Inside an Abandoned Mountain Railway Tunnel.

[@trainsinkansas576]

How cool is that. Finding that tunnel. I've never seen a country with so many train tunnels.

[@pwhitewick]

South Wales is just crazy!

[@amiralozse1781]

abandoned for lets say 140 years and the entrance hardly visible from some distance. hard to believe. thanks for sharing your great exploration with us

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely, possible up to 160 years ago.

[@khadijagwen]

I really like the relationship that you two have. :)

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Ellen. We love what we do.

[@terryansell6641]

Very interesting from New Zealand thank you

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks New Zealand. Hope you are doing well.

[@simonrichardson5077]

Great work thank you

[@MrLargePig]

Well done, Whitewicks!

[@pwhitewick]

👍👍👍

[@terryansell6641]

So very interesting thank you

[@john3Lee]

I wasn't expecting that tunnel to be in reasonable good condition & I wasn't expecting the Welsh authorities to be that interested - Well done, and thanks..

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks John. Likewise on both counts.

[@hairyairey]

@@pwhitewick except it wasn't in that good a condition. There's a long wide crack across the top where you went in. It's a matter of time until it collapses further because there's little holding those bricks up now. You took quite a risk going in there. I would suspect that the earth around the tunnel is moving and pulling the tunnel apart.

[@peterbradburn9115]

Fascinating

[@alistairshaw3206]

Great to see such an early tunnel, and even better that you got a positive reaction from CADH, when you spoke to them. So much of our heritage is being lost. We had early tram roads and railways in Scotland too. We even had Scottish Standard Gauge for a wee while, it was 4' 6".

[@pwhitewick]

Yes hopefully we might get to explore a few of those Scottish lines this summer.

[@griffinoneal1856]

You literally get inside the history..... brilliant

[@bullettube9863]

Griffin O'Neal: Yes, literally!

[@DB34IPS]

Well done you two. Such a wonderful place and Yes! That history should be saved for future generations to see and enjoy. Great video, as always.keep up the good work.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers David. Much appreciated

[@nicolek4076]

Kudos to you for rattling a few cages over the state of preservation of these parts of the world's industrial history.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Nicole, certainly worth asking the questions and the lovely people at CADW are very keen to see this preserved despite the fact they have no responsibility for it.

[@MartinZero]

That was great. Some nice tunnels there. loved the rant. I think your getting more daring 😏

[@pwhitewick]

Haha.... You taught me well.

[@RichieWellock]

yeah well you would do if had just a foot air space you mad manc.

[@RichieWellock]

did you ever do the wh shaw mill ? as was thinking of doing next week ?

[@bullettube9863]

Martin Zero: Well, you inspired them!

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

This is something quite significant! I am, of course, talking about Paul entering a tunnel. Bravo! But do keep your safety in mind. Again an interesting and enjoyable video, I especially like those landscapes that bear their scars so beautifully.

[@michaeljohnson4636]

Another nice and informative blog and and action on its plight

[@robertlewis2]

I'm glad to hear that Cadw is involved in trying to preserve the site.

[@ColinH1973]

Fantastic workmanship inside the tunnel. Both the men who built it, and your good selves! Very interesting as always. History at your fingertips. Thanks.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Colin, yup a fascinating place.

[@HobbiesAndSunshine]

Very enjoyable. Hopefully, following your efforts this site and the tunnel can be preserved and managed for future generations. Great stuff.

[@robrees8207]

Really enjoyed your enthusiasm and research. As a local, I'd love to help you pronounce the Welsh names e.g. Blorenge, the emphasis is on the Blor so it doesn't sound like a blancmange! Thanks for the thumbs up for the Brecon Beacons national park. Croeso! Welcome!

[@owenrichardson1419]

Good Enthusiasm, Good Mini Rant, Good Scenery & Good Intervention.

[@pwhitewick]

I thought I'd best not rant on film unless I'd at least tried to speak with someone. CADW. Brilliant.

[@owenrichardson1419]

@@pwhitewick Trying to minimise the rant but can finding it difficult. Stay cool and in control is the way to go. ;0)

[@douglasfleetney5031]

Fantastic. Thank you so much for showing interest in the Tram/Dram Roads. If not for them we would never have had the Railways. Wonderful video, thanks again.

[@pwhitewick]

Couldn't agree more Douglas.

[@lindamccaughey8800]

Who couldn’t enjoy that. It was just fantastic. I so love the stonework of the tunnels. So pleased something being done there. Thank you so much for taking me along, just loved it

[@davidrichie9570]

American railroad and industrial archeology nerds should do things this way. Beautiful videography, engaging hosts, nice music.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks David, thats really kind. We try!

[@davidcutts2650]

Great video & history. Your enthusiasm is Appreciated. 👍👍.

[@CharlesTrains99]

Paul and Rebecca , thanks for sharing your trips with us. When I am watching it is like having two special friends invite you along for a unique outing.in the beautiful countryside. I really like seeing Britain up close and personal . Best wishes , be safe and fair travels. Charles McMillan

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Charles, a pleasure to have you along.

[@terryengland1880]

Nice one, even better you got some action going to preserve it and to make it more accessible. Well done Paul and Rebecca

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Terry, yup our concern was that it was a tad unloved, so nice to know there is already something being done.

[@flightimage845]

Great video, stunning scenery and excellent editing as always. Oh, and loved the rant! What you are doing, in raising awareness of the need to protect our heritage, is exemplary!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you, that's very kind.

[@MrPeabodyPA2]

I love industrial archeology, especially if it's railway related. Thank you for this glimpse into history. The first tunnel is in remarkably good condition considering its age and lack of maintenance. With the transportation available at the time it was much more efficient to extract the useful material from the ore before transport rather than after, leaving the unprofitable spoils at the source. It's a shame that there isn't more contemporaneous information such as drawings, photographs, or even just a written description. Great job getting preservationists involved, too, even if it's only to stop further deterioration. Keep up the good work. I'm from the USA and I find all of your expeditions and adventures fascinating.

[@tpobrienjr]

My grandfather was born somewhere near this spot, I think. I'm looking forward to more explorations. Thank you very much.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Thomas. Plenty more to come!

[@bobingram6912]

Fantastic tunnel find. Good to have a rant and to actually get a fairly positive response from a public body

[@mesnilman2327]

I get the feeling that this area is becoming your Corrour! Cracking video, as ever

[@pwhitewick]

That could well be the case.

[@davependrill2897]

Another brilliant video.all the best .

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Dave.

[@JohnNorrisMetalSculpture]

Great vid! My dad wrote the guide book for the canal and I remember doing this exact same walk many years ago. I was telling him.about your last video on this just a few days ago. Great stuff ... brings back many memories.

[@pwhitewick]

Ah that's brilliant. Say hello from us

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

wonderful discovery and getting a follow up regarding the flooded one is just great.There is so much history lying all over the land waiting for you to discover and bring to us.. cheers

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Keith. Yup absolutely tonnes.

[@furryanimal8776]

Loved that....being a local loved your mispronounciations!Thanks for the heads up.Don’t think i’d seen it before.

[@gorsjack]

Thanks Paul & Rebecca for a great video. This site is a few miles up the road from my home (Tredegar). It’s great you contacted Cadw as this piece of our local history should be preserved before it is lost to future generations.... Thanks once again to you both for a very informative video 👏

[@davie941]

hey paul and rebecca , another great video , lots of memories braught back to me , used to explore that place when i was a kid , i never found the tunnel lol , great stuff :)

[@crickettragicfromdownunder8878]

Absolutely awesome to see the tunnel still in great condition. Keep up the great work you two 😁🇦🇺

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@CapitalVideo]

You're very fortunate to be able to investigate history that goes back as far as it does. Unfortunately around New Zealand, abandoned tunnels and the likes very largely go back no more than 100 years.

[@simonballard6413]

Yet another great video, Paul and Rebecca. Fascinating tunnels. Something absolutely needs to be done to save them.

[@dilwyn1]

Both .... As always an awesome vid. Keep them coming for us old "Arm chair" explorers who cant manage the excitement anymore!!!

[@pwhitewick]

Always a pleasure Dilwyn

[@RetroRatz]

Fascinating history! Well done...love it. A must visit added to our list. Thank you.

[@rallymanize]

First thing WOW!! That was so very interesting to watch as i live a few miles from where you have been filming. I found myself getting closer to my pc screen when you were going through the tunnel! There's an old pit Called Big Pit, that is open to the public, where you get to go down the shaft to see how the men and boys used to work! The conditions must have been so bad that we cannot comprehend. Imagine being a young boy, sitting in the pitch dark for 10/12 hours, opening and closing safety doors for the miners! Brilliant video guys.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. We absolutely loved making this!

[@johnlaw3323]

Great vlog guys and hopefully a worthwhile for the tunnels future. Many thanks.

[@andrewholloway231]

7:52 all I can say is 'wow'! And it has been in remarkable condition for such a length of time.

[@pwhitewick]

Yup likely over 200 years old and in reasonable condition

[@colinburton113]

Great video very interesting, and I agree history must be looked after for all to enjoy, thanks Paul and Rebecca xx

[@The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

Great Video - I like the scramble into the tunnel.

[@Cornishaich]

Nice one and good on you for pointing out the lack of management.

[@jix177]

Great video. You captured the history and beautiful scenery very nicely.

[@willsgetoff1157]

Really enjoyed this vlog guys, hopefully with your intervention they will start to look after the tunnels, particularly the collapses.

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely yes. A lot is down to the land owner but it would be nice to think that they are listening to CADW and managing the site.

[@edtuckerartist]

That wheelbarrow in the Garnddyrys Forge Tunnel looked suspiciously like someone had been reclaiming (stealing) the stones.

[@pwhitewick]

Potentially yes. I really hope not as that would not help its long term stability.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another brilliant video, I love how you climbed into the tunnel from above. Well done for getting Cadw to act on taking care of these historic structures!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Henry.

[@paulthegardener82]

Great video, amazing how intact it still is, hopefully will get preserved now you've brought it to the authorities attention. Well done to you both.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Paul. Yup they already knew about it, thankfully already working towards a sensible way forward for both.

[@stripybadger9880]

Wow! Wasn't expecting such a good look inside, excellent work. I'm not usually the safety-conscious type, but I can't help but think some kind of head protection might be in order, especially given the number of collapses in the last year!

[@pwhitewick]

You are absolutely right and that's our next investment. In truth we weren't expecting such a good look inside so we're not best prepared

[@hattyburrow716]

Absolutely amazing. Brilliant exploring and chasing up. Make sure Rebecca has thermal long johns xxx

[@nickstiles2485]

I really enjoy the videos and seeing you guys enthusiasm in your quest. Industrial heritage has always been an interest to me, even though most people just don't get it. At least I'm not the only one.....

[@AberystwythStation]

Fantastic history in that valley (and of course all the other valleys...) Great to hear that CADW actually own the site and have plans for it. GWR

[@pwhitewick]

Sadly they don't own it and technically don't have responsibility for it but they are certainly keen to see it's long term survival. More power to them

[@AberystwythStation]

Oh! I thought they did. But still fantastic to see them looking for sites to purchase and archive some true architecture. GWR

[@MostlyCastles]

I had zero anxiety watching you crawl down inside that tunnel... 😬 Great vid guys, it was wonderful to see this section of the ironworks- and good on you for getting in touch with Cadw! It would be interesting to see what work gets done on the site.

[@peterarmstrong3298]

Incredible to see a tunnel on top of a hill. I presume it was just to keep the wagons running when the snow came!

[@pwhitewick]

Certainly could be the weather, but I suspect also protecting of the line from the works too?

[@boriss.861]

Keep smiling and all the best for 2020...

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Boris.

[@stuartgalsworthy6959]

Great video, well done on the rant. Only visited Blaenavon iron today. If I had the time today I would have visited the forge tunnel.

[@VickiPipe]

Great video! Genuinely felt excited when you were revealing the tunnels. 🙌🙌

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Vicki, we are fast becoming addicted to South Wales and it's rail history. Need to wien ourselves off before we end up searching for a house here!

[@ryanparker4996]

The opening made me think, you guys are the Jay and Silent Bob of the railways hahaha

[@furryanimal8776]

Just up the road from me.Fascinating.

[@daletravels23]

Me to

[@dickiedollop]

Fare do’s to you both it’s amazing you found these bloody things lol just stay safe as wales riddled with this sort of stuff. It’s great your bringing to the wider attention your exploration success 👍🏻

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Richard. Will do 👍

[@TheLowerman]

Love you guys, thanks for another great video!

[@jaundicedoutlook7247]

Superb, and what a great outcome. Reminded me of my fave TimeTeam episode digging up a tramway at Blaenavon. Should really give this place a visit...bloody lovely.

[@urbangeeze1348]

Chalk up another well filmed & informative vlog in a beautiful part of this country, from the best railway exploration duo on 'You Tube'. Thanks for replying to my last enquiry, unfortunately, I could only read it as far as the bit, where you were going to say about how Rebecca was doing. They do keep your feet warm tho, & should last you years. Regards.... Rural Geeze

[@pwhitewick]

Yup. We are still getting used to them but clearly the benefits are significant!

[@andrewholloway231]

A nice little video, thank you very much.

[@2H80vids]

Another fascinating episode folks, about an area I know very little about. It's a beautiful location too, looks bloody cold though. Something I've noticed as your channel progresses; you seem to be *doing* more. I don't mean going and doing more things; I mean getting involved and maybe trying to make a difference. Fair play to you. As the channel grows, you are reaching more and more people, many of whom share our interests. Don't be afraid of having a wee rant from time to time, someone has to do it and you have 15,000 bods listening to these rants. Between the internet and the written word, there is a vast amount of information available nowadays and railway history is no exception. What you are doing adds another valuable angle to that information and brings the history back to life. Great job !!👌 Cheers for now, Dougie.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Dougie. That's very kind. Means a lot that we can perhaps make even the smallest difference

[@big23man]

Those CRE 🔦 are brilliant, enjoyed the video

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

A tad dangerous. Imagine going for a walk when it's dark and not seeing that grass-covered hole in the ground . . . Wales certainly is beautiful. I might vacation there sometime.

[@pwhitewick]

Very true. Its on open access Land as well.

[@rogercmerriman]

Whitewick's Abandoned Railways the whole area is well dangerous, The quarry in view had a land slide not long ago taking away one of the old tram tracks, which can just still be passed though only with care, ie if you slip.... I’ll check on Friday but did used to be tramlines sitting in the North end of keepers pond, which was used for balance I believe. But going back the area is full of stuff that can harm/kill you generally it’s sheep that suffer.

[@arroncarter6975]

Theres a place a bit more south than Abergavenny called Blaina and the mountain there have been collapsing for years. its so bad that they had to evacuate and knock down a big set of the miners houses, the problem is now that the big boulders have started to be covered in dirt so there are deep holes that you cant see and possibly not climb out of. Some people have seriously hurt themselves and in one instance a dog fell down one and they couldn't get it out...

[@rogercmerriman]

Arron Carter one of the downsides of land that has so much early industrial is how stable or not it is now, or even if it’s even known! I believe Tredegar lost a digger quite a few years back, finding old mines and what not that aren’t marked, when building some new roads

[@RichieWellock]

thanks guys that was real great vid, great to hear about the letter you sent.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Richie. Yup really pleased that they already knew about this and action was being taken.

[@GhostTheory]

Yes!!!!!epic tunnel and we definitely want to check this out! What an amazing location, no idea how you found these. Absolutely incredible views.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Guys. Watch too much time spent on old maps!

[@allisontyler-howells5239]

Brilliant video and history so interesting. Your videos are fab x

[@oddwad6290]

Nice video . The first tunnel showed briefly what looks to be a longitudinal crack running along the crown of the tunnel . If so , it's slowly collapsing . I hope farmer doesn't run any heavy machinery over it . Usually it's water , overburden and time that slowly destroys or renders unsafe most tunnels .

[@Sim0nTrains]

Finally got round to watch this! It was a lovely video, did like the camera angles used on this and how you did tie it in as well, great example at 06:54 when you was showing the collapse inside the tunnel and seconds later, showing it from the outside! Also I love how you stop the waffling on by advertising a website!

[@NickandRachel]

That's pretty cool! Thanks for sharing

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Excellent work, Paul! Tap yourself on the shoulder.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Rafael

[@andyknight1]

Another awesome video. Hope that portal is looked after.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you, yup we hope so too.

[@martinhew981]

Loved the video as always. Sometimes a rant gets things done lol. Must visit there as looks very nice.

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely Martin. It's a stunning sight.

[@handiman5001]

Great Video, so well presented and when you wanted to show us something you got out of the way so you could do just that.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Brent.

[@welshboo1]

There's 3 tunnels which go from Ebbw Vale to Tredegar. I believe one was uncovered when the rest of the old steelworks was taken down. I was told roughly where the other 2 was but the entrances have long been filled in. These tunnels was built to transport coal etc. Usually pit ponies. Locals would also take dangerous short cuts to get home.

[@an20ny]

New subscriber here, I am really enjoying your videos, great mix of exploration, research and factual history. Thank You for your work.

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome to the channel Anthony. 👍👍

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

Congratulations. History touchers 👍🏼😊

[@carolinegray3150]

It looks chilly there 🚂🚶🏼‍♂️🚶🏼‍♀️

[@milowadlin]

Nice drone work. Very professional.

[@colinmiller5502]

I love the music that kicks in occasionally, it's a bit like Interstellar

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Colin. That's a massive part for me when we make these films.

[@Lulu-jl5zd]

Very interesting... I subscribed and I was delighted to know you followed up the video by contacting the authorities. Very few explorers seem to do that but it marked out this vlog from many others. Oh and all the Welsh place names... well done!

[@pwhitewick]

Ah thank you Lulu and welcome to the channel.

[@pushrodtv6623]

G’day from Melbourne Australia great content keep it coming 👍🏻

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Shaun, we certainly intend to keep trying.

[@justvin7214]

Cool video, I recognised where it was straight away as one of my other subscribed channels went there with her mother who remembers the cottages still standing.

[@lufbrex6474]

awesome, This defo one of your best vids to date!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you, very kind.

[@Kae6502]

Thank you guys! :) Luv the vids!

[@ianjackson7876]

good video both, really enjoyed it nice one...

[@johnmurray4918]

Your video was very interesting. Thank you

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks John.

[@gordslater]

10:06 - they say the ghost of the headless navvy still haunts the tunnel

[@pwhitewick]

Haha... Yes Rebecca spotted this before me.

[@jeepinjohnny2898]

yo - whitewick . i sure enjoyed your video . thanks (from texas) .

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Very cool . It turned into whitewicks potholing Adventures for a while there. 😁🧱👍🏽

[@pwhitewick]

Yup! check me out getting brave!

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Whitewick's Abandoned Railways 🔦👷🏽‍♂️👷🏻‍♀️👌🏼🧱👍🏽

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Good evening guys and a massive congratulations on being picked by you tube to be their “creators on the rise “ , that is a massive deal we’ll done 🥳🥳🧱👍🏼

[@AlanWhitewick1]

Really enjoyed it, beautiful area of Wales. By the way I need a wheelbarrow, should have brought the one home seen at 8.38.

[@pwhitewick]

Haha... you should have said. Though I'm not sure how I would have got it out of there for you!

[@cargy930]

@@pwhitewick It would've been wheely easy! (Gets coat and leaves)