Beaufort Street
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Brynmawr Historical Society Cymdeithas Hanes Brynmawr
The Hafod Arch (Clydach Railroad)
In the Clydach Gorge on the right hand side of the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road as you approach the Brynmawr Roundabout is a section of an early and important tramroad, including an impressive causeway section with a stone bridge – the Hafod Arch. This site provides an important gateway into the Valleys with specific connections to the World Heritage Site and Forgotten Landscapes at Blaenafon and the Ebbw Fach trail.
JANUARY 2023 - THIS PAGE IS BEING UPDATED WITH INFORMATION ON HOW TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE HAFOD ARCH, WHICH CHANGED ON COMPLETION OF THE DUALLING OF THE A465 HEADS OF THE VALLEYS ROAD
The route marked in 'light blue' starts near Brynmawr Comprehensive School and vehicles can be parked in the lay-by on the side of the road. Care must be taken when crossing the road to reach the path, which runs along the side of the dual carriageway towards Gilwern. Enter the gate along the path, which leads to the Hafod Arch.
The route marked in 'yellow' is a designated cycle path, which starts near the roundabout which links the A4047, A467 and A465 roads. Again, care must be taken when crossing the road.
A view of the Hafod Arch before Restoration Work.
The images below were taken by Paul Miller, in 2022/2023 and published with his kind permission
PRESERVATION WORK
In 2012, work was carried out to preserve Hafod Arch as a heritage feature and an access route. One kilometre of access improvements will be made, linking to the Ebbw Fach Trail and Blaenafon World Heritage Site.
The bridge works consist of the removal of vegetation, the cleaning down of stonework, rebuilding stonework where defective or missing, and the pointing and/or repointing of stonework to Hafod Arch, Brynmawr.
The works will be complemented by improved and enhanced access routes, installation of fencing on approaching routes, and vegetation clearance.
Interpretation signage relating to the historic nature of the site, in keeping with the Forgotten Landscapes Project will also be erected.
The images below were taken in 2012 after the completion of the preservation work.
