Cefn Glas (Quakers Yard) Tunnel
Cefn Glas (Quakers Yard) Tunnel
![The substantial western entrance - now ungated - is stone-built and features buttresses to either side of the entrance.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-90.jpg)
![Puddles near the portal soon give way to dryer conditions.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-90.jpg)
![Curvature is apparent at the tunnel's western end as is extensive repair work to the lining.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-90.jpg)
![The lining comprises a brick roof with masonry walls; patches of bare rock are also visible in places.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-89.jpg)
![In several places, the lining's outer skin has parted company.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-89.jpg)
![Even in here, 'health n safety' makes its presence felt!](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-88.jpg)
![Wetness returns at the unguarded eastern entrance.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-87.jpg)
![The movement of earth above the portal is taking its toll.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-80.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-90.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-90.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-90.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-89.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-89.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-88.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-87.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-80.jpg)
Cefn Glas (also known as Quakers Yard) Tunnel carried the Taff Vale Extension of the Newport, Abergavenny & Hereford Railway which was absorbed into the Great Western’s empire in 1863, a year before the line opened. The route made an end-on connection with the Aberdare Valley Railway at Middle Duffryn Junction; the southern end was at Quakers Yard, named after a local burial ground. The single track route shut up shop on 15th June 1964.
The 703-yard tunnel is straight except for a slight northerly curve close to the western portal. It is amply equipped with refuges and its profile changes at various points. Although mostly dry, the tunnel is not in great condition – towards its centre, sections of its lining have come away. Comprising a brick roof with masonry walls, its patchwork nature suggests that, even during operational times, much repair work was needed.
A coal seam has been worked through the south wall of the tunnel – some of this occurred during the 1984 miners strike.