Herb Riddle's photos with the keyword: Blaenvon

The Pontypool and Blaenvon Railway. Now a heritage railway was principally used to carry coal from numerous nearby pits via the ‘Heads of the valley line’ to the Midlands. It was also extended to carry passengers when the LNWR took over.

The name of this railway on the wall says its all. The Pontypool and Blaenvon Railway. Now a heritage railway was principally used to carry coal from numerous nearby pits via the ‘Heads of the valley line’ to the Midlands. It was also extended to carry passengers when the LNWR took over. As can be seen there are still signs of the old coal slag heaps on the hills with the white cottages being home to the coal workers. To the left is the old station and the whole area has now been landscaped into a country wildlife retreat with several small lakes. To the right, just out of picture are the old sidings and railway sheds. See followable PiPs More info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontypool_and_Blaenavon_Railway ps -it was all closed on our visit here but due to open a week or so later. Enjoy the weekend

Another look around The Pontypool and Blaenvon Railway area and we see here the revival of the once heavily industrialised and polluted landscape. This is one of two lakes now called 'Garn Lakes'. In the background we can see the old railway buildings. See previous photos for more about the railway. "The Garn Lakes area has seen a remarkable transformation over the past couple of decades. Once covered in spoil tips and old colliery workings, following an extensive land reclamation scheme it is now a beautiful haven for wildlife, walkers and cyclists. The 40 hectare-site, which has been designated a Local Nature Reserve, features two lakes and grasslands which provides a diverse habitat and breeding grounds for a wide range of wildlife such as Tufted Ducks, Skylarks, Snipes, Redshanks and Little Grebes." more info www.visitblaenavon.co.uk