Lost Lines

Take a nostalgic steam-powered journey back in time on the long-closed line from Abergavenny to Merthyr. This was one of the steepest gradients in Britain, offering spectacular views of mountains and gorges as it meandered across the wind-swept heads of the south Wales Valleys. The line was also built to capitalise on the rich coal mining and ironworks that sprang up during the Industrial Revolution, the birthplace of the railways that became famous throughout the world. Includes an essay on the history of the line and fascinating photography of its locomotives, trains and stations.