Copyright ©2008 Bruce Yarborough

"An unforgettable journey through the spectacular Rheidol Valley by narrow gauge steam train."
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is one of the Great Little Trains of Wales and was the last steam railway owned by British Rail until it was privatised in 1989. Trains depart from the centre of the resort town of Aberystwyth on the Cambrian coast. The railway is adjacent to the British Rail station and ample car parking is available in our own car park off Park Avenue. See our map page.

The 11¾ mile journey between Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge takes approximately one hour in each direction as the train overcomes a height difference of over 600ft, affording superb views of the Rheidol Valley. At Devil's Bridge there is a cafe, toilets and a picnic area. The famous Mynach Falls, Jacob's Ladder and the Devil's Punchbowl are within walking distance of the station, but are operated as separate attractions.

The railway opened in 1902, to serve the lead mines, timber and passenger traffic of the Rheidol Valley. To save money, and in deference to the hostile terrain through which the line was forged, the railway was built to a narrower track gauge than the norm, with many sharp curves and steep gradients.

Yet despite the fact that the rails are only 1' 11¾" apart, the three steam locomotives weigh over 25 tons each and are more than eight feet wide!

During the last 19 years the railway has undergone a complete renovation programme which has included the rebuilding of the steam locomotives and carriages, the renewal of the track and the opening up of some spectacular views not seen for decades. This work is continuing with further improvements to the views and enhanced passenger facilities at both terminal stations planned for the future.

Work is currently underway to construct a new restoration workshop at our Aberystwyth terminus. Trains normally wait at Devil's Bridge for one hour before returning to Aberystwyth; if you need more time at Devil's Bridge, you may return by any later train, but please make sure that you do not miss the last train of the day! IF IN DOUBT, ASK THE GUARD.

The original carriages used on the railway were not designed to carry wheelchairs and therefore access at present is only possible if wheelchair users can climb two steps from the platform into the carriage. An access statement is available on request.

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