LLANFOIST TRAM BRIDGE c. 1822 Glamorganshire SO285 130 N51o 48’ 39.6” W3o 2’ 19.5”
This seemingly very unremarkable looking bridge has survived over 200 years. It was built at the time of Hill’s Tram Road which about 1818-20 and ran parallel to and between the Usk River and the Brecon/Abervagenny Canal. This bridge carried an extension of the main tram line over the canal. It’s simple construction consists of cast iron deck plates laid on top of iron T section girders resting on masonry abutments. The tram cars were propelled simply by gravity (and hauled back up hill empty by ponies) and the only brakes were the ‘driver’ holding a stout stick to drag on the rail road sleepers. A similar bridge on the same tram line is at Pen y Pont further west on the Brecon Canal.
The landmark to look for as you come out of Llanfoist heading north is the old church on your left. Park on the right by the entrance to the nature preserve. Walk past the church up a steep and narrow road to the canal boat basin at the top where you will see a pedestrian tunnel ahead and steps to your right. At the top of the steps is your tram bridge.