Its attractions include Bridgend Valleys Railway and many woodland trails through forestry and surrounding mountains.

Recent signage and post office records have been changed to reflect the original Welsh spelling.

At the southern (lower) end of the village, marking its boundary with Pantygog, the River Garw is joined from the east by the Nant Fforch Wen ("White Fork Stream").

At the northern (upper) end, towards its boundary with Blaengarw, the River Garw is joined by the Nant Gelli Wern ("Marsh Grove Stream") at Ffaldau, the village square.

Dr Dan Davies (physician to the king and chief advisor for the establishment of the NHS), Phylip Henry Rees (preacher and evangelist of the Gospel) and Wendy Phillips, ‘the cleaning lady who went to Hollywood’ who was the inspiration for all Sara Sugarman's films.