 < |
The section between Markham and Gwyray Lane is open and
walkable. The site of Markham colliery itself has been relandscaped. In
some places, especially at the very onrth of the line, there are
sections of intact track. In other places, wooden sleepers remain. One
interesting feature on this section is the Nant-y-felin viaduct. This
viaduct began to suffer from subsidence shortly after it was built, so
the whole structure was filled with earth to create a high embankment.
Parts of the brickwork are exposed in places. The remains of Hafod and
Manmoel Collieries have mostly gone, although a concrete surface and
fenced off pit vent remain on the site of Hafod Colliery.
The line is walkable as far as the level crossing (still with gates) at Gwyray lane. |
| The section between Gwyray lane and Twynfilins Lane is currently inaccessible. Thesection just south for the level crossing is heavily overgrown and private. Much of the remaining portion is currently being turned into a new road, hence all railway structures have been demolished. | |
| The section between Twynfilkins lane and Pennar Tunnel is partly accessible. The upper half mile is being turned into the new road, however the section from there to Croespenmaen Road is open. Pennar Junction is also accessible as far as the tunnel. The tunnel itself has been fenced off although accessible only to the really determined. | |
| Between Pennar Tunnel and Abercarn Viaduct, the trackbed is generally accessible, although blocked by the A472 upgrade. It is variably overgrown, however all bridges appear to be in place. Near Pant Y Resk road, old railway signage and a signal remain. | |
| Between Abercarn Viaduct and Halls Tramroad Junction the trackbed is relatively well preserved, the viaduct still stands, and it is possible to examine the intricacies of its steelwork. The topside is however fenced off. South of the B4591, there is a rare, still standing metal footbridge. Rails remain at this point. Between the bridge and Halls Road Junction, only sleepers remain. The Branch itself parralels the Ebbw Vale Branch at a higher level for about 1/2 mile before meeting the main line. |
