From mountain ranges, to farmland and woods, Wales’ railways offer a unique way to take in its spectacular scenery, so to get you started we’ve rounded up 6 Welsh railways to take your group on.
Wales is home to an array of railways, some of which will take you through its farmland, others of which will take you to the summit of its famous mountains, all of which will transport you through the country’s scenic landscapes.
1. Llangollen Railway
The Llangollen Railway is the only standard gauge heritage railway in North Wales. Located beside the historic 14th century Dee Bridge, the ten-mile journey takes passengers through the Dee Valley to the town of Corwen at the crossroads of North Wales. Group discounts, plus refreshments, are available.
2. Gwili Steam Railway
Embark on a nostalgic trip aboard the Gwili Steam Railway, the first standard-gauge preserved railway to operate in South West Wales. Follow the River Gwili as you travel steadily uphill through farmland and wooded hillsides. Stop off at Bronwydd to visit the working signal box, or at Llwyfan Cerrig to ride on the miniature railway. Groups of ten or more can benefit from discounts.
3. Ffestiniog Railway
The world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, with almost 200 years of history will take your group on a scenic 13-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Most groups visiting Snowdonia opt to do a one-way trip along part of the line, with trips from Blaenau to Porthmadog and from Caernarfon to Porthmadog both particularly popular.
4. Snowdon Mountain Railway
No trip to Wales would really be complete without firstly visiting the Snowdonia National Park, and secondly taking a trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit of the country’s biggest mountain. Passengers can enjoy the varying vistas along the journey, from the first views of a waterfall plunging into the gorge below, to sights over the Rocky Valley. Groups of 25 or more can qualify for group rates, and all groups must be pre-booked.
5. Welshpool & Llanfair Railway
Originally opened to link the market town of Welshpool to the rural community of Llanfair Caereinion, the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway provides an opportunity to take in the sights of the mid-Wales countryside. The narrow gauge allows for the line to follow the contours of the countryside, complete with tight curves and steep gradients, all of which can be enjoyed form the comfort of your seat or form the open balconies. Discounts are offered for pre-booked groups of ten or more.
6. Brecon Mountain Railway
Running from Pant to Torpantau, the Brecon Mountain Railway follows the route of the original Brecon & Merthy Railway, which closed in 1964. Groups will be able to travel behind a vintage Steam Locomotive through the Brecon Beacons National Park, along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau, the summit of the original line.
