a Co-op and a corner shop on its high street. Overlooking the village from the mountainside is a prominent rock formation known locally as Rock Ar Valla (.) The origin of this name is unknown however, due to language and mispronunciation, is also known as Rock Of Allah and Rock Ar Allan (.) Transport The Ynysybwl branch line railway was opened in 1885 to serve mineral workings in the valley. A passenger service was started in 1890, at first to Abercynon but later more conveniently to Pontypridd. Lady Windsor Colliery was a dominant source of business for the line. After World War II passenger carrying declined greatly, and the passenger service was withdrawn in 1953.The line closed completely in 1988 when Lady Windsor Colliery closed. Notable people See also :Category:People from Ynysybwl Alun Wyn Davies - rugby, Welsh team coach Don Dearson - Footballer, Welsh international Garin Jenkins - Wales' most-capped hooker Staff Jones - rugby, capped for Wales in 1983 and toured with the British Lions to New Zealand in 1985 Ken Leek - footballer, Welsh International, played for Northampton, Leicester, Newcastle, Birmingham, Northampton, Bradford City, Rhyl, Merthyr, Ton Pentre. Dale McIntosh - rugby, Pontypridd RFC captain Leighton Rees - darts player, first ever World Champion in 1978 Tommy Scourfield - rugby union player capped for Wales in 1930 Gareth Dean - Rugby League player, Welsh International, played for Wigan Warriors, London Broncos, Celtic Crusaders, Cardiff Demons, Workington, Carcassonne. Adam Thomas - Rugby Union player, Wales 7's International, played for Cardiff Blues, Pontypridd, Ynysybwl. References External links Ynysybwl Rugby Club Ynysybwl.com www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Ynysybwl and surrounding area : Ynysybwl & Coed-y-Cwm Community Council The Old Bwl Inn Location grid Villages in Rhondda Cynon Taf