Trevithick's Tunnel

Southeast Wales


The site of the first test of Richard Trevithick's steam-powered locomotive may interest trainspotters, but there isn't a lot to see here apart from a blocked up tunnel entrance, a mosaic memorial and some informative plaques. In 1804 the engine was the first in the world to haul a load on rails – it lugged 10 tonnes of iron for 9.5 miles, at a speed of 4mph.