On Saturday 9 March 2024, there is a
Pathfinder rail tour along the Cwmbargoed branch line, which lies between the Rhymney and Merthyr lines.
There may not be many further opportunities to travel along the line: the opencast mine and coal washery at Cwmbargoed have closed, and reopening to passengers seems unlikely, because there are few settlements of any size along the route.
The tour includes the Uskmouth branch and Margam Knuckle Yard (near Port Talbot).
The train starts from Burton-on-Trent and picks up at Birmingham New Street (07.30), Worcestershire Parkway (08.15), Cheltenham Spa (08.45), Bristol Parkway (09.35) and Severn Tunnel Junction (10.10).
Fares are £179 first class and £129 standard.