spooksprings
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- Oct 13, 2011
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Aberdare-Merthyr Rail Tunnel
Accesibility: 1. Property of British Rail. Danger: 1. Scariness: 2. Need: Bright torch, coat. Beware tar on gate, and open drains.
Built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel from 1845 and opened 2nd November 1853 to serve the coal and steel works prevelant in the area, this is one of the longest in Wales. It runs from Cwmbach to Abercanaid through Mynydd Gethin, the rail running from the Merthyr Steelworks to Neath docks. An 'S' shaped tunnel running through shale, coal and limestone for 1 and a half miles (2497 yards), it has masonry walls with straight sides and a semi circle brick roof, some of the original coal and shale is left exposed. After an accident in 1870, a train almost buried, it was totally relined. There are 100's of 'passing places', cubby holes for rail workers to avoid trains. 2 workers stations also exist midway with fireplaces and a kiln. The tunnel widens to to the centre (I assume) to compensate for air pressure. The last train ran through on 31st December 1962.
There is a gravel path throughout and is fenced both sides. There is no collapse and is in almost perfect condition. There is no wildlife to be seen or heard. The drip of water and your echoing footsteps is all you sense. The further you venture in the colder it becomes. You will feel as if a freezing wind is rushing against you, but stand still, and it's so calm. Visiting the 'Hermits Hole' midway, which is 'warm' inside, switching the lamp off and contemplating the cross on the wall in the silence and darkness is mandatory for those in need of revelation, or even the appearance of the ghost train.
Ideas float around to reopen it as a cycleway, but seems that would need some costly refurbishment and lighting to tempt the bravest family cycle group through. Seems it best serves as an adventure hole.
Cwmbach Entrance
A miniature nuclear explosion
The first hut
The skeleton in the hut
The hermitage
A book of lies/truth
A passing place
Lamp battery
Abercarnaid Entrance
Accesibility: 1. Property of British Rail. Danger: 1. Scariness: 2. Need: Bright torch, coat. Beware tar on gate, and open drains.
Built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel from 1845 and opened 2nd November 1853 to serve the coal and steel works prevelant in the area, this is one of the longest in Wales. It runs from Cwmbach to Abercanaid through Mynydd Gethin, the rail running from the Merthyr Steelworks to Neath docks. An 'S' shaped tunnel running through shale, coal and limestone for 1 and a half miles (2497 yards), it has masonry walls with straight sides and a semi circle brick roof, some of the original coal and shale is left exposed. After an accident in 1870, a train almost buried, it was totally relined. There are 100's of 'passing places', cubby holes for rail workers to avoid trains. 2 workers stations also exist midway with fireplaces and a kiln. The tunnel widens to to the centre (I assume) to compensate for air pressure. The last train ran through on 31st December 1962.
There is a gravel path throughout and is fenced both sides. There is no collapse and is in almost perfect condition. There is no wildlife to be seen or heard. The drip of water and your echoing footsteps is all you sense. The further you venture in the colder it becomes. You will feel as if a freezing wind is rushing against you, but stand still, and it's so calm. Visiting the 'Hermits Hole' midway, which is 'warm' inside, switching the lamp off and contemplating the cross on the wall in the silence and darkness is mandatory for those in need of revelation, or even the appearance of the ghost train.
Ideas float around to reopen it as a cycleway, but seems that would need some costly refurbishment and lighting to tempt the bravest family cycle group through. Seems it best serves as an adventure hole.
Cwmbach Entrance
A miniature nuclear explosion
The first hut
The skeleton in the hut
The hermitage
A book of lies/truth
A passing place
Lamp battery
Abercarnaid Entrance
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