The Ultimate Driving Challenge - South Wales Valleys In One Day!

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  • čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
  • Turdtowns is back with a special driving challenge. I wanted to know if it was possible to drive the length of all the Welsh Valleys in 1 day. The valleys stretch from above Newport to above Swansea so this was going to be difficult. The 20mph speed limit didn’t help.
    The Welsh Valleys are often cited as being run down and depressing. Whilst that may be true in some cases I found out during this challenge that not everywhere was bad.
    Sorry I’ve been gone for so long I’m planning on filming some new episodes of Turdtowns and Poshtowns in the coming weeks. So if you like this video make sure you like, share and subscribe!

Komentáře • 596

  • @Rob1Rich
    @Rob1Rich Před měsícem +100

    You look nothing like I expected from your voice 😂
    Please carry on with your videos I love them 😊

    • @Mizerables
      @Mizerables Před měsícem +14

      I know right? Handsome boy 😅

    • @kirstyhood7127
      @kirstyhood7127 Před měsícem +10

      Me and my other half said exactly the same to each other. Total opposite to what we expected him to look like! 😂

    • @Titot182
      @Titot182 Před měsícem +12

      I was so expecting a 50 year old version of Harold Bishop

    • @kirstyhood7127
      @kirstyhood7127 Před měsícem +4

      @@Titot182 🤣

    • @raybradley5135
      @raybradley5135 Před měsícem +8

      The voice reminds me of Mark Corrigan from Peep Show. Glad Turd Towns is back essential viewing.

  • @richosukrc5776
    @richosukrc5776 Před měsícem +112

    Great to see you back mate. You take it easy. It's awful to you lose a friend or family member to death. It really knocks you off your feet and makes you feel very angry inside. We are all waiting for new content from you but don't rush it mate. You are a legend. And as I have said please don't rush back into CZcams

    • @elizabethmcpherson-lt9vh
      @elizabethmcpherson-lt9vh Před měsícem +6

      Thats a really lovely post. I second it. And good to see the face behind the voice too

  • @osiand9328
    @osiand9328 Před měsícem +50

    I'm from mid Wales and I find the south Wales valleys absolutely fascinating. The landscape of both areas are very similar yet the two places could not be more different. South Wales has towns and villages dotted around every mile whereas mid wales has absolutely nothing at all.
    The south wales valleys wre so strange to me as you would never imagine such a landscape could have such a large population. It makes me wonder what mid and north Wales would've looked like had industrialisation happened here, or what the south would've looked like without industrialisation.
    As sad as it is to see the south in such a depressing state after de-industrialisation, at least they have something. They have population centres, some large roads and railways, and some industries. Of course this has come at the expense of the natural landscape. Mid Wales has the same type of stunning scenery yet we haven't capitalised on it at all.
    I think all of Wales has great potential because of our amazing unique geography. My hope is that Wales can move use this to our advantage in the future

    • @strawberryfields1149
      @strawberryfields1149 Před měsícem +7

      He doesn't get it. Unfortunately. I'm English. Spent 1/4 of my working hours in SW. Love the places.

    • @lemsip207
      @lemsip207 Před měsícem

      I noticed that the architecture in Aberdare's town centre looks like the architecture in Brecon's town centre but there is more money in Brecon from tourism as people come to walk or ride horses in the Brecon Beacons.

    • @Julie-xz6cd
      @Julie-xz6cd Před měsícem

      Where do you come from then

    • @juliansadler6263
      @juliansadler6263 Před měsícem

      @@osiand9328 There was lead and silver mining and of course slate quarries everywhere. All except Llechwedd gone now and Llechwedd only a shadow of its past.

  • @harryparker5511
    @harryparker5511 Před měsícem +11

    As a Welsh person, the Welsh pronunciation gatekeeping in this comment section is cringe, he’s obviously not Welsh and he’s hitting dozens of towns so why would you expect him to be an expert in Welsh language pronunciation. Guy is shining a light on a lot of towns that people may have never heard of before. Give him a break

  • @bordersw1239
    @bordersw1239 Před měsícem +6

    Need to send this to my boss who sits on her arse in Manchester and thinks I can drive from one town to the next in 10 mins because they are only 5 miles apart. Forgetting there’s a fecking mountain in the way and it means a drive up one valley and down the next one to get there.

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před 9 dny +1

      Spot on. It’s not quick getting anywhere!

  • @smackheadsgyro
    @smackheadsgyro Před měsícem +37

    Did you notice the signs near Port Talbot that say 'reduce speed to avoid pollution', which are in the same frame of view as factory towers billowing out smoke...

    • @maskofsan1ty
      @maskofsan1ty Před měsícem

      What's your point?

    • @Soldmysoulforablurayplayer
      @Soldmysoulforablurayplayer Před měsícem +3

      Not for long. Bye bye Steelworks.

    • @blucif6210
      @blucif6210 Před měsícem +1

      @@maskofsan1typoint being, its ok for the elite but not for the working man? double standards

    • @juliansadler6263
      @juliansadler6263 Před měsícem

      The clouds from the steelworks are steam not smoke. Electric arc furnaces use an awful lot of electricity so Aberthaw B may have to come back on line. Now even with FGD that will emit smoke. Especially as imported Colombian or US coal will have to be used.

    • @Soldmysoulforablurayplayer
      @Soldmysoulforablurayplayer Před měsícem

      @@juliansadler6263 the electric arc furnace not even built yet. And it was definitely smoke coming from the coke ovens. Although I beleive they have been shut down now.
      The worst thing coming from there is the red dust from the sinter plant.

  • @lisabakerllb-privateaccoun892
    @lisabakerllb-privateaccoun892 Před měsícem +3

    Absolutely loved this, and I love the Ogmore Valley too. Sorry to hear about your story, we've been fans of the channel for ages, so great to see you back and lovely to see the face behind the voice! Fab to see you in Wales again and an extra big thank you for highlighting the nightmare that is 20mph (my husband is the petitioner). 476,951 signatures and totally ignored by the Senedd. Hope to see more videos from you - and if you fancy visiting Wales again we will be outside the Senedd protesting at 20mph when they return from recess on 17 September!

  • @jameskvo
    @jameskvo Před měsícem +76

    Hooray! Mr Turd is back. I thought perhaps Haverfordwest locals had done him in.

  • @TheMindfulnessSquirrel
    @TheMindfulnessSquirrel Před měsícem +68

    Turdtowns is not my favourite channel.... but, its a solid #2

    • @letsbeavenue
      @letsbeavenue Před měsícem +1

      Love it 😂😂😂👍

    • @klashnacovak47
      @klashnacovak47 Před měsícem +2

      Make sure to wipe and wash your hands.

    • @thenefyncat6970
      @thenefyncat6970 Před měsícem

      Must be a contender for comment of the year.

    • @davidjewood
      @davidjewood Před měsícem +1

      😂😂You’ve won 🏆 this years The best CZcams comment 👍🏻

  • @adeaston6553
    @adeaston6553 Před měsícem +19

    Unless you know there are speed cameras about most sensible drivers ignore the 20mph speed limit and drive normally as they did before they were introduced last year.

    • @JamesSmith-qy3eu
      @JamesSmith-qy3eu Před měsícem +1

      Now the lunacy of blanket 20 mph speed limit has been rightly scrapped.

    • @mikecook6104
      @mikecook6104 Před měsícem

      It's not a blanket speed limit. Do some reading first...

  • @KyonXyclone
    @KyonXyclone Před měsícem +6

    That egg smell in Crumlin it’s not from the pot noodles, it’s from the Axiom plant towards Newbridge where they make computer chips and printed circuit boards. Basically Sulphur Dioxide gas is used to lay the metal oxide layer on to silicone chips.

    • @davem9204
      @davem9204 Před měsícem +4

      Although computer chips and PCBs probably have more nutritional value than pot noodle.

  • @officialjackroberts1317
    @officialjackroberts1317 Před měsícem +5

    As a resident of Resolven for 21 years, I'd be more than happy to share some of the wonders and beauty's of this village but I am very glad you enjoyed your visit and its awesome to have you back!! Hope all is well pal ❤

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před měsícem

      Nice part of the world to live in. Best Maccies breakfast I ever had too 😂😂

  • @mjphotographic-co-uk
    @mjphotographic-co-uk Před měsícem +3

    As a local to the Valleys, seeing/hearing an outsiders opinions is very entertaining and interesting. Some were vastly different to the local stereotypes

  • @AFCManUk
    @AFCManUk Před měsícem +17

    So sorry for your loss my friend.
    Good to see you're back buddy! :)

  • @DaveWestMedia
    @DaveWestMedia Před měsícem +2

    "Gilvack Gork", the "Cunnon Valley" and "Ton-er-ev-al" (as they're actually pronounced " 😂) aren't far from us, ive spent many a day doing some photography on the surrounding mountains, beautiful place. when its not raining.
    Not sure if you've been there yet but make sure to visit the Rhigos Viewpoint - immense! Its actually not far from the Bwlch Valley you visited before entering Ogmore (where my dentist is 😁)
    We apologise for the 20mph limits, v frustrating indeed.
    Great video, sorry to hear about your news. Keep up the good work.

  • @TheAstra888
    @TheAstra888 Před měsícem +10

    My grandfather was involved in the six bells disaster he was one of the men who helped to rescued the trapped Miners

  • @gemmawooding7585
    @gemmawooding7585 Před měsícem +3

    I moved from Kent to South wales 13 years ago and my most common phrase is "wow, why wouldnt they make this street one way???" 😂

  • @chrismaggs
    @chrismaggs Před měsícem +4

    I learnt to drive in the valleys (Rhondda area) and as I was told back then "If you can drive in the Valleys, you can drive anywhere!"
    I've scared so many people with my driving and so called "tight gaps" with at least 6 inches room on each side.

  • @charissachubb5758
    @charissachubb5758 Před měsícem +9

    Your "TurdTom" could also be a "CrapNav!" Good to see you back. Your progs are accurate and amusing!

  • @keenbaker-dias1137
    @keenbaker-dias1137 Před měsícem +9

    dude in Bristol we got a letter of apology for the neglect of council estates and ignoring tenants i think they've watched your show ,keep up the good work👍

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před měsícem +2

      For real? That’s crazy

  • @Timmy51m
    @Timmy51m Před měsícem +4

    You started in Pontypool where I was born and have lived for 48 years, and I haven't been to most of these places, they're mostly all the same. You should have started in Usk, just to get that feeling of leaving somewhere beautiful and beginning your ascent into misery and despair.
    Good video, I hope your natural sense of curiosity is rewarding.

    • @tracyr2842
      @tracyr2842 Před měsícem +1

      Pontypool here too. He completely passed by the delights that are Talywain, Garndiffaith and Varteg. What a loss 😂

    • @Timmy51m
      @Timmy51m Před měsícem

      @@tracyr2842 There's no excuse is there. I could say it was to err on the side of caution, but then he went to Merthyr so there really is no excuse. ;)

    • @rosiew1952
      @rosiew1952 Před 24 dny +1

      Im from Blaenavon , dont live there anymore , as my mam moved us to Bargoed in 1980, I was only 13 at the time. Devastated I was , "as my late dad Mike Waite still lived up there & and my nan & gramps . My mam took us to Pontypool park in the late 70.s as there was an artificial ski slope there. it was great. and when we were about 5 , we went to some big shop at Christmas time to see santa and have a gift. loved Pontypool . Dont know what it is like these days though, or Blaenavon ,as I havent been up there for a good few years. It was lovely in the 70,s when we were growing up though.

    • @Timmy51m
      @Timmy51m Před 24 dny

      @@rosiew1952 Yeah, I think most of us got taken to the ski slope at some point. Early 80's I was let loose on the short beginner slope, they didn't give you sticks, just pushed you off, only i went sideways across the full slope and caused carnage lol.
      Probably talking about Woolworths store, although there was plenty of places to go in Ponty back in those days, it had it all, even talking birds in hardware stores.
      Not much there anymore, like most valley towns unfortunately.

  • @b8nnytez
    @b8nnytez Před měsícem +16

    I will forever pronounce Cwm the way you did! 😂
    Gives a whole new meaning to " How Green Was my Valley?"😮

    • @b8nnytez
      @b8nnytez Před měsícem +4

      By the way, literally no-one, not even cops, do 20mph! Well when I say no-one, middle aged men, driving small cars, potter around at 20mph, holding everyone else up. Not many of them though thankfully.😉

    • @b8nnytez
      @b8nnytez Před měsícem +10

      Oh, one more thing, yeah you're right about these valleys, grim, depressing, no hope, and a PERFECT representation of a region under long term LABOUR PARTY rule!
      Now the rest of the UK can endure the delights of this delightful organisation!
      ENJOY!!!! 😂

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před měsícem +7

      @@b8nnytezI did notice that I seemed to be holding people up but the Taff valley for example did have speed camera constantly I wasn’t risking it.

    • @notintere5ted
      @notintere5ted Před měsícem +1

      Quim

  • @49cchris
    @49cchris Před měsícem +29

    Your back like a turd that wont flush 😂 Amzing dude this is the first time seen you in person! 🤙

    • @starrgazer1000
      @starrgazer1000 Před měsícem +2

      Won't flush you say but he is having a chain reaction

  • @paulwilliams8924
    @paulwilliams8924 Před měsícem +9

    Lovely to see you back, and I'm sorry for your recent loss.
    Thanks for your decent attempts at the place names, it really riles me when 'foreigners' from England don't even try, although i know how difficult Welsh place names can be to say!

  • @grahamjones5947
    @grahamjones5947 Před měsícem +84

    Your pronunciation of wales Town names is shocking lol

    • @therezaloftus
      @therezaloftus Před měsícem +3

      thank you im not even welsh i just live here and the pronunciations are triggering me

    • @sarahtamsin
      @sarahtamsin Před měsícem +4

      Agreed. Great video, but perhaps try speaking to local people to get the pronunciations correct because some of these were way too far off. Ebbw Vale is not difficult to say correctly 🙄 crinnnnggggge

    • @sallyedwards2400
      @sallyedwards2400 Před měsícem +6

      lol give him a break we’ve grown up with these names. Shout out for Treorchy❤

    • @headleshydra
      @headleshydra Před měsícem +8

      Literally no one outside of wales cares.

    • @marka2520
      @marka2520 Před měsícem +1

      I think his pronunciations are pretty good. At least he makes an attempt with the "f", "ll" and "dd" spellings.
      Well done.

  • @andybrowne2117
    @andybrowne2117 Před měsícem +2

    How very good that you are back ! I always found your incisive wit about the shit places you were looking at ! You probably needed a break to recover from the dire state of this country ! Keep up the very good vids. , they are always instrutive !

  • @dankmdunn4725
    @dankmdunn4725 Před měsícem +4

    Great to see the Hawk back and doing well, I live in Hirwaun in the Aberdare valleys which is a lovely village thankfully, if U come back come to Wales come to hirwuan and then on to the waterfalls and the Brecon beacons

  • @southcalder
    @southcalder Před měsícem +2

    I really want to visit that reverse waterfall in the intro.

  • @mattsrailwayadventures
    @mattsrailwayadventures Před měsícem +7

    Welcome back and I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
    I'm using the loss of my Dad back in January to try and start a new venture to continue his legacy going.

  • @gsa9408
    @gsa9408 Před měsícem +12

    I cycled through the high street Blackwood a few weeks ago and there was a big fair going on, families had a great time by the looks of it

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před měsícem +5

      Yea I saw that too but I wasn’t recording. Actually I probably tried but I was tired and didn’t press the button 😂 looked like fun!

  • @swifts6879
    @swifts6879 Před měsícem +5

    0:35 honestly its so sad that Great British Decline is effectively a subgenre of CZcams video now. That video BritMonkey made recently was a massive eye opener.

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před 8 dny

      Very true. So many people doing it now

  • @MrTrowill
    @MrTrowill Před měsícem +16

    Cracking content as always . Much appreciated from a Treorchy resident .

  • @eepyeeps
    @eepyeeps Před měsícem +4

    The pronunciation on Abercynon in particular had me laughing like a mad man 😂

  • @Philthy_UK
    @Philthy_UK Před měsícem +7

    Dude, it’s good to have you back! 👍The work that goes into your videos is clear to see, and the commentary always has me laughing!
    Naming the SatNav the “TurdTom” is exactly what I mean hahaha 😂

  • @footystar1GamingOfficial
    @footystar1GamingOfficial Před měsícem +2

    Welcome to the Valleys, batt! Valleys boy born and bred right here! I actually work near Treorchy, but I was born in Merthyr (King Charles Hospital to be exact).

  • @AB-ly6pf
    @AB-ly6pf Před měsícem +29

    Used to be a delivery driver. I feel your pain! Funny old part of the world but fuck me, the roads!! 😂

    • @b8nnytez
      @b8nnytez Před měsícem +2

      me too...getting flashbacks watching this...😖

    • @fiskrond9212
      @fiskrond9212 Před měsícem +1

      I'm a native.. we don't think a lot of them either (let alone the signage).. 😖

  • @joedent3323
    @joedent3323 Před měsícem +2

    Video idea: Please go up Ben Nevis on a Monkey-Spunk powered Moped with only fuel for half the journey.

  • @someusername1
    @someusername1 Před měsícem +5

    I'm sorry for your loss but it's great to see you back
    And what a journey! I agree with you about the Afan, Garw and Ogmore valleys being beautiful. There is something about the nature there -- it seems to be trying to escape what humans have done. It's not defeated.
    Being a former Maesteg resident, your description of Maesteg and the Llynfi made me chuckle. From what I can see, it's actually improved since I lived there in the 90s!
    Well done on your trip. Even over 2 days it was still good going.

  • @antmonk8537
    @antmonk8537 Před měsícem +10

    I'm glad you liked the Garw, I think it's a hidden gem. It's sad that the Valleys don't get the investment they need to capitalise on their stunning natural beauty, with some up-to-date infrastructure and a lick of paint they could easily market themselves as a tourism destination for nature lovers.

    • @Soldmysoulforablurayplayer
      @Soldmysoulforablurayplayer Před měsícem

      Pont is great Garw smells.

    • @mel4856
      @mel4856 Před měsícem +1

      Totally agree, I always say that about the Garw and Ogmore valley. Bridgend council never put investment or interest into these pretty valleys, it's such a shame, just keep putting council tax up each year and doing nothing for the places.

    • @SamRansome
      @SamRansome Před 10 dny +2

      Garw Valley is beautiful and most of the locals are welcoming, unfortunately it's been used as a bit of a dumping ground by BCBC lately 😢

    • @mel4856
      @mel4856 Před 9 dny

      @@SamRansome very true, and in ogmore same. BCBC don't seem to care about the valleys or any investment into them. It's really sad and not fair to people or the areas. They are so beautiful a lot more could be made of these areas. Even the social housing in ogmore is being sold off by Wales and west housing, so no social housing. They are building in porthcawl. Is that the same in the garw?

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před 9 dny +1

      @@mel4856what’s BCBC?

  • @DVDFRMN
    @DVDFRMN Před měsícem +10

    Pontypool is hardly "up and coming" but it does have some things going for it, the Park is magnificent, it's massive and in the park alone there is a River, Woods, Hills, the 'American' and 'Italian' gardens, an antique bandstand, more woods, bowls, tennis, a Museum, a 'leisure centre'(i guess they have a gym in there or some squash courts? i have no idea), a Bugry ground, a fcuking ski slope, a hidden grotto on the hilltop made of seashells with a cracking view across Monmouthshire, 5 mins up the hill is The folly which is a pretty dull tower but from there is the path up the mountain with mushrooms growing on the path all the way! ...... For a family with young kids that park is an incredibly varied and safe playground for the little ones..... I moved to Pontypool from England because it has the main infrastructure i require, a supermarket, cheap housing, a train station, it did have Banks back then but there are several post offices in and around Pontypool all within cycling distance, i don't drive a car so i needed basic amenities withing walking distance, but also beautiful places within walking distance and there are many very nice places tucked away, The other side of the Valley to the Park has good walking once you get above the area called 'Tranch' , from there you can walk or cycle to 'The Canyon' (google it) or all over the Tymbarlam which is the mountain by Cwmbran ...... there are wicked mountain roads good for Mountain Biking that snake all over that mountain at the bottom of the Valley overlooking Risca (Forest Mountain Drive) ...... For a cyclist the LINE is a wonderful thing, the old railway line that runs all the way up the Valley to Blaenavon and the around to Brynmawr , far better than using the road which is quite dangerous for cyclists, South Wales has SH!T drivers, the road sucks, the LINE is wonderful, nice and flat and steady incline up the Valley, 200 feet up the mountain, lots of trees and wonderful colors in Autumn, great views across the Valley as you ride to some tedious errand like going to the doctors, it's all so much nicer with mountains in the background ..... Garndiffith Viaduct is spectacular , Torfaen IS the best Valley because officially Brecon Beacons AONB includes one side of the Valley that borders Monmouthshire, all the way to the trig point on the Mountain above the Folly ..... That was my spot in 'Lockdown' i would go up there all day for my daily 'hour' of exercise, take a pack lunch, 2 flasks of tea, 6 joints, there is a little ledge just below the Trig point at the top of the Mountain on the Torfaen side with a glorious view across the valley ..... i would hear many people come and go to the summit just above me with no clue i was sat there on the ledge . pontypool has many wonderful secret places within walking distance

    • @eepyeeps
      @eepyeeps Před měsícem

      Gonna need a tldr on that one

    • @DVDFRMN
      @DVDFRMN Před měsícem +1

      @@eepyeeps sorry what did you say? i don't speak subhuman ret@rd language so you will have to translate...

    • @eepyeeps
      @eepyeeps Před měsícem +1

      @DVDFRMN Bro who hurt you? Damn 😂

    • @Spohcsom
      @Spohcsom Před 28 dny +1

      I agree, Pontypool like hundreds of other former mining and coastal tourist towns in Wales, Scotland and England are quite run down, but the area of Pontypool in general is lovely. So much countryside to truly escape to. I am sure I will visit the Pontypool area again in the future and I may look for this ledge you speak off.

  • @stuartrowena4371
    @stuartrowena4371 Před měsícem +3

    Oh you're absolutely right about the 20 mph ! I believe that Welsh Labour have just about killed every pleasurable emotion one could have driving through the entire country of Wales. Based on that principle alone i don't think i could ever again vote Labour in my life:- they have absolutely sapped every atom of joy out of our country.

  • @jacquesmertens3369
    @jacquesmertens3369 Před měsícem +14

    You sound so old and wise. Therefore, I always assumed you were 50+ .

  • @Eric_Hunt194
    @Eric_Hunt194 Před měsícem +2

    A bit of a rock & roll tour, Blackwood is where Manic Street Preachers are from; and Cwmaman is where Stereophonics started.

  • @jamesstreeter7342
    @jamesstreeter7342 Před měsícem +19

    Can't say we've seen your face and I think my Mrs was pleasantly surprised 😄

  • @jessventures6172
    @jessventures6172 Před měsícem +4

    Cool to put a face to the voice! I would totally do this and make a week long trip of it, so much to see along the way!

    • @tonkerdog1
      @tonkerdog1 Před měsícem +1

      If he ran a coach tour, I’d go.

  • @pipjoyce7797
    @pipjoyce7797 Před měsícem +9

    Great to see u back and sorry for your loss❤
    I always wondered what you looked like... u sound older than u look lol. X

  • @stevenptew
    @stevenptew Před měsícem +3

    I was brought up in Maesteg . I love it, don't be so dismissive. It's certainly not true to say that there are no shops - it's not exactly Oxford Street but there are a handful of national chain stores and a good number of local shops. Yes, it's been hit by deprivation like many areas of South Wales but it's not as bad as you make out.

    • @davem9204
      @davem9204 Před měsícem

      Mind you Oxford Street isn't a great comparison to make these days - just full of dodgy American candy and souvenir shops - no decent shops anymore.

    • @stevenptew
      @stevenptew Před měsícem

      @@davem9204 There is that...

  • @JDODify
    @JDODify Před měsícem +2

    Ah, you should have carried on just a few miles further when you got to Bridgend and spent some time in Porthcawl - it really is nice here in summer.

  • @gofres
    @gofres Před měsícem +8

    Hearing you butcher Welsh names got me laughing 😂
    I was surprised how kind you were to Resolven too 😂
    Glad you enjoyed Melyn Court waterfalls, it is lovely up there.

    • @offitcock
      @offitcock Před měsícem

      "Quim" 🤣🤣

    • @DJ_Sycottic
      @DJ_Sycottic Před měsícem

      Yeah right, that's the first time I've ever heard someone say anything positive about Resolven.

    • @officialjackroberts1317
      @officialjackroberts1317 Před měsícem

      Once you've lived here long enough, you get to see the better sides of the village but anywhere you go you'll have a few downsides 😊

  • @stogieguy7
    @stogieguy7 Před 8 dny +1

    Just watching this one and it’s really great; glad to see you back! As an American, it blows my mind to see all these little towns in the middle of the hills where nearly everyone is crammed together in terraces and flats. Hardly any detached houses anywhere. Trust me when I tell you that a (far) higher percentage of residents in the city of Chicago live in detached houses than what I see in these valleys. They look like Philadelphia- with hills! It’s crazy. While I realize that terraced houses are common in the UK (not so over here), this is extreme. Very odd and unfortunate for those stuck there. Which is a shame because it’s a lovely area.

  • @heathermortimer1126
    @heathermortimer1126 Před měsícem +2

    that's the trouble, well one of them with Wales, you need half a ton of phlegm in your throat to pronounce the place names LOL
    Did enjoy this, love your sense of humour, so funny. That 20mph speed limit is ridiculous, you may as well walk, and what a depressing place Wales is.
    Not a place i would even visit, never mind live their, they can keep their cheap houses , you may have failed your challenge, but i really enjoyed watching this. Cant wait for your next
    adventure.

  • @andrearoyd2942
    @andrearoyd2942 Před měsícem +6

    You got there in the end - weather is so important, can make or break an experience, no matter where you are or what you are doing. Look forward tot he next & welcome back x

  • @iantobanter9546
    @iantobanter9546 Před měsícem +6

    Tonypandy riots were over the "sliding scale." Over the Bwlch you follow an ancient route that predates the Maindy Roman camp you unknowingly passed. Pity you missed a pint in Treorchy - full of friendly locals.

  • @Lee-73
    @Lee-73 Před měsícem +8

    Good to see you back fella and very sorry for your loss.
    Great video and something different - won’t be visiting that part of Wales until they get rid of the 20 mph limit, not a chance.
    I’m not politically biased in any way, but Labour have really let Wales down - too much virtue signalling and not looking after the people who live there. They’ve badly let down the steelworkers of Port Talbot too.
    Keep up the good work 👍🏼

  • @davidbolton1770
    @davidbolton1770 Před měsícem +2

    Even with the 30mph as it was before I think you would still have had a big ask to do it all in one day. Glad that you had some kind words to say about Treorchy - my home town :)

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před 8 dny

      You are lucky living there a Welsh treasure

  • @agc2757
    @agc2757 Před měsícem +3

    These towns can SHUV IT, MAAAAN!!

  • @joshwilliams0391
    @joshwilliams0391 Před měsícem +4

    As someone who comes from the Ogmore Valley I’m very proud to know that it’s the least shit valley.

  • @pcheeverz
    @pcheeverz Před měsícem +4

    Great to have you back Mr Turd. Please never stop producing videos. Thanks for the laughs 🙏

  • @yksdan
    @yksdan Před měsícem +1

    So glad you loved the Bwlch and the Ogmore Valley. The first town you would have gone through after the Bwlch would have been Nantymoel. I have lived in Nantymoel/Ogmore Vale my entire life so if you ever pop up again, can show you some stunning spots in the valley!

  • @jimdavis5230
    @jimdavis5230 Před měsícem +7

    I am surprised you have such a low opinion of Blackwood. I moved to Blackwood seven years ago from Bristol. Blackwood is a great place to live with lots of shops and very friendly people. I wish I had moved here 40 years ago, it's that much better than living in Bristol. Also there are no speed cameras here.

    • @user-ly5rx2eg5q
      @user-ly5rx2eg5q Před měsícem +2

      Blackwood is lovely

    • @jimdavis5230
      @jimdavis5230 Před měsícem

      @@user-ly5rx2eg5q Yes it is lovely. Okay I live on the Penllwyn in Pontllanfraith and generally it's very quiet here. There have been two armed Police drugs raids on one house and a woman strangled whilst waiting on a bus stop. Apart from that it's lovely here.

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před 5 dny

      I don’t really have a bad opinion on it. That’s why it’s never been on a Turdtowns video. I do find driving a bit stressful and confusing in that area but aside from that no issue with Blackwood.

  • @Rags.F
    @Rags.F Před 9 dny +1

    Hello there, I enjoy your videos and look forward to them every week.
    I don't even have an interest in canals but something drew me to your videos.
    I've been following you for a few months now. I'm sorry about Dexter, you'll know when the time is right to get another fur baby .
    Keep up the good work. Morag, scotland

  • @blooddnb1572
    @blooddnb1572 Před měsícem +3

    My Mum lives in Rhymney it's pretty grim. Also nice feature on Aberfan. The people make the place, I love the Valleys.

  • @ralphsmotodiary
    @ralphsmotodiary Před měsícem +1

    Good to have you back, buddy. You've been missed. Sorry to learn about your loss, hope you're ok.

  • @derekstorey4938
    @derekstorey4938 Před měsícem +1

    I live in Penarth, a relatively affluent area near Cardiff. My daughter with her partner and my grandchildren live in Abercwmboi. It might not look good driving through but the hills around and the community are amazing, so much so we are looking to move there.

  • @djstevefox
    @djstevefox Před 19 dny +1

    Wales world famous " Reverse Waterfall" I thought it was just a myth! :) Nice to have you back mate, sorry for your loss..

  • @unitedlegend8842
    @unitedlegend8842 Před měsícem +1

    Really glad you're back mate. I hope things are getting better for you. Keep up the great work. You don't look at all like i imagined 😂

  • @TheChodax
    @TheChodax Před měsícem +2

    Sorry for your loss chief. Glad to see you back.

  • @whataripoff999
    @whataripoff999 Před 18 dny +1

    Great video. Just got back from some of the western valleys and was taken aback by the scenery. Water fall country was stunning- melincourt which is the one you featured was spectacular. Great video. Keep up the great content

  • @bcdave91
    @bcdave91 Před 8 dny +1

    I wondered what happened to you. Sorry to hear of your loss. Hope you're doing OK. Great video! Thanks!! Brings back memories of the 1970s when my parents would drag me around Wales camping. I think you're totally accurate: beautiful scenery and ugly/crap buildings.

  • @rhysdav1400
    @rhysdav1400 Před měsícem +1

    Since when was the leader of the shove it squad up my way, what a time to be alive

  • @OGxCSH
    @OGxCSH Před měsícem +3

    Cheers...good to have you back. Been waiting for more videos. Big ups from Southern California

  • @juniusvindex769
    @juniusvindex769 Před měsícem +2

    Nearly 40 years ago I did an outward bound course in South Wales. It looks pretty much the same iirc.
    I traveled around in the back of a vw camper and the hills nearly killed it 🤣
    Whilst pot holing, we entered on the side of a hill in the middle of nowhere then came out a few hundred yards away from a rundown trading estate......... I've visited a few times and love Wales.
    Welsh folk mostly have great sense of humour (some hate us English folk 😂) but on the whole, are a hoot 👍🏻
    Great to see you back.

  • @RobertMarsh1988
    @RobertMarsh1988 Před měsícem +1

    Superb. I absolutely adore your videos. I'm a proud valleys boy and you just absolutely nailed it.

  • @TransmissionEpicts
    @TransmissionEpicts Před měsícem +1

    We did think you'd been lost on an epic exploration journey, following in the footsteps of Sir John Franklin but trying to find the Northwest Bypass around some baron expanse.

  • @mooge6467
    @mooge6467 Před 24 dny +1

    I'm from up north in England and moved to Abertillery in 2002 I was about😂 22 at the time, I have to say the valleys is special, I know it's a shit hole but it's got a real timeless beauty about it, loved to go back some day, an nice to see your face mate

  • @davidharris4062
    @davidharris4062 Před měsícem +8

    Well apart from some of your pronunciations was a good film, not all negative, which is a plus, the majority of the valleys are deprived, but places like Treorchy are not bad, when you realise that Tonypandy, only about 3 miles from Treorchy was once like Treorchy and full full of shops, as were all the towns, you didn’t mention Pontrhydyfen In the Afan Valley was the birthplace of Richard Burton, Ivor Emmanuel (Zulu) and Rebecca Evans(opera singer) Nathan Jones, football manager wasn’t born in Ystrad Rhondda, he was born in Bleanrhondda his mother and farther still live there, I worked with his farther for 20+ years

  • @efnissien
    @efnissien Před měsícem +2

    Welcome back, I've always said that you give it a good try with the pronunciation, not always successfully - but better than most. You also include Welsh versions of place names too which is another plus.
    A lot of these valleys towns they only exist due to the coal mines and iron works that used to cover the area and there was massive inward migration - it's said that without the industrial boom, the South would resemble the North. For example, 1801, Cardiff only had a population of 1870. But, following the creation of the docks for the export of coal, by 1889 it had shot up to 123,000. With the collapse of the very heavy industries that created that boom and a lack of investment (which some have argued as being 'post Thatcher punitive') a lot of these towns were left to stagnate.

  • @jamesgrover2005
    @jamesgrover2005 Před měsícem +5

    Cheers Tom
    I don't want to sound like a pretentious twat.. but I am, these valleys are incredibly car centric but the roads are shite, wacking in a by pass was the government admitting they can't be arsed, clearly a revolution is needed.
    Get the Dutch town planning system in ffs.

    • @lemsip207
      @lemsip207 Před měsícem

      Building over a canal in Crumlin was a crime instead of turning it into a feature. There is a canal north of Newport, but you can't boat down it as it's too narrow, overgrown, or built over in places. You can only walk or cycle beside it as they turned the tow paths into paths. In the 60s and 70s, they were overgrown, so there was no access.

  • @Andrewjg_89
    @Andrewjg_89 Před 28 dny +1

    Nice to see you back on CZcams. And congratulations on reaching over 60k subscribers.

  • @rocka-cb7kk
    @rocka-cb7kk Před měsícem +6

    SORRY ro hear about your loss good to see ya back i still live there well north wales

  • @robertleem5643
    @robertleem5643 Před 23 dny +1

    Was looking forward to your next video. We love Mid/North Wales, going back to Machynlleth December to see the mountains hopefully with snow on and to photography them

  • @megaflux7144
    @megaflux7144 Před měsícem +4

    for the record, while i enjoy your marky d channel i enjoy these videos about 10x more.

  • @RussellJones77
    @RussellJones77 Před měsícem +2

    I liked this format of video mate. Glad to see you back and sorry for your loss, rough times...

  • @kennethausten
    @kennethausten Před měsícem +2

    Problem is it's not profitable for builders . The selling price is less than the construction costs. May have improved now. My old home in Kent is over £200 k more than I can get for my bungalow. Was almost equal once. In 20 years , my bungalow devalued by 40%. Value has now restored plus. but still a big gap. Plot of land nearby bought by the council for 45 houses For rental. Good news, will help the homeless.

  • @connaizemo
    @connaizemo Před měsícem +3

    Can the Valleys make the hawk talk?

  • @cookudysu90
    @cookudysu90 Před měsícem +3

    Unfortunately the top of the Rhymney valley is the Arse-end of nowhere and barely get any money except the infrastructure and a tiny to the council!

  • @GPwild
    @GPwild Před měsícem +7

    Very sorry for your loss.

  • @lemsip207
    @lemsip207 Před měsícem +1

    Travelling around the Valleys is much nicer by train and bicycle on the disused railway lines as they are often tree lined and higher up the hills and away from the towns and villages until it passes through a station. When you travel by road it seems to be one town or village after another as they can only spread along the main roads rather than out from them. Most of the housing estates and high streets are depressing but there are country parks on reclaimed industrial land such as Parc Penallta. Long cycle trails pass through them.
    There are also museums off the beaten track such as in Cyfarthfa Castle in MerthyrTydfil, the Rhondda Heritage Park and the Winding House near Bargoed. There is a climbing centre near Treharris.
    Many of the Scots Pine plantations have been replaced by deciduous trees.
    Then there are dead-end Valleys as there is a steep hill or mountain blocking the way, such as in the Garw Valley. There needs to be more stations on some of those railway lines.
    It was a pity you couldn't find a hotel for the night in Pontypridd at last minute.

  • @joelbrown2782
    @joelbrown2782 Před měsícem +2

    I did realise you ran this channel as well. I watch your wrestling channel. I am Welsh and live in the Valleys, I call Abertillery, Stabertillery. Yeah, Crumlin smells like shit. You saying Cwm is hilarious. Also, past a certain time, you won't see the sunshine. With Bargoed, if you had carried on, you would have gone through the one-way high street.

  • @AallthewaytoZ2
    @AallthewaytoZ2 Před měsícem +1

    Good to see you back. Sorry for your loss my friend. Please look after yourself and take your time. Peace.

  • @stuwillis7710
    @stuwillis7710 Před měsícem +4

    You missed out Tredegar. My home town. In the Sir Howie valley

  • @MartinLeamon
    @MartinLeamon Před měsícem +1

    Here is a Recommended top 3 for Each County, Berkshire: Slough, Whitley, Tilehurst Oxfordshire: Didcot, Banbury, Watlington Hampshire: Southampton, Basingstoke, Waterloovile

  • @Jim-so3zm
    @Jim-so3zm Před měsícem +2

    Good to see you back Turd. You're one of my favourite channels on here.

  • @thathurt
    @thathurt Před měsícem +5

    This video reminds me why I holiday in north Wales and not the south. 😂 I do like hills though.

    • @Turdtowns
      @Turdtowns  Před měsícem

      I’m supposed to get up there sooner or later. What’s good and what’s bad up there?

    • @rehabwales
      @rehabwales Před měsícem +1

      personally I think you are missing out. Plenty of stunning places in South Wales. Try the Gower or Around Tenby.

    • @jonathanellis1842
      @jonathanellis1842 Před měsícem +1

      @@Turdtowns North East wales borderlands, same problems as South Wales valleys. Large mining and steelworks that have all now gone leaving a big black hole. Towns and villages were in the past there were plenty of work opportunities, that may not have been massively well paid or nice clean, even safe places to work, but it was enough for a comfortable life and the community's were welded together by a forgotten common purpose. This went in the 1980s and the challenge that is still being fought today is to rejuvenate and reinvent these paces so as to make them fit for the modern world, with the way our country and its economy has been for the last few years, that is a big ask!

    • @TheWelshmann
      @TheWelshmann Před měsícem

      @@TurdtownsHave to go to Rhyl, hell on earth! 😂

    • @lemsip207
      @lemsip207 Před měsícem

      The tourism is appalling. There are few signposts. There are former industrial sites turned into parks such as Tondu Park but it doesn't feel completely rural. The disused railway lines were turned into cycle paths. There are museums and summer eve ts though.

  • @andrewrowland965
    @andrewrowland965 Před měsícem +7

    Glad your back.. Onwards and upwards

  • @ANTONSV5
    @ANTONSV5 Před měsícem +4

    Hey turdtowns, my family is from Tredegar, whilst there's not much in the town centre there are two main attractions of natural beauty that are both lakes. In the Georgetown village, there's the Cefn gola Lake which is surrounded by forest and genuinely looks out the scene of a shakesperian play, there's also the brynbach park, which is one of the most scenic lakes I've seen that has a brilliant range of activities to do there as well as Canadian geese popping in from time to time. Blackwood, I think, has had the most investment with a bus hub, a cinema, and in general lots going on in the high street, compared to Tredegar, which is definitely quiet. The best thing about Tredegar in the town centre is the park and the wetherspoons.

  • @-DC-
    @-DC- Před měsícem +2

    Freezing Cold, Soaked, Middle of Nowhere, am sure the Welsh Tourist Board have used that strap line.

  • @RandomJane104
    @RandomJane104 Před měsícem +2

    I'm sorry for your loss. I have missed your videos. I hoped you were just enjoying your short summer.

  • @ross121111
    @ross121111 Před 2 dny +1

    Sorry to hear about the bad news, brother. Keep ya chin up

  • @tristanpage6805
    @tristanpage6805 Před měsícem +1

    Great content again. Look forward to the next