Not a planned visit but due to a number of unforeseen circumstances - car breakdown being one and cyclonic variables deciding to sit bang over South Wales being the other - we diverted to this former mineral railway tunnel. I was last here nearly 8 years ago and not much has changed really. Still a bitch to light, still flooded from the halfway point (although it had receded a little from what I remember) and still a meeting point for every bit of soot that ever existed. That said, compared to outside, it was like Shangri-La.
HISTORY
Built to accommodate broad gauge trains, the South Wales Mineral Railway served the colliery of the Glyncorrwg Coal Company. Authorised in 1853, the section between Briton Ferry and Tonmawr opened on 1st September 1861 with an extension to Glyncorrwyg coming on line on 10th March 1863. A standard gauge conversion occurred in May 1872.
The route from Tonmawr cut through the hill towards Cymmer via a single bore tunnel measuring 1,109 yards. Though largely unlined, its roof boasts an irregular brick arch throughout and repair collars have been installed over the years in areas of weakness. Originally contracted to cut it was J G McKenzie and Berwick-born engineer John Dickson but his contract was re-let after three years due to a lack of progress.
The end of the line came on 13th July 1947 when a landslip blocked the approach cutting at the tunnel's western portal. Since its abandonment, this end of the bore has become flooded, with the waters first making their presence felt close to the centre. Given the gradient, it's likely that the tunnel is drowned to its roof for about 100 yards.
(Courtesy Forgotten Relics)
PHOTOS
1. Flood
2. Wall
3. Arch
4. Waves
5. Broad guage
6. Refuge
7. Lights, camera...
8. Jagged
Thanks for looking !
HISTORY
Built to accommodate broad gauge trains, the South Wales Mineral Railway served the colliery of the Glyncorrwg Coal Company. Authorised in 1853, the section between Briton Ferry and Tonmawr opened on 1st September 1861 with an extension to Glyncorrwyg coming on line on 10th March 1863. A standard gauge conversion occurred in May 1872.
The route from Tonmawr cut through the hill towards Cymmer via a single bore tunnel measuring 1,109 yards. Though largely unlined, its roof boasts an irregular brick arch throughout and repair collars have been installed over the years in areas of weakness. Originally contracted to cut it was J G McKenzie and Berwick-born engineer John Dickson but his contract was re-let after three years due to a lack of progress.
The end of the line came on 13th July 1947 when a landslip blocked the approach cutting at the tunnel's western portal. Since its abandonment, this end of the bore has become flooded, with the waters first making their presence felt close to the centre. Given the gradient, it's likely that the tunnel is drowned to its roof for about 100 yards.
(Courtesy Forgotten Relics)
PHOTOS
1. Flood
2. Wall
3. Arch
4. Waves
5. Broad guage
6. Refuge
7. Lights, camera...
8. Jagged
Thanks for looking !
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