5. Engine Pit

Over to your right, before the path bends sharply to the left, Engine Pit and the remains of its waterwheel can be found. Engine Pit is a Scheduled Ancient Monument because it was one of the earliest drainage shafts associated with Blaenavon Ironworks. Engine Pit was probably sunk around 1806 as a mine shaft, but by 1819 had become more important as a drainage mechanism, which allowed water balances to be used around Blaenavon to pull coal and iron ore up and down shafts and slopes.

Continue along the main path.