Swansea Canal
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The Swansea Canal was a canal constructed by the Swansea Canal Navigation Company between 1794 and 1798, running for 16.5 miles (26.6 km) from Swansea to Hen Neuadd, Abercraf in South Wales. It was steeply graded, and 36 locks were needed to enable it to rise 373 feet (114 m) over its length. The main cargos were coal, iron and steel, and the enterprise was profitable.
The canal at Pontardawe
Lower Clydach Aqueduct, where the canal overflows into the River Clydach
The isolated aqueduct which carried the canal over the River Twrch at Ystalyfera
Yniscedwyn anthracite iron works; c. 1845.
Neath and Tennant Canal
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The Neath and Tennant Canals are two independent but linked canals in South Wales that are usually regarded as a single canal. The Neath Canal was opened from Glynneath to Melincryddan, to the south of Neath, in 1795 and extended to Giant's Grave in 1799, in order to provide better shipping facilities. With several small later extensions it reached its final destination at Briton Ferry. No traffic figures are available, but it was successful, as dividends of 16 per cent were paid on the shares. The canal was 13.5 miles (21.7 km) long and included 19 locks.
The exit from Clun Isaf lock, restored in 2007
The Tennant Canal, beside the 12th century Neath Abbey
The Aberdulais Aqueduct carried the Tennant Canal over the river Neath, near the Aberdulais Tin Works
Construction of the west pier to support the new Ynysbwllog aqueduct