Is there a confusion between Maenofferen and Cwmorthin here?
Maenofferen is private property and some parts of the wider site (the waste tips) are still being worked. Although there are footpaths near Maenofferen and these are used by locals for dog walking and so on, the buildings themselves and indeed most of the site are not publicly accessible.
There have been some considerable problems with vandalism and theft at Maenofferen and this has resulted in considerable damage and degradation to what is a very rare location. It is, therefore, entirely understandable that the owners, Greaves, wish to keep people away.
Cwmorthin, however, remains an ongoing project to retain access and in particular work has been carried out to repair the entrances.
Work weekends are held at Cwmorthin from time to time and there will no doubt be some held next year - details will be posted on this site by Friends of Cwmorthin, who hold the access agreement.
Similarly, there may well be a "beginners" trip to Cwmorthin arranged in the spring, if there is demand.
Hello again darkness, my old friend...