The Brinore Tramroad
The Brinore Tramroad, completed in 1815, is one of the longest stretches of primitive railways which can be followed by hikers, cyclists or horse riders.
From the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal it runs for eight miles and beyond into the heartland of industrial South Wales. Rising from the Usk valley fields give way to mountain but the easy gradient is ideal for cyclists and walkers. Anyone conversant with Welsh will question the spelling of 'Brinore'. This Anglicisation of Bryn Oer (Cold Hill) was accepted practice in the past, adopted by incoming industrialists and others in authority, to produce English approximations of Welsh place names. Bryn Oer refers to an area of coal production lying on the watershed between Tredegar and Rhymney.
The Brinore Tramroad Conservation Forum which published the original Guide having completed its work has now been closed. This on-line guide is based upon the original Guide which sold over 2000 copies through local outlets. It was decided to release a web version of the Guide, freely available to download, in order to continue to provide information about this important 19th Century railway, part of the industrial heritage of South Wales. We hope that by understanding and appreciating its history and significance it may be valued by all who walk and ride along it.
Obstructions, unlawful use and maintenance issues should be reported to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Plas Y Ffynnon, Cambrian Way, Brecon, LD3 7HP phone 01874 624437"
