http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ BlackMountainSite Forum » Recent Posts en Fri, 10 Sep 2010 03:23:56 +0000 http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/graig-tunnel#post-60 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:32:51 +0000 Sparhawk 60@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>woohoo awesome,</p> <p>That's my sunday sorted then. :D </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/graig-tunnel#post-59 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:26:34 +0000 crunchbunch 59@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>The wall has gone on the hospital end for work to be done.<br /> Easy access take your wellies its wet in the middle. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/rhondda-tunnel#post-58 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:25:52 +0000 Aggedor 58@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>A few pics of both ends of this tunnel from early 70's have come to light recently,but if you do indeed scan your old pix,it would be great to see them as strangely,there are not all that many pix of this remarkable structure,around.Whilst on this subject,rumours are,that the newly fitted shaft cap at the Eastern end,now has 2 x combination locks fitted. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/pencaedrain-tunnel#post-57 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:01:44 +0000 mike aldron 57@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>after my last post, i mentioned this excellent site to my long time friend ray evans, who is a loco driver with DB SCHENKER, i mentioned the "drift mine", and immediately he put forward the drainage adit suggestion, this would be unusual, but the most likely explanation </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/rhondda-tunnel#post-56 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:38:27 +0000 mike aldron 56@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>i was at the rhondda tunnel in 1973. i took photos of the ventilation shaft, outside and inside, and the whole site was still recognisable as a station as the tunnel only shut in 1968. i also took shots of the other end, and everything is remarkably tidy looking, both ends being open(blocked up with steel doors, but doors open) as i was on my motorbike, (B.S.A. A.10. 650) i couldn,t walk through, i wouldn,t on my own anyway.the sole ventilation shaft was almost at the blaengwynfi portal, and was only 58 ft. deep, so it,s a mystery why it was so close. it was probably impacticable to provide others due to the depth of the tunnel. i know the tunnel was very expensive to maintain, as there was always a lot of water penetrating it. the photos are obviously old black and white prints, and as i don,t possess a scanner i can,t post them. i,ll put a few post,s on about other tunnels i visited later on </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/great-sitevery-interestinggood-funcan-i-ask-a-question#post-55 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:38:53 +0000 mike aldron 55@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>i,ve got a photo (bought) of the tonmawr end taken in the 1950,s, with the tunnel mouth still discernible. i took my own shot the same spot about 22 years ago, and you cold still make out the general shape of the cutting. tonmawr was a very interesting area with lines everywhere, so i took shots of what remained, mostly just trackbed formations. There was also an old tramway from Glyncorrwg to the canal at Tonna, called PARSON,S FOLLY, and you can see some of the old block sleepers here and there </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/empty-land-above-tunnels#post-54 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:31:18 +0000 Sparhawk 54@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>I think so. There are too many examples of this empty land for them to be coincidental fire-breaks, although I suppose they would serve this purpose anyway. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/pencaedrain-tunnel#post-53 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:29:12 +0000 Sparhawk 53@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>I'm beginning to think we may never know the exact reason for the drift. I think you're right in that it's linked with silica mining; and my own gut feeling is that the drift predated the tunnel, and the tunnel builders intersected it during construction, or at least went very close to it and decided to link the two.</p> <p>If it was purpose built for the tunnel, perhaps it was for drainage, as there is a slight downward slope away from the tunnel, and it is below the tunnel trackbed where they join.</p> <p>Finding abandoned stuff to explore is great, tunnels or otherwise, and I have also never had the urge to snoop around in an in-use tunnel. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/empty-land-above-tunnels#post-52 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:20:03 +0000 mike aldron 52@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>i think it,s to do with the fact that the land above tunnels belongs to the tunnel owners, but it does seem to be mainly in forested areas </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/pencaedrain-tunnel#post-51 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:16:14 +0000 mike aldron 51@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>i was intrigued about the drift mine in the Pencaedrain tunnel. I went in years ago, and noticed the drift entrance. As i was on my own and theoretically working i didn,t hang about. i thought it might have been a sort of store place for the tunnel builders. as you drive from hirwaun to glyn neath on the dual carriageway, you can see where the spoil has been tipped over the tunnel mouth at that end. it,s a strange thing this fascination with old tunnels, i,ve never had any desire to walk through a working tunnel(apart from the obvious danger)there,s not the same buzz </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/safety#post-50 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:08:53 +0000 Sparhawk 50@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Wenvoe is cool and easy to get to. Morlais is good too, and close to you. The nearest is probably Cefn Glas, just down the road. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/safety#post-49 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:44:07 +0000 lloydy313 49@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>In Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil. Looking at the tunnels on BlackMountainSite, Wenvoe Tunnel looks very interesting. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/safety#post-48 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:43:32 +0000 Sparhawk 48@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>I don't know. Where do you live? ;) </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/safety#post-47 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:11:03 +0000 lloydy313 47@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>We made our way to the Merthyr end this evening to be very disappointed! The fence has been fixed and every inch of it covered in anti-climb paint! This must have been done very recently because the tyre tracks to the tunnel were all very fresh. </p> <p>Will have to pop over to the Western portal to see if that provides a way in. </p> <p>Are there any tunnels local to me that are particularly worth a visit? </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/safety#post-46 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:17:38 +0000 Sparhawk 46@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>No need for concern, the tunnel is completely ventilated as both ends have only fences across them. The pressure difference between the opposite sides of the mountain can mean quite a cold blast of wind through this tunnel in fact.</p> <p>One thing; the last time I went, and for a long time before that, the western (Aberdare) end is securely gated. Apparently, the new fence across the eastern (Merthyr) end has been tampered with and some of the bars held in place with rubber bands, so this is you best bet.</p> <p>Have fun</p> <p>Spar </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/safety#post-45 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:18:33 +0000 lloydy313 45@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Hi guys,</p> <p>It's been a long time since my last visit to these forums....But with all this lovely weather I have the opportunity to go visit some of the local tunnels. Yesterday we went to Morlais Tunnel, MT, it was great, got some lovely pictures.</p> <p>Soon a group of us are planning on visiting Abernant Tunnel but I have a concern regarding gases there. Can anyone provide an insight as to whether i need be concerned?</p> <p>Cheers </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/rhondda-tunnel#post-44 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:47:59 +0000 Aggedor 44@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Having read endless speculation and hearsay i can now give a definate update on The Rhondda Tunnel,as i was in just recently.Yes the storm drain/cuvert exists,and as the huge chunk of concrete on the Access shaft prevented entry,this was the only way in. However i fear the new Conventional Metal lid that has been fitted,may not deter the more desperate explorers. One thing i do know,is that the Old Bloke who owns the Paddock in which the Access shaft resides,is keeping his eye on the Double Padlocked Shaft and says that if he see's any damage to it,he is going to get straight on to the relevant authorities.I think he fears a weekend invasion onto his land.You got to respect the guy as he grazes his animals in there.As for the Storm drain,only the brave would have taken on a 250 meter crawl in pretty confined,wet conditions.This is indeed the one that appears on a couple of other forums.Looks like there is a manhole intersecting this about half way from the stream to the portal.As for inside the tunnel,you cant beat it.Plenty to shine the lights on,plenty of water coming in on the northern end but pretty much dries off after 100 meters or so.Some debate is brewing over the South Portal.The Air shaft appears to be only a few meters away from the Breeze blocked portal,which is weird.More like that the Blockwall was built a bit further in,and then infilled.This would correspond with Local folks tales of using approaching trains Steam coming up the air shaft,as a time marker to walk down on to the platform to catch the train.So maybe the true portal is well and truly buried.Maybe we will never know.Anyway,the airshaft is Sealed and filled,untraceable at ground level,but on demolition of it,it appears that the outer walls were simply bashed in and droppd down onto the tunnel floor.There is definatley no access shaft at the Southern end,which may be a suprise,considering the nearby Water culvert/stream which runs down off the hills,was moved over a few meters in connection with landscaping at the Blaenrhondda end when the tunnel was sealed.The only thing of note in this area is a Rusty metal fence post,in the undergrowth,which may or may not be a marker to where the Air shaft once came out.New houses &amp; the road to serve them completley wiped out the Station area and overbridge,but the old road down to the station overbridge is still in situ,used as a footpath. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/rhondda-tunnel#post-43 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:57:49 +0000 Aggedor 43@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Yes it has had a hefty chunk of concrete atop it for many years,but now the Powers That Be have put a more conventional steel lid on it.Double padlocked,i might add ! </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/pencaedrain-tunnel#post-42 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:09:32 +0000 Sparhawk 42@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>You may! I thought of this as well; silica mines are prolific in the area. The level cuts through coal seams, and it's very oily, but this may just be coincidence and its original purpose was for silica.</p> <p>I think I need to do another visit to look for clues. One things for sure, from the lintel and tool marks it was cut from the tunnel outwards. Also, it opens on to a ledge that's very hard to access from outside.</p> <p>I'll keep investigating; hopefully one day we'll have a definite answer. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/pencaedrain-tunnel#post-41 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:44:37 +0000 AL1940 41@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>I've just found your report on the Pecaedrain tunnel. You did a follow up visit to explore the possible mine off the tunnel and did not give a definite answer to the reason for the mine. May I suggest it could be linked to the silica mines in the area. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/rhondda-tunnel#post-40 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:18:34 +0000 Sparhawk 40@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Yeah, I recently got confirmation from a chap at dark places about the drain being the only way in; I don't know what happened to the original airshaft. The long drain is intersected by a vertical shaft quite close to the portal, here on google maps:</p> <p>51.676095,-3.569342</p> <p>But I understand it's heavily concreted over, otherwise this would be a better way in :( </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/rhondda-tunnel#post-39 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:37:42 +0000 Aggedor 39@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>The drain is not a myth. I recently was in the tunnel and the drain at the foot of the Portal mouth,does indeed run for about 200-250m down to the stream,under the infilled cutting,to take away access water build ups from out of the tunnel.There was only a trickle flowing down out of the tunnel,which was surprising,considering the amount of water ingress coming through the tunnel walls at the Northern end.The southern end is completely breezeblocked up,with no access shaft to the surface. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/hello-from-blaenau-gwent-again-ebbw-vale#post-38 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:17:57 +0000 Sparhawk 38@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>It's still active, just :)</p> <p>A lot of tunnels now seem to be falling foul of being fenced up and left to rot. Such a shame when, as you say, you think of the work that went in to building them. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/hello-from-blaenau-gwent-abertillery#post-37 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:15:30 +0000 Sparhawk 37@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Yep, just about. I moved house in November and everything just sort of died but I'm back into it now. Hello BTW. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/hello-from-blaenau-gwent-abertillery#post-36 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:09:35 +0000 bababoom 36@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>hi is this forum still active? </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/hello-from-blaenau-gwent-again-ebbw-vale#post-35 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:07:54 +0000 bababoom 35@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>hi all been living in ebbw vale for about 8 years now. originally from seven sisters down near neath.</p> <p>driven through a couple of the tunnels you have shown while out trail riding.<br /> mates seem to think im bit of an odd ball.<br /> just find it quite interesting when you think of the history behind these tunnels and the work that must have been involved in building them.<br /> seems such a shame now that they have been just to fall into ruin.<br /> would really be interested to get out and explore some of these if this forums still active? </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/culverhouse-cross-tunnel#post-34 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:43:22 +0000 pidgebender 34@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Hi we actually lived in the land above Wenvoe/Culverhouse cross tunnel in a tent for 11 years.Also this tunnel was used for the filming of Welsh band Tigertailz video for belly of the beast.<br /> Beautiful pictures of the tunnel many thanks </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/hello-from-blaenau-gwent-abertillery#post-33 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:20:02 +0000 Ratty 33@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Hi<br /> Did you do Clydach Gorge? If you did is there a link to the video?? </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/hello-from-blaenau-gwent-abertillery#post-32 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:52:09 +0000 Yaffy 32@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Hi im Jay from Blaina(Abertillery).<br /> Im originally from Porth in the Rhondda but joined the Army in 92 and then after leaving the army lived in such places as....Pontypridd,Swansea,Fuerteventura(Canary Islands),East Yorkshire and now in Blaenau Gwent. Have been here a year now and have started exploring my surroundings slowly and am planning a day out exploring Clydach Gorge tomorrow which led me to this Forum. Its only 2 miles from me so not far to travel so i hope i have a great day out.<br /> Im pretty new to all this and when i go out exploring its pretty boring sometimes because im on my own. I take a video cam and always post stuff on my Youtube Channel so hopefully tomorrow i can get some great clips lol. Anyway sorry to blabber on lol. If anybody's interested my here's a link to my latest vid <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-wfqBkr6WU" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-wfqBkr6WU</a> </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/aberthaw-boys-village#post-31 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:07:33 +0000 Ratty 31@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>It's still for sale. Went past there yesterday on my way to the power station. I'm pretty sure the sale sign said permission has been granted for C2 development which is:</p> <p>C2 Residential institutions - Residential care homes, hospitals, nursing homes, boarding schools, residential colleges and training centres.</p> <p>That would rule out houses so can't see many developers rushing to buy. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/aberthaw-boys-village#post-30 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:24:35 +0000 flyinganchovy 30@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>I visited the boys village today. It is such a wonderful place Just hope it lasts a little longer. Did a shoot up there. Totally fantastic!<br /> If you find out of any more news of when it gets bought, and possibly if it will be demolished, please keep me posted =] </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/great-sitevery-interestinggood-funcan-i-ask-a-question#post-29 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:02:21 +0000 bluedog 29@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Thanks,I can't wait. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/great-sitevery-interestinggood-funcan-i-ask-a-question#post-28 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:47:41 +0000 Sparhawk 28@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>We have a few more planned... I'll let you know when we're going. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/great-sitevery-interestinggood-funcan-i-ask-a-question#post-27 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:12:45 +0000 bluedog 27@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for the prompt reply, I've just read your reports from the visits to both Abernant and Gyfylchi Tunnels. Excellent pictures,I think many capture the atmosphere that you mentioned in each individual Tunnel. May I say,very well written reports with a lot of interesting and informative information. I can't wait to go take a closer look now.Anything happens to me, we know who to blame! You made them sound so appealing! Keep up the good work. Thanks again and if you are thinking of visiting any in the near future,please let me know,I'd be very happy to come along. </p> http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/topic/great-sitevery-interestinggood-funcan-i-ask-a-question#post-26 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:02:26 +0000 Sparhawk 26@http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/bbpress/ <p>A lot of the longer, narrower tunnels have an oppressive feel to them. Abernant, in particular, gives you a sense that you are being watched, like you are disturbing a fragile peace by being there.</p> <p>The only tunnel which has made us feel uneasy is <a href="http://www.blackmountainsite.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/gyfylchi/gyfylchi-4.jpg">Gyfylchi</a> tunnel; there is a sense of great sadness and despair there. Personally, I think it's partly due to all the evidence of solvent abuse strewn about the place, capturing the feelings of being in a very hopeless situation, and also because it's collapsed at one end and filled with very still, dark water. This is the only tunnel where I've been contstantly on edge, shining the torch up and down, half expecting to see something, and the only one where Axeman's been nervous also.</p> <p>My girlfriend had a really bad feeling about it and couldn't get out of there fast enough. Incidentally there was a collision in the tunnel in 1902, in which 2 people were killed. </p>