In 1758, John Abel was being pestered by the ghost of his great-uncle, Thomas Watkin Lleision. The ghost eventually led John to some hidden money.
Llwybr y Cythrauk translates as the Devil’s Pathway, and it earned its name from an interesting account published originally in 1925. A young farm girl was returning home late one night, when she was followed by a creature that resembled a calf. Upon getting to the farm, she immediately informed her master that she had been followed by the devil. He grabbed his gun – as you would – and began a search for the creature. This proved unsuccessful, but strange footprints were discovered the following morning, therefore leading to the path being given its name.
This fine ruin, of which the Tudor historian John Leland called Neath Abbey "the fairest abbey of all Wales", was said to be haunted by monk that once betrayed King Edward II, which ultimately led to his death at Gloucester Castle.
As a result, the ghost of King Edward II was reported at the Abbey as well.
The Abbey is now under the care of Cadw.
Pictured left are the ruins of Neath Abbey courtesy of John Armagh.
Neath Abbey and Gatehouse,
Skewen,
Neath,
SA10 7DW.