Gellifelen Tunnels Traditional Geocache
Andalusite: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.
Andalusite
Volunteer UK Reviewer - geocaching.com
UK Geocaching Information & Resources http://www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk
Geocaching.com Knowledge Books http://support.groundspeak.com//index.php
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
You will need to bring a torch to find this cache. It is hidden right in the middle of the tunnel.
The tunnel is on the Abergavenny to Brynmawr railway. This was built upon Baileys Tramway which ran from ironworks at Nantyglo to the Govilon wharf of the Brecon and Abergavenny Canal.
This was converted to a locomotive-hauled railway and in 1862 the line opened from Abergavenny to Brynmawr. In 1877 the line was doubled, and new tunnel bores at Clydach and Gellifelen were made. The new tunnels are the southerly tunnels.
The line was closed in 1958
The southerly of the two tunnels is open and can be walked - providing you have a good light source and footwear. The tunnel is curved, and so it is completely dark for much of the way. The floor is wet and muddy.
The Clydach gorge is a fascinating place, containing historic sites dating from the iron age forts that flank the gorge, industrial revolution ironworks and tramways, the two disused tunnels on the Abergavenny to Brynmawr railway, not to mention beautiful beech woodlands, and waterfalls. Sadly some of this is under threat from modern industrial development - the needless widening of the A465 heads of the valleys road. Perhaps today's needless development is tomorrow's industrial archeology.
The cache is a small cliplock container with logbook, pen, and small items. Bring sturdy footwear as the tunnel can be wet and slippery, and you will need a torch as inside the tunnel is very dark and spooky!
The waypoint will bring you to the westerly end of the tunnel where there is space to park should you need it.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
jurer jvyy lbh uvqr vs n genva nccrnef? pnpur nccrnef jura gur qnlyvtug ehaf bhg