Nestled in the rugged landscape of South Wales, the Rhondda Tunnel stands as a testament to Victorian engineering. Built in 1890 and closed in 1969, this 3,148-meter-long marvel is hoping for a renaissance, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Rhondda Tunnel Society and notable support from figures like Martin Roberts, the host of BBC's "Homes Under The Hammer. This week, I headed deep inside the tunnel to discover more about the project and also made a visit to the Wenvoe Tunnel in Cardiff, which boasts a fascinating wartime connection to the Royal Train.
A Special Expedition Inside the Tunnel
I recently had the unique opportunity to venture inside the Rhonnda Tunnel through one of its ventilation shafts. In this thrilling descent, I was accompanied by members of the Rhondda Tunnel Society to see this awe-inspiring Victorian structure in all its forgotten glory. The tunnel, running between Blaencwm in the Rhondda and Blaengwynfi in the Afan Valley, is a hauntingly beautiful relic of the past which is now shrouded in complete darkness. This is because the tunnel, sealed up many years ago, has only been explored by a handful of people due to both entrances remaining buried under thousands of tonnes of earth and rubble.
Now, the Society, spearheaded by chairman Stephen Mackey, envision transforming this historic tunnel into a vibrant cycle and pedestrian route and the initiative promises to inject new life into the local economy, creating jobs and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Rich Local History
The reopening of the Rhondda Tunnel is more than just a local infrastructure project, it is a beacon of hope for the community, symbolising a bridge from a past defined by mining to a future rich with opportunities for recreation and tourism, not to mention saving some 45 minutes in commuting over the mountain. The tunnel’s transformation will honour the region’s industrial heritage while paving the way for sustainable development and community well-being.
The area surrounding the Rhondda Tunnel is also steeped in rich local history, contributing to its cultural significance. Nearby is the village of Pontrhydyfen, the birthplace of the legendary actor Richard Burton. Burton, known for his commanding stage presence and iconic roles in films like "Cleopatra" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", remains a beloved figure in Welsh heritage and the local area. Next year, his town celebrates two important anniversaries - 100 years since the birth of its most famous son and 200 years since work started on a bridge he became synonymous with.
Despite the fact the anniversaries are months away, huge conversations have started about the events - illustrating the importance to this community of properly remembering one of Wales' greatest screen stars who died in 1984, aged 58. In addition to its connection to Richard Burton, the Rhondda Valley has a storied past as a once-thriving hub of the coal mining industry. The valley's landscape is dotted with remnants of its industrial heritage, from the now-closed collieries to the enduring spirit of its communities.
As I stood inside the tunnel, surrounded by its vast, echoing chambers, I felt a profound connection to both the past and the future. The Rhondda Tunnel, once a vital artery of the coal industry, now holds the promise of becoming a lifeline for the local community and during the recent surveys by the Rhondda Tunnel, volunteers also discovered a coal seam within the tunnel itself. This seam was actively worked by local villagers, intertwining the tunnel’s purpose with the region's coal mining heritage.
Recent inspections and tests have also shown that the structure remains sound, with the brickwork and overall integrity largely intact. This promising assessment indicates that, with some restoration efforts, the tunnel could be safely reopened for public use, transforming it into a vibrant cycle and pedestrian route that would benefit the local community and connect the area to nearby projects such as WildFox in the Afan Valley.
Celebrity Support and Funding
The tunnel’s reopening project has gained significant attention and support, notably from TV Presenter Martin Roberts. Roberts, captivated by the beauty and community spirit of the Rhondda valleys during his filming trips, became deeply involved with the Rhondda Tunnel Society. His passion for the area led him to buy and renovate the oldest farmhouse in the Rhondda Valleys and the Hendrewen Hotel in Blaencwm, further solidifying his commitment to the community.
Roberts has also highlighted the project’s budget of £15 million, describing it as a relatively small amount compared to other investments like the £30 million space centre in Cornwall. In my interview at the recent unveiling of a new community notice board, he emphasised the potential benefits for tourism, job creation, and community pride, making the investment worthwhile.
Nearby Bath and Wye Valley's Historic Tunnels
Meanwhile, similar projects already exist across the UK. In Bath, the Two Tunnels Greenway has transformed the Combe Down and Devonshire tunnels into an extraordinary route that spans 13 miles, connecting Bath to the Midford area. Enhanced with innovative lighting and art installations, this tunnel is not just a passage but an immersive experience. Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy the smooth, traffic-free paths that meander through the Somerset countryside, passing through green fields, woodlands, and quaint villages, making it a perfect escape from urban life.
Closer to home, the Wye Valley Greenway has revitalised another historic tunnel, the Tidenham Tunnel, which once served the Wye Valley Railway. This 1km tunnel, reopened to the public, forms part of a 5-mile stretch of scenic pathway along the River Wye and even connects Tintern Abbey. The path is ideal for leisurely walks, invigorating bike rides, and offers numerous opportunities for picnicking and wildlife spotting.
The Wenvoe Tunnel
My journey of discoverey and exploration of these tunnels in South Wales also took me to the nearby Gelli Tunnel in the Afan Valley and the Wenvoe Tunnel in Cardiff. This tunnel holds a unique place in history, having been used during World War II to hide the Royal Train, ensuring the safety of the monarchy during times of air raids. The Wenvoe Tunnel also features a giant ventilation shaft located just below the Culverhouse Cross retail park, where Shoppers above are oblivious to the tunnel's existence and its historical significance.
The potential reopening of the Rhondda Tunnel highlights a broader opportunity for Wales and the amazing valleys to be reconnect through its historic tunnels. Across the country, numerous disused tunnels, like the Wenvoe and Gelli Tunnel, could be revitalised, creating a huge network of cycle and pedestrian routes that link communities and enhance tourism.
Why the Rhondda Tunnel Should Reopen?
Reopening the Rhondda Tunnel would transform it into a vibrant cycle and pedestrian route, injecting new life into the local economy and creating jobs. This initiative promises to promote a healthy lifestyle, attract tourism, and honour the region’s industrial heritage. Revitalising the tunnel would foster community pride and unity, providing a sustainable future while preserving a significant piece of Welsh history.
Watch the full Vlog on Inside The Rhondda & Wenvoe Tunnel Here: