Herb Riddle's photos with the keyword: Clydach

Once upon a time the 'Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway' used to run over this. Known as 'The Heads of the Valley line' it operated between 1860 and 1958. As opposed to many other local lines in this area, this one carried passengers from Abergavenny to Merthyr. In 1866 it was acquired by the L&NWR. See PiPs one of which shows a nearby tunnel to the old Clydach station. This old track is now a liner cycle & walking track. More info en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merthyr,_Tredegar_and_Abergavenny_Railway Enjoy full screen

Walking the linear path above Clydach affords us a look at the old railway viaduct. I rather liked this framing of the very old trees with their twisted trunks and subdued hues of green. Essential full screen

Just about a 15 minute drive from our holiday cottage in Govilon, Wales, we thought it might be interesting to search out some local history. We found this site linked to a fine walk. ‘Established in the late 18th Century near the site of an earlier works and forge, Clydach Ironworks continued operating until 1884 employing at that time 1350 men. In 1986 the site was excavated and partially restored but it was subsequently abandoned. The exposed remains include three furnaces and one charging house, together with the pit for a 12.8m diameter cast-iron water-wheel. The air blast for the original furnaces 1 and 2 was provided by the waterwheel; air for furnaces 3 and 4 being provided by a steam engine. Sited in a beautiful location rich in industrial archaeology, tramroads and pathways, the nearby beech woodlands are some of the oldest in Wales. ‘ Enjoy full screen.

A trip to the old village of Clydach in Gwent South Wales to do an old industrial trail walk brings us out on this high old railway line, now a linear park walk with good views as can be seen. The impressive hill in the distance is called the ‘Sugar Loaf’ mountain at 1955ft. Enjoy full screen. Have a great day.