Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
'scouring' sites, where water was released from holding ponds to wash away topsoil and
expose ore seams.
Pontypool &
Blaenavon Railway
(
www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk
;
adult/child £6/3.50; check online for timetables)
Built to haul coal
and passengers up and down the valley, this railway stopped taking passengers in 1941,
and coal haulage ceased when the Big Pit was closed. Since then a section has been re-
stored by local volunteers, allowing you to catch a steam train from the town centre to Big
Pit and on to Whistle Halt, the highest train station in England and Wales (396m). The
Whistle Inn Pub, beside the station, has a huge collection of miners' lamps.
HERITAGE RAILWAY
Activities
The Blaenavon Cheddar Company crew arranges guided walking and mountain-biking
tours for all abilities (walks per person from £2.50) and hires bikes (half-/full day £10/20).
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Paraventure Airsports
( 07775-865095;
www.paraventure.co.uk
)
Learn how to paraglide (two-/four-/eight-day course
£300/600/1200) or take a tandem flight off the Blorenge (£85, 20 to 30 minutes) and enjoy
a red kite's perspective of the Brecon Beacons.
Eating
Butterflies Restaurant
( 01495-791044;
www.butterflies-restaurant.co.uk
; 31-33 Queen St; mains £12-18; 6-9.30pm Tue-Sat,
12.30-2.30pm Sun)
As they succinctly put it themselves: 'an oasis in a culinary desert'. This
bistro-style place has a good menu of meaty mains: Butterflies Beef Wellington and Welsh
lamb cutlets for example, as well as a few fish and veggie options. Friendly service, and
pretty puddings to finish.
GASTROPUB
££
Shopping
Blaenavon Cheddar Company
FOOD
