The Dragons Den Traditional Cache
GizmoKyla: As the owner has not responded to our previous log requesting that they check this cache we are archiving it.
Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.
If you wish to email us please send your email via our profile (click on our name) and quote the cache name and number.
Regards
Dave & Dawn
GizmoKyla
Volunteer UK Reviewers - Geocaching.com
UK Geocaching Policies Wiki
Geocaching Guidelines
Geocaching Help Centre
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
You can park at N051 43.338 W003 25.705
This is a pleasant walk on a flat public footpath used regularly by dog walkers and families on short country walks.
Below is a brief history of the Tunnel and its construction. Unfortunately both entrances of the Tunnel have now been blocked up and access is no longer available.
In 1845, Isambard Kingdom Brunel surveyed and prepared parliamentary plans for the Vale of Neath Railway which involved a 2,497-yard hole through the hill between Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, the second longest of Wales' tunnels. 650 feet below ground at its deepest point, it was built to accommodate broad gauge and formed part of the 6¼-mile Gelli Tarw Junction-Merthyr extension, opening on 2nd November 1853. It regularly takes two names - Merthyr, which is to its east, and Abernant.
The contractor (Mr Davis) sunk two construction shafts, 1,280 yards apart, from which he drove 7-foot headings. One of these shafts was 282 feet deep. A system of troughs and fans pumped air down to the face whilst a 1-inch diameter pipe forced water at high-pressure through ‘roses’ into the workings to clear the powder-smoke hanging in the air after blasting.
A third rail was added to the predominantly single track route in 1863, allowing GWR trains to reach Swansea. The broad gauge rail was removed and the line converted to standard gauge on 11th May 1872.
In the mid-1870s, the tunnel partly collapsed as a goods train passed through, almost burying the locomotive. Locals declared the structure to be dangerous, a claim unsurprisingly contradicted by the investigating officer. Subsidence caused by mining beneath the tunnel later resulted in part of the structure settling by 10 feet.
The S-shaped bore has masonry walls and a brick-lined roof. Close to its centre are two platelayers’ cabins. At the western end, for around 400 yards, the bore is wide enough for a double track layout; two small buildings mark the point where it suddenly becomes single.
The route was closed to traffic on 31st December 1962.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
N ubyr va gur jnyy
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures