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There were once two separate railways serving Blaenafon
- a high level line built first that resulted in the shift of industry to nearby
Forgeside, and a low level, mainly passenger line to a station in the town. The
lower line and its infrastructure was removed many years ago, and built over with
a zeal that now seems puzzling, but the upper line which served Big Pit stayed
open for the occasional freight and even recreational charter train. Although
that line too was closed, much of its route and some of its track still exists
and the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway Society have re-opened a stretch from
nearby Big Pit up to the Whistle Inn Halt, where they run steam and early diesel
trains for most of the year. There are plans afoot to extend the line in both
directions in the near future and it is a popular tourist attraction. |
