The Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway
Standard Gauge Heritage Railway, Wales, UK
The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway once hauled coal through the landscape of colleries and slag heaps to Waenavon, the end of the line which was the highest station in England and Wales at over 1400 feet.
The line that runs from Brynmawr to Blaenavon was built in 1866 and then leased to the LNWR London and North Western Railway for the transportation of coal to the Midlands. It was late extended to join the GWR Great Western Railway at Abersychan & Talywain, where it carried on to the Newport coast at Pontypool.
It was closed to passenger in 1941 and then as a goods line in 1954, although part of the line was still in use transporting coal until 1980. Part of that original northern section of the line is now theThe Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. This line has the steepest standard gauge passenger carrying line and the hightest station at 1300 feet in Britain.
The station, Whistle Halt, is next to the Whistle Inn which is well-known for its large collection of miners lamps, you’ll need to enjoy a drink or two while studying these.
The once industrial landscape still boasts a few relics from the height of the steel and coal mining days, although the new attractions are cleaner and more soothing to the eye.
One of those being Garn Lakes a superb picnic location complete with ducks for those leftover crusts, after the train ride and walk to the wáter.
This heritage railway is run entirely by volunteers and opens every weekend from Easter to October when special event days are held and then at Christmas it has Santa Specials.
Special Events for 2008
- June 7/8 - 1960’s weekend
- June 14th - God Train in conjunction with Brynmawr Family church
- June 21/22 - Model Railway Show
- June 22 - Fathers day specials
- June 29th - Garn Lakes Day
- July 12/13 - Cowboys and Indians
- July 26/27 - Diesel Gala
- August 9/10 - Ivor the Engine
- August 24/25 - Transport Rally
- September 13/14 - 25 Anniversary end of season gala (Steam and Diesel)
- October 4th - Blues on the train (part of the Blaenavon Blues Weekend)
- December 6/7, 13/14 20-23 - Santa Specials
- December 27/28 - Mince Pie Specials
The trains are hauled by a lovely red engine 73128 Silver Jubilee / Jiwbili Arian but due to the age and temperament of the engine this cannot be guaranteed. When the weather permits the 5 inch railway may also run as well, which the younger family members will really enjoy.
For more details of the planned events please phone the Railway Shop 01495 792263 or visit the website.
The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway can be found at Furnace Sidings, Garn-er-ywr just north of Blaenavon, Torfean.
