The rock was removed by means of a series of tramroads or tramways which linked north via steep inclines to a wharf on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at Llangattock and south to Brynmawr and the ironworks at Nant-y-glo by two tramroads which contoured the eastern end of the hill.
In 1745 the railway was disturbed by the Battle of Prestonpans, during the second Jacobite Rising between the opposing forces of Sir John Cope, lined along the waggonway, and the forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie approaching from the east.