06/10/2025
Did someone mention a tunnel from Merthyr to Aberdare to walk and ride through?
Yes please!
What's your thoughts?
Staring straight into another week, we’re back to Abernant Tunnel this morning in South Wales.
Several feasibility studies and general planning reports have been conducted over the years with a view to reopening this former railway tunnel as an active greenway.
“Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is seeking a design team for the transformation of the Abernant Tunnel into a new active travel route.
Thanks to Tim O’keefe for sharing this.
Residents in Merthyr Tydfil are calling for the reopening of the historic Abernant Tunnel as a key part of a new active travel route. The tunnel, which once linked Merthyr Tydfil to Neath before closing in 1962, could soon be transformed into a pedestrian and cycle path under plans led by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
Back in 2024, the council announced a search for a design team to explore the feasibility of refurbishing the disused 2.29km-long railway tunnel. The winning team will be awarded a £180,000 contract to conduct a study assessing options for the project, which aims to provide a safer, more direct route for cyclists and walkers between Merthyr and Aberdare.”
The most recent visit was back in April this year.
So my question to you all is, what are your thoughts about opening long railway tunnels as greenways? Would 20-30 minutes walking through this particular tunnel become boring ?
To put things into perspective Abernant Tunnel is 2,497 yards and not too far away is Rhondda Tunnel which is 3,443 yards, ongoing campaigns seek to open that tunnel as an active travel route too.
Disused Railway Tunnels (UK).