Abergavenny Railway Station

Abergavenny station has a very long history and is something of a time machine. After a few years of glimpses through the roadside hedge I finally decided to take my camera and go have a look. This is the result.
Home to the adventurous subscriber. As well as films we have a bi-weekly Vlog to keep up to date on the previous and next week’s videos, and a chance for all to air their views on a variety of subjects, why not join in.
My passion has been walking, a while ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and walking does not come naturally any more, however the more I walk the easier it gets, for now anyway. I hope these videos will inspire others to keep going and hanging on in there. I try to cover variety of subjects, such as old abandoned railways, and canals. I love the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, with its rich history and I usually take my camera whenever we holiday in the southwest and Cornwall. The rugged coastal paths are a magnet for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. I live close to the Cotswolds Hills and have done quite a lot of walking around there, recently, following some of the lovely rivers. Hill walking on the Malvern’s is a challenge but worth the effort. I try not to let Parkinson’s get me down and take every opportunity to get out with my camera and film, I hope you enjoy watching. P.W.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Morning Ron, I am watching your video for a second time and thought for a change I would fill in some gaps for you as it rolls along. The Building at 03:26 is the old Station Masters house, the signal at 03:27 is the Ground Disc for the Up sidings to Up Main Line which requires the relevant crossover to be pulled to release the Ground Signal Lever in the Locking Frame. The hut at 03:48 is actually the Oil storage hut for the Signal Lamp paraffin. The platform at 04:52 was used for trains terminating at Abergavenny mainly from Pontypool Road Station until 1965 when the track became the No 1 Down Goods Loop to the right of that was the Down Goods Loop which became No 2 Down Goods Loop. The signal at 05:40 is a Down Main Inner Home which is Bracketed to allow the driver clear vision of the signal around the station awning. Believe it or not the Signal wire is in really good condition, the balance weight is there so if the signal wire does brake it allows the signal to return to Danger as a safety device. The plate on the Signal at 06:32 AY 50 indicates its controlled by Abergavenny Signal Box Lever Number 50. The hut at 08:16 is a plate layers hut. The ramps etc as shown at 11:56 are almost certainly alterations to allow wheelchair access for disabled persons as required under a later Act of Parliament. The embellishments in the Station seat ends are original and if look carefully you can make out the letters of SWR indicating at one time it was likely on the South Wales Railway. The recess at 12:35 is likely to have been the siting point of a drinks fountain (Water only)! The milepost at 15:03 indicates it is 22 and 3 Quarters of a mile from the Zero point which is Rotherwas Junction near Hereford. The two Red Lights on the Ground Colour Light Signal is a Limit Of Shunt Warning Signal a much later addition. A wonderful video Ron where you have showed so much detail that otherwise would never have been seen by myself and probably many others. Best Wishes, Andrew.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Andrew, adding the timings worked well, so much easier to find the item referred to, brilliant idea. You are still full of surprises, thanks for the work. If I remember, you don't get on too well with cold damp weather, how are you doing? Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron, No problem at all, I did do that on the Awre Junction Video, I will try and do that in future. You're very kind to ask but given it has been so mild I have not encountered Raynauds yet but it may well flare up next week when it gets colder. So many good comments this week I enjoy reading them. Take care and best wishes to Mrs PW's. Andrew.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron, I have amended my original post after reading Trev's post and noticing the mileage I had stated was incorrect to that on the mile post. Trev is quite right the mileage was taken from near Hereford (at a place called Rotherwas Junction). There was a plan to change the Zero Point to Maindee North Junction which I thought had been implemented but on checking the latest track mileage book i have for the area I find that it was never implemented so they have been left unchanged. Andrew.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@andrewmerriman7133 Hi Andrew, thanks for the update. Did you pick up the query from Railwaychristina, looks like something you might be able to help with. All the best. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron I have sent a reply on the query concerning the signal but I need further information to answer it. Regards, Andrew.

[@JimNicholls]

Interesting, Ron. It's surprising that some of the old features like the signal box and platelayer's hut are still there. When I was young (an impossibly long time ago), trains used to go "clickety-clack" as they moved over the sections of rail. Then everything got welded up and no more clicking and clacking, which I thought was a pity.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Jim, I always thought that station had potential, still took me many years before I got round to filming it though. Keep flying. Ron

[@harrybrown3657]

Oh yes! That sound was so familiar.. I'd often fall asleep listening to it and enjoying the way the clicking sped up going into the various straights ☺

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@harrybrown3657 Happy days Harry/ Ron

[@petersmith5574]

Ron, yet again you have conjured up an interesting video out of "nothing". You had a field day what with vintage railings, latchwork, fenceposts and the "supports" of a station seat. Thanks for drawing our attention to them; I, for one, would have missed them. Stay well and safe (although I am a fine one to advise anyone, with my bust tendon) Peter

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Peter. There seems to be lots of illness and broken bits on the channel. Don't know what is going on. Are we getting old? Take care. Ron

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Ron - greetings from Poland What an interesting station - so many lovely old bits and pieces to be seen. I'm looking forward to reading all the comments from our Parkinsons Walks Family Experts. A really superb video with your usual excellent commentary. Thanks so much Ron. See you again soon. Stay safe please.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Michael, hope you are staying well, I'm not looking forward to winter, days are getting colder, and the nights are drawing in. Brrrrrrrrr. Look after yourself. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

Yes me too Michael! I am intrigued by that redundant platform. Great to see the semaphores! Paul.

[@chrisandjaneonnarrowboatpo3917]

Brilliant video. Really enjoyed watching. A big thumbs up from Chris and Jane 👍👍

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi you two, I keep up with you on your channel when I can. Keep it up. Ron

[@jamesweekes4211]

Well done braving the cold Ron, your filming skills make it feel like I'm right there with you. I can now add Abergavenny to the places I have visited. The weather here has been in the low 20s this week but the chance of snow tomorrow...here we go again, I'm afraid. OVM now knows that the sound of a steam whistle means at least 20 minutes of listening to you while getting her ears scratched while doing the dog equivalent of "purring". It's funny, I don't think she knows they're itchy until I start rubbing them. Enjoy your week Ron, thanks for this. James

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi James, snow already, makes me shiver just thinking about it. What happened to global warming. Like the new avatar, and the short film - looks just like Sumac. Hope work is going ok, Christmas break will be here before you know it. Have a peaceful quiet week. Ron

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, Ron. Always worth following up on anything you see when your out and about in the car. Some excellent finds in the old station area, well described. Thanks for sharing. Take care, Ron👍

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Ron, did you catch the weather window? I managed to get out filming yesterday, gets dark early though. Keep smiling. Ron

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

@@ParkinsonsWalks I was jet washing about 150+ slabs outside the wife’s office, in Chipping Norton, yesterday. Staff are starting to slip over as it’s all on a slope and covered in algae. Coincidentally where she works used to belong to Ronnie Barker, and the front part, on the high street, was his little shop. I’m looking at the weather now, and all the gear is ready to go. Might do a Hooky autumn walk after lunch. Take Care, Mate👍

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@abandonedrailwaya2470 Don't leave it too long Ron, the weather changes again on Monday. Happy filming. Ron

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

@@ParkinsonsWalks got the footage I wanted. The walk up to southern tunnel portal, at Hooky, is being opened up. If they finish what they’ve started you should be able to walk from bridge to tunnel without having to walk along the top of that retaining wall.👍

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@abandonedrailwaya2470 That sounds interesting Ron. Keep me in the loop on that one please. Is the other portal accessible? Ron

[@757trev]

Hello Ron, thanks for another excellent video. It highlights how easy it is to just accept that a station is "modern" yet if you look carefully enough there are plenty of little artefacts to be found from the past. I'm amazed how many things you found from days gone by without the help of a wild boar - have you ever thought of becoming a detective lol? In terms of the operation of the station itself, I can't add much to what Andrew has already said (as usual!!), but, just to clarify how distance markers work. If there is just a mileage given with no vertical "stripes" below the line, then that is the actual mileage. if there is one stripe you add 1/4 mile. if there are two stripes you add 1/2 mile and for three stripes you add 3/4 mile. Hence, the milepost reads 22 3/4 miles from a given point. The given point in this case is probably the junction just north of Hereford where it joins the line from Worcester/Malvern/Ledbury, which is just over 22 miles away. I'm not sure if this is Maindee North Junction which Andrew refers to. I thought I'd add a little bit of history to end with. The station was built in 1854 for the Newport, Abergavenny & Hereford Railway, which later became the West Midland Railway until ultimately becoming part of the GWR in 1860 - a familiar story in the west country!. In 1950, the station was renamed Abergavenny Monmouth Road, but reverted back to it's current name in 1968. The lattice bridge over the abandoned line is the original with the other part being later. Thanks again Ron and best wishes. Trev

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Trev, a value-added post as usual, thanks for clarifying the mileage posts, I think I read somewhere that they are there so anyone can check that they were being charged the correct mileage for transportation of goods. True or false? Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Hi Trev, Your quite right the Mileage at 15:03 was 22 and three quarters NOT 15 and three quarters as I had stated and indeed it was taken from Rotherwas Junction which as you pointed out was near Hereford. Thank you for indicating there may be some inaccuracy in my post which I have amended to include the corrected information. I thought your post was very interesting, The footbridge is as you have described, I have a vague recollection reading that the new section came from the Abergavenny (Brecon Road) Station but I am happy to be corrected on that point. I have given your post a thumbs up as it is very informative. Regards, Andrew.

[@757trev]

@@andrewmerriman7133 Thank you Andrew. With my luck and your judgement we get there in the end!! Take care, Trev

[@757trev]

​@@ParkinsonsWalks Thanks Ron. You are indeed correct about mileage posts. The Railways Clauses Consolidation Act of 1845 required them to be installed to allow passengers to verify that they had been charged an appropriate fare for the length of their journey.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Morning Ron, How interesting to see a station that might have appeared in one of the abandoned lines but maintained and in use. Thank you for picking out the little details that make these walks so interesting. I love the appearance of the semaphore signals it makes it seem like a proper railway. I suppose there are few operational examples on the big railway these days. I must confess I don't fully understand their meaning, bit of searching required I think. I got back home from hospital yesterday still testing +ve and absolutely worn out but well on the road to recovery, my wife slowly getting better and her sister as well. I've been cheering myself up watching Simon's golfing videos, I'm still amazed by the trajectory projection which turns out to be an app. I was hoping to hear it was stop go technology all done by hand like Nick Parks!!! Good luck from Spain!!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi David, so glad you are out of hospital and you are all on the mend, you had us worried for a while. Glad you enjoyed the film, and Simons videos. He likes to pretend he is not very good, but he looks like a pro to me. Best wishes and get well soon to you and your family. Ron

[@davidberlanny3308]

Thanks Ron much appreciated!! I've been reading up on signals on railway-technical, it's got simple diagrams and some good explanations. It makes you realise what a job it must have been for the drivers passing through those gantries It's just starting to get cold here, there will be snow high up in the mountains, but very little, the heavy rain has been over the med and the north. So just switched the heating on. Have a great weekend

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@davidberlanny3308You need to stay warm David, it all helps recovery, soon have you out jogging again!!. Ron

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Nicely observed details of a lovely old station, many of which I missed, when I last visited about a decade ago. Not much seems to have changed, including the intrigueing empty 'plaform'. Did the latter have something to do with the former 'Heads of the Valley' line? A very enjoyable video, which has reminded me to include Abergavenny to my places to revisit next year.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Nice place to visit, sit and watch the world go by for a while Malcolm. Ron

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

@@ParkinsonsWalks i agree! It's perfectly situated, though the bypass can be noisy, and i must confess, i found the walk from the station to the wonderful old town, distinctly underwhelming.

[@thehairygolfer]

Amazing finds Ron. On the plate layers hut did I notice a set of teeth hanging there from the much sought after wide mouthed frog? The spearpoint fencing and the footbridge was well worth the cost of fuel to get there. So many old GWR features, boy we could build things with pride. I always wonder why the clay on our side of the river is grey and yet on the welsh side it's red. Something to do with the glacier that sculpted the river severn and bristol channel 10,000 years ago I guess. The station building is that red stone you see so much of in the forest. I'm sorry to say I just can't get excited about soul less diesels and electrics. But I could change my mind for the Midland Pullman of 1960-1966 vintage. I'm just of the £351 to buy it!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Simon, I read that your posts and channel are entertaining folk on here. Keep it up mate, all adds to the entertainment. Have you tried reducing your wife's housekeeping to pay for the Pulman? Hospital foods not bad. Ron

[@thehairygolfer]

@@ParkinsonsWalks It's not the food that bothers me - it's the plastic sheets. It's been a while since I had accidents at night. Reduce the housekeeping? As if I had any control over that! She just uses her card whenever she likes! We have very expensive milk round here. Went into the supermarket on the way home and that one bottle cost £54 by the time we got to the checkout...... I hope I can entertain people on the new channel too.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@thehairygolfer Worth your weight in gold Simon. Ron

[@Scots_Diesel]

I may be wrong but I'm sure I read somewhere that part of this bridge was replaced by a footbridge from either Abergavenny junction or Abergavenny Brecon road...

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Sounds feasible to me. Ron

[@petepaine5331]

Good morning Ron. That was great thanks. Its good to see some interesting items still in place. The little hut is probably a lamp hut. Is the signal box still working or are the signals now electrically operated I wonder ?

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Morning Pete, Abergavenny Signal Box is still in operation and controls all the signals in the area. Andrew.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I knew Andrew would answer that Pete, worth his weight in gold. Take care. Ron

[@norriskiddle3434]

@@ParkinsonsWalks wonder if the said platelayers hut could actually be a the signal lamp hut Ron.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@norriskiddle3434 That seems to be the general consensus of opinion Norris, I didn't think of that. Ron

[@notyhbynorthwest]

Lovely station in beautiful surroundings. Like a time warp with all the GWR signals and paraphernalia. You have a great eye for details, Ron, so you really captured the essence of the place. Some spectacularly detailed and fascinating data from @andrewmerriman7133 add another dimension too, to help me try to understand the workings. Cheers, Ian

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I have been driving passed that gem for at least 50 years before stopping to film it. Got there in the end. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

Only been through this station when I was going to Hereford to do a canal video, from Stroud via Newport (it was cheaper, for some reason than by going through Worcestershire Parkway and Ledbury). So, it was good to see it close up. I know very little about railways in Wales, so cannot help with what left from that redundant platform. Lovely to see the semaphores! Beautiful and quite substantial station too. I am currently staying in Lostwithiel in Cornwall, and it's sad to see that Network Rail are getting ready to take out the semaphores here next year. Another terrific railway video Ron. Really enjoyed this. Take care, Paul 👍🙂

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Paul, just a mention of Cornwall makes me want to be there again. I managed to get out filming last week for the first time in a while, I find I need two consecutive days without rain, one to let the water drain away, then the second to film in. I am struggling to find the time to watch any KZbin videos at the moment, I see them uploaded and want to watch but can't because something else is waiting to be done. It has to settle down soon, keep them coming. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

@@ParkinsonsWalks thank you Ron! Yes, you are right about the two consecutive days of dry days for being out filming.

[@librarian16]

The milepost is for 22 and 3/4. (III)

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks David. Ron

[@arthurmee]

I fancy I saw in the distance the peak of The Sugarloaf?

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I wouldn't be surprised Arthur, it's in that area. Ron

[@jamesweekes4211]

Hi Ron, apparently OVM posted a video for you on my "channel". I had to shovel snow here this morning, and Sumac still hasn't learned to make me a decent cup of coffee...sigh...here we go again.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for cheering me up on a cold wet Wednesday James. Keep smiling. Ron

[@railwaychristina3192]

Good morning, is that an original JJ Stevens Semaphore signal? The GWR design is the prettiest. The station was designed by Charles Liddell, the uncle of Alice, the original Alice in Wonderland. Anything left of Brecon Road station? Thank you for your video.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Christina, nice to hear from you. It is going to take someone with more knowledge than me to answer your questions. Bit like waiting for a bus, one will be along in a minute. Take care. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

As far as I can tell all the signals are standard Great Western or Western Region Signals, there are a number of signals shown in the video can you please indicate the running time of the one you have a query about please and I will send you an answer. No there is nothing left of Brecon Road Station it was redeveloped decades ago. Andrew.

[@railwaychristina3192]

@@andrewmerriman7133 Thank you! It is the signal with the traditional bulb and spike design shown when Ron first sees the rails and white signal box.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@railwaychristina3192 Hi There, I have had a look at the video again and can confirm it is a standard GWR Signal with a 4 foot arm it has paraffin for the illumination of the signal lenses. Electrical wiring is used to activate a buzzer in the signal box which sounds when the paraffin runs out, the lack of heat closes a bimetallic strip causing the circuit to be energised. Hope that answers your question, if not send me another message and I will see what else I can do. Regards, Andrew.

[@railwaychristina3192]

@@andrewmerriman7133 Hi Andrew thanks for this. Best regards

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

I really enjoyed that film Ron. Right up my street. What was the disused platform in aid of? Was there once a branch line going off at that point? The station didn’t seem very busy for what I assume is a largish town. I noticed a class 158 arrived amidst the more modern units. SWR uses these units through Andover, although they've been updated to 159s, by adding a 1 after the nine. Apart from that they are identical. The advantage of this class is that any number of units can be coupled together. All in all, Ron, that was a great piece of work. It's given me an idea for my next project.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Lionel, I think there may have been two different rail companies serving that station at one time hence the other platform. Glad to help with the next project. Take care of you both. Ron

[@oldfart6318]

Ron, would the narrow recess have been for a drinking fountain ?

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Good thinking Mike, they could very well have been. Ron