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From Pontsticill Junction to Morlais Junction, the trackbed
is partially accessible. To the north of the road bridge, the trackbed
lies on private land. To the south, however, the trackbed forms part of
the Taff Trail. As such, this section is maintained, and kapt clear of
vegetation. The surface is compacted earth and gravel. The track
descends a steep incline from the bridge as far as Morlais Junction. At
Morlais Junction itself, the land between the B&M and the L&NW
railways is overgrown and somewhat muddy. |
| Just west of Morlais Junction the B&M / L&NW Joint
trackbed runs alonf a ledge cut into the hillside. The remains of the
Morlais signalbox are visible by the cutting wall. Nearer to Pontsarn
Viaduct, there are places where the embankment wall has collapsed.
Pontsarn Viaduct carries the line over the River Taff Fechan. This
viaduct has 6 arches, is ---feet long and ---feet above the river. Just
to the west of the viaduct lies a road overbridge and beyond that, the
platform of Pontsarn Station. Although much of the architecture of this
railway was constructed for twin-track operations, the Pontsarn station
platform lies within the narrow cutting. This section was built as a
single track. There is access to the road at this point. The car park
however belongs to the Pontsarn Inn, formerly railway housing for the
stationmaster and signallers at Morlais Junction. |
| The bridge over Aberglais road has been removed, and replaced
with a small wooden arch. Due to the dip that this lies in (resulting
from the demolition of the old bridge) this can be difficult for
cyclists and horse-riders. Towards Cefn, the trackbed passes Vaynor
Quarry, where the stone loading dock has been demolished, then through
a cutting to the south of Trefechan. The Taff Trail crosses the A465 on
a new bridge, following the line of the trackbed. |
| The site of Cefn (Cefn Ceod y Cymmer) station has been lost
beneath a block of flats, however there is access to the recent;y
restored Cefn Viaduct, over the River Taff Fawr.This elegant, curved
viaduct has 15 arches, is ---feet long and --- feet high. Towards
Heolgerrig, the line has been mainly lost beneath the A470. A bulky
stone arch was over Swansea road was demolished to allow the road to
flare into the A 470 roundabout. Approach embankments remain however. |
From Heolgerrig to Maerdy Junction, the route has been
largely oblitreated y construction of the A470, Merthyr bypass.
Relandscaping has also removed evidence of the curves at Rhydycar
Junction, where the route joined the GWR line to Hirwaun and Neath.
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