Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway

The line from Brynmawr to Blaenavon was built in 1866 to transport coal to the Midlands. Eight years later the line was extended to meet the Great Western Railway at Abersychan and Talwain and carried on down the valley through Pontypool to the coast at Newport. The line closed to passengers in 1941 and to goods by 1954 although the line was used to transport coal from Big Pit and other mines up until 1980.

The line is only a limited length of the original track but has been preserved thanks to local railway enthusiasts. It is highest standard gauge preserved railway in Wales and England and travels through wild and dramatic landscape under the Coity Mountain. Its setting ensures spectacular views of the landscape and passes the picturesque Garn Lakes. There are a variety of steam and diesel rolling stock and locomotives on site which will be enjoyed by novices and experts a like.