Blaenavon Heritage Railway
© Vernon Large
- Overview
- How to get there?
- Route
- Visitors
- Photographs
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In 1980 the last colliery in Gwent's Eastern Valley closed and the line from Llantarnam to Big Pit closed to all traffic. Although no longer in production, the Colliery was developed into a museum and remains 'open' to this day. Nearby land that was occupied by the washery for the colliery was chosen as a suitable site by the embryonic Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway and volunteers moved in soon after.
Whilst the society developed a visitors centre at 'Furnace Sidings', British Rail was busy recovering the rails from the defunct branch, stopping short of the former Blaenavon High Level station site. Rather than push on south in their development, the railway pushed north in the Brynmawr direction, creating a northern 'terminus' at Whistle Inn halt.
For many years the limit of operations was the steep climb between Furnace Sidings and Whistle Inn, but in 2010, an extension to Blaenavon High Level opened and a new branch to the Big Pit museum complex is due to open from Furnace Sidings this year. Further extensions are expected in the coming years.
| Directions by Road | From the M4
The railway is situated just off the B4248 between Blaenavon and Brynmawr, and is well signposted as you approach Blaenavon. Use Junction 25a if you are coming on the M4 from the east, or Junction 26 if you are coming from the west, (both junctions are clearly signposted}. Head for Cwmbran and pick up the signs for Pontypool or Big Pit.
From the Midlands
Use M50, then A40, and A465 to Brynmawr. If you are travelling from North and West Wales consider using the 'Heads of the Valley's' A465 to Brynmawr. As you approach the railway, just look out for the old colliery water tower, you can't miss it!
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| Directions by Public Transport | By Train
The closest mainline stations are Abergavenny or Pontypool & New Inn. Although Newport is further away, bus connections to Blaenavon are better from there than the closest stations.
By Bus
Once at Blaenavon you will need to proceed on foot following the 'Big Pit' tourist signs to get to the site. Ignore the railway tourist signs as they indicate the lengthy route to the site by car.
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| Loco | Arrived | Status |
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| 37216 | 20/07/2007 | Being Restored / Repaired |
| 37023 | 25/10/2019 | Being Restored / Repaired |
| D6729 | 12/12/2024 | Available |
Note - Locos that show as resident may be based here but loaned to other sites, click on 'Loco' to view the most recent location
| Loco | Arrived | Departed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37421 | 01/07/2009 | 13/01/2014 | Sold from Preservation |
| 37219 | 12/10/2011 | 15/01/2014 | Sold from Preservation |
Click on Thumbnails below to see a larger image.
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