorial is situated along the Ebbw Fach Trail, a well-maintained footpath ideal for walkers and cyclists, which serves as a regeneration project for Blaenau Gwent. The trail and park provide a serene environment to contemplate the monument while enjoying the scenic beauty of the South Wales valleys.Artistic Significance and Craftsmanship
Crafted around 2010, The Guardian is a contemporary masterpiece of public art. The statue’s iron structure is supported by a base made of Welsh slate, with carefully inscribed lettering that reflects meticulous craftsmanship. The statue’s design captures the miner’s watchful gaze over the valley, symbolizing protection and remembrance. Despite its imposing height and industrial materials, the sculpture harmonizes with the natural landscape, creating a poignant contrast between the region’s mining heritage and its present-day regeneration.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Visitors to The Guardian can enjoy a reflective and educational experience. Nearby Ty Ebbw Fach offers a small heritage museum room detailing the history of Six Bells, the mining disaster, and the broader mining heritage of the area. The center also provides a cafe with home-cooked meals, teas, coffees, and pastries, enhancing the visit with local hospitality. The park’s open spaces allow children to explore and engage with nature, while adults can appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the monument’s emotional weight.Community and Cultural Impact
The Guardian serves not only as a memorial but also as a symbol of resilience and community spirit in Blaenau Gwent. It honors miners everywhere and stands as a reminder of the region’s industrial past and the human cost of mining. The site hosts annual commemorations and is a focal point for local cultural events, including flower festivals at nearby chapels. The memorial’s presence has contributed to the regeneration of Six Bells, fostering pride and remembrance amid ongoing social and economic changes.Natural Beauty and Scenic Value
Set amidst the rolling valleys of South Wales, The Guardian offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The tranquil park and river walk nearby provide opportunities for scenic strolls, wildlife observation, and peaceful contemplation. The combination of industrial heritage and natural beauty makes this location a unique and memorable destination for those interested in history, art, and the Welsh countryside.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Glen Yr Afon House Hotel
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Mercure Newport
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Newport Cathedral
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Stable Block, Tredegar House
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Man of Gwent
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City Bridge
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Newport Transporter Bridge Visitor Centre
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Mountain View Ranch
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Castell Rhaglan / Raglan Castle
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Raglan Castle
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Fforest Fawr
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A Welsh Coal Mining Experience
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Y Castell Gwyn / White Castle
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Blaenllynfi Castle
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Unmissable attractions to see
Festival Park Owl Sanctuary
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Discover rescued birds of prey up close in a peaceful woodland sanctuary run by dedicated volunteers in Ebbw Vale.
Big Pit National Coal Museum
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Explore Wales’ rich coal mining heritage with immersive underground tours and historic exhibits at Big Pit National Coal Museum.
Torfaen Museum
6.7 km
Discover Pontypool’s industrial and cultural heritage through engaging exhibits and community stories at Torfaen Museum.
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
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Explore the heart of Wales’s industrial heritage at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, where history and community come alive.
Winding House
7.1 km
Discover New Tredegar’s mining legacy and vibrant culture in the historic Winding House museum and arts centre.
Pontypool Park
7.1 km
Historic estate transformed into a vibrant community park where Georgian grandeur meets modern recreation.
Blaenavon Ironworks
7.1 km
Step into the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution at Blaenavon Ironworks, where history and heritage forge a powerful story of innovation and human endeavour.
Ebbw Vale Works Museum
8.1 km
Britain's only intact steelworks archive, preserving industrial heritage through photographs, documents, and volunteer expertise.
Cwmcarn Forest
9.2 km
A revitalized South Wales forest offering thrilling mountain biking, scenic walks, and modern visitor facilities for all ages.
Bedwellty House and Park
9.4 km
Explore Bedwellty House and Park, a beautifully restored Regency villa and Victorian garden steeped in Welsh industrial heritage and community spirit.
Greenmeadow Community Farm
9.5 km
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Ogof Craig a Ffynnon
10.1 km
Explore the breathtaking limestone formations and vast underground passages of Ogof Craig a Ffynnon, a geological treasure in Wales' Clydach Gorge.
Goytre Wharf
10.1 km
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Gwent Memorials
10.3 km
Trusted hand-carved memorial stones crafted with care and artistry in Pontypool since 1991.
Gwent Gardens
10.4 km
Transform your outdoor living with Gwent Gardens’ expert landscaping and fencing services in Wales, blending beauty and durability.
Essential places to dine
Cafe 8 & Burger Boys Gwent
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The Farmers Arms
12.1 km
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Luigis
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The Star Inn
14.5 km
A warm and welcoming pub in Ponthir offering delicious, affordable British fare and a friendly community atmosphere.
The Tredegar Arms
14.9 km
A traditional, community-focused pub in Rogerstone serving hearty British classics in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Harvester Borderer Newport
15.0 km
A lively, family-friendly British bar and grill offering fresh, hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Newport.
The Usk Vale Restaurant
15.2 km
A welcoming country-style pub in Newport offering hearty traditional meals and great-value drinks in a cozy, friendly setting.
The Vine Tree Llangattock
15.3 km
Refined Welsh tasting menus in a relaxed Brecon Beacons setting, where skilled cooking meets genuine hospitality.
Clarkes South Wales Restaurant
15.5 km
Elegant Victorian dining with traditional Welsh flavors in the heart of Usk’s scenic Glen-Yr-Afon House Hotel.
Pentrebach House Table Table
15.7 km
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Tin Can Kitchen - Newport
15.7 km
A colourful shipping container in Rogerstone serving big, tasty burgers, hot dogs, and loaded fries in a relaxed outdoor setting.
57 Bridge Street
15.8 km
A friendly British restaurant in the heart of historic Usk offering quality dishes in a quirky, spacious setting with welcoming hospitality.
The Garden Kitchen by Pugh's
15.8 km
A vibrant café in Rogerstone serving fresh, locally sourced breakfasts and lunches in a bright, welcoming garden-inspired setting.
Mamma Lina's Italian Restaurant
16.0 km
Authentic Italian flavors and wood-fired pizzas in a warm, family-friendly setting in Rogerstone, Newport.
The Clytha Arms
16.2 km
Quintessential Welsh gastropub blending rustic charm, hearty local cuisine, and a celebrated selection of ales in a scenic countryside setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Super Gifts
1.3 km
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The Den
2.9 km
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Newbridge Trading Co "Jimmys"
6.0 km
Experience local charm at Newbridge Trading Co 'Jimmys', where every item tells a story and community spirit thrives.
KM Gifts & Accessories
8.5 km
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Gwent Shopping Centre
10.0 km
A vibrant retail hub in Tredegar offering diverse shops, convenient hours, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Izzy Roo's
10.0 km
Explore Izzy Roo's in Tredegar for unique gifts and local crafts, capturing the essence of the region's charm and creativity.
Cwmbran Centre
10.5 km
Cwmbran Centre: Your vibrant shopping and community hub in South Wales with diverse stores and festive events year-round.
West View Stores
12.4 km
Experience the warmth of Trelewis at West View Stores - your local supermarket for fresh produce and unique Welsh delicacies.
Welsh Gifts
14.0 km
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Thats Lovely That
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Ladies Emporium
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Nicholls
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What! Stores
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All Creatures Great & Small Charity Shop
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The Copper Tree
15.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bumble Bee
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Jolly Colliers
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Blink in Owl
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The Crow's Nest
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The Beaufort
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The Foxhunter Bar
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The Grofield Inn
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The Balcony
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Rising Sun
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The Lyceum Tavern
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The Castle Inn Usk
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The Rainbow Bar
16.1 km
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The Ridgeway
16.7 km
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The Goldcroft Inn
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McCann's Rock N Ale Bar
17.1 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Vibez
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Pure Bar & Nightclub Ltd
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Hush Newport
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Stow Hill Rooms
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The Kirkhouse Nightclub (Koolers)
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Eclipse Nightclub
19.8 km
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Squares Night club
22.4 km
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The Globe
25.0 km
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CIRCUIT Cardiff
26.3 km
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Tiger Tiger Cardiff
26.3 km
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The CUBE
26.3 km
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Pulse
26.4 km
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For Your Eyes Only
26.6 km
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Clwb Ifor Bach
26.6 km
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Fuel Rock Club
26.6 km
Cardiff's unyielding rock fortress on Womanby Street: live metal mayhem, cheap drinks, and a beer garden for the faithful.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
