Morlais (Miler) Revisited, February 2012

Explored with walsh (non member) and the second of three tunnels we visited on the day.

I visited Morlais Tunnel last October and did a report but wasn't really happy with it. The main reason for the unhappiness was that on arriving at the tunnel I discovered I had forgotten my Lensar torches and all my other cree's so all I had in the way of lighting was a B&Q one million candle power torch. Which is basically shoot for lightpainting. A return visit with proper kit was always on the cards to capture what I could not capture during the original explore.

HISTORY

The London & North Western Railway opened its connection to the Brecon & Merthyr in 1879, having become joint owners of the latter four years earlier.

Immediately south of Morlais Junction, the line plunged into a 1,040 yard tunnel which is 80 feet below ground at its deepest point. The last train scuttled through on 6th January 1958.

From its northern entrance, a gentle southerly curve soon gives way to a longer, straight section which incorporates three ventilation shafts - the middle one of these has lost its pepperpot. There is significant water ingress from the northerly shaft whilst the other two are dry.

The structure, which is in generally good condition, has become a magnet for abandoned and burnt out cars.

(From http://www.forgottenrelics.co.uk)

THE VISIT

1. Taff Trail portal. Now bricked up but access doors are open (and missing !).


2. Into the abyss and away we go...


3. A vintage workers refuge complete with a not so vintage wheelbarrow !!!


4. View back to the Taff Trail portal.


5. Further in and looking towards the Taff Trail portal while playing with light.


6. Supports have been added to support the tunnel.


7. The supports in full. The Pant portal has now appeared in the distance. And so do the first of the cars.


8. The first of the many abandoned cars we were to encounter.


9. Bet this car never thought it would end its days in a tunnel under Merthyr Tydfil !


10. First air shaft. It spews water into the tunnel and standing underneath is not recommended !


11. Another final resting place for another car beside air shaft no. 2.


12. View back down the tunnel towards Taff Trail portal with abandoned cars and light from air shaft no. 1 visable.


13. Another couple of yards and another couple of cars !


14. Years of water have created some fine face features !


15. The light from air shaft no. 3 with the Pant portal in the distance.


16. View air shaft no. 2.


17. Another car rusts to death...


18. View back down this fine double tracked tunnel.


19. The Pant portal, like its partner has been bricked but also breached !


20. The Pant portal.


Thanks for looking and again, any advice or comments most welcome !

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