When I was a young teen, I read an article about the preserved railways of Wales, and it sparked a lifelong fascination. Since then, I’ve been determined to visit every heritage railway in the country—a goal I’ve steadily worked on. Here are the Welsh heritage railways and how you can ride them. See the table after this article for a complete summary list of them.
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
I’ve always been fascinated by this 237mt (778ft) railway, one of the longest funicular railways in the UK. When I arrived in Aberystwyth, I ran to see this line! Opened in 1896, it carries passengers to the summit of Constitution Hill, offering panoramic views of Cardigan Bay and the surrounding countryside. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy a café, camera obscura, and walking trails.
Location: Cliff Terrace, Aberystwyth SY23 2DN, Wales Public Transport: Aberystwyth railway station is a short walk from the cliff railway.
Bala Lake Railway
This was the second heritage railway I rode on in Wales. Originally part of the Ruabon to Barmouth line, which operated for over 100 years before closing in 1965. The new 7km (4 mi) narrow-gauge line, which opened in 1972, runs alongside Bala Lake, with stunning views of Snowdonia’s mountains. Location: Station Road, Llanuwchllyn LL23 7DD, Wales Public Transport: Train to Barmouth and bus to Llanuwchllyn
Brecon Mountain Railway,
I plan to ride this 10-mile round trip through the picturesque Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in 2025. Opened over 40 years ago, it follows a section of the historic Brecon and Merthyr Railway, initially built in 1859, climbing to a summit at Torpantau,about 1,313 feet (400 meters) above sea level. Location: Pant Station, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2DD
Public Transport Access: Merthyr Tydfil Train Station and then local buses connect to Pant.
Corris Railway
Opened in 1859, the Corris Railway is one of Wales’ oldest narrow-gauge railways, weaving through the picturesque Dulas Valley and originally hauled by horses. The Corris Railway Museum reportedly provides an in-depth look into its industrial past. Location: Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9SH Public Transport: Train to Machynlleth and then bus to Corris.
Fairbourne Railway
Originally opened in 1895, this narrow-gauge railway runs 5km (3mi) from Fairbourne to Barmouth Ferry with beautiful views and the chance to connect to a ferry that takes you across the estuary to Barmouth. Location: Beach Road, Fairbourne LL38 2EX, Wales
Public Transport: Fairbourne railway station is a short walk from the starting point.
This is the first heritage line I rode. Opened in 1836 to transport slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog, the 21.7km (13.5 mi) line offers breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and valleys. At Dduallt there is an incredible spiral loop . Location: Harbour Station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF Public Transport: The railway connects with the Welsh Highland Railway and the national rail network at Porthmadog.
Great Orme Tramway
Opened in 1902, this unique tramway in Llandudno is one of the world’s last remaining cable-hauled street tramways. It climbs 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) to the mountain’s summit, offering incredible coastal views. I rode up and walked down.
Location: Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno LL30 2NB, Wales
Public Transport: Llandudno railway station is a 10-minute walk away
Gwili Railway
This line offers beautiful views of the Welsh countryside.
Location: Abergwili Junction, Carmarthen SA31 2BG, Wales
Public Transport: Carmarthen Railway Station is about a 10-minute walk to the railway.
Llangollen Railway
A standard-gauge steam-hauled heritage railway passes through the Dee Valley along the river, passing historic landmarks like Berwyn and Carrog. I have yet to ride it. Location: The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8SN Public Transport Access: Llangollen is accessible by regular bus services from Wrexham. The nearest train station is Ruabon, around 10 miles away.
Llanberis Lake Railway
I rode this one almost accidentally. I had planned to ride the Snowdon mountain railway but because of the weather, I was thwarted. So I crossed the road and managed to ride this three-mile (5km) narrow-gauge railway along the shores of Llyn Padarn in Snowdonia with views of Dolbadarn Castle and the stunning Welsh mountains. Originally built to carry slate in 1843, it closed in 1961 and was rebuilt as a tourist railway in 1971.
Location: Gilfach Ddu Station, Llanberis LL55 4TY, Wales
Public Transport: Llanberis is accessible by bus from Bangor railway station or from Caernarvon. As mentioned, it is also opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway
It opened in the 1860s as part of the LNWR network to transport coal and iron from the valleys to the world. Closed to passengers in the 1940s and freight in the 1980s, the line was preserved in 1983. The 3.5 miles (5.6 km) standard gauge railway now offers a scenic journey through the Blaenavon UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the area’s rich industrial history, including remnants of ironworks and coal mines. Highlights include stunning views of the valleys and the Big Pit National Coal Museum nearby.
Location: 13a Broad Street, Blaenavon, Torfaen County Borough, NP4 9ND
Public Transport: Train to Abergavenny, followed by a bus to Blaenavon
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Opened in 1896, this extraordinary feat of engineering ascends to the summit of Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak, via a 7.6 km (4.7 mi) cog railway. The views are unparalleled. On a clear day, you can reportedly see Ireland! I didn’t. Location: Llanberis Station, Llanberis LL55 4TT, Wales
Public Transport: Llanberis is accessible via bus from Bangor railway station or Caernarvon.
Talyllyn Railway
I like this 1.7km (7.25-mile) narrow-gauge line for a few reasons. It was the world’s first preserved railway. It also has stunning scenery as it winds through the beautiful Fathew Valley. Plus, Reverend W. Awdry, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, volunteered here, and some of his stories are based on this railway. Operating since 1865.
Location: Wharf Station, Tywyn LL36 9EY, Wales. Public Transport: Tywyn railway station connects to the Cambrian Coast Line operated by Transport for Wales.
Vale of Rheidol Railway
Opened in 1902 to carry lead and timber, 19km (12-mile) this line never closed (apart from WW2). It was the only steam railway run by the government-owned British Railways for a while. Offers great views of the Cambrian Mountains. Devil’s Bridge is known for its waterfalls and scenic walking trails. Location: Park Avenue, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG, short walk from Aberystwyth railway station
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
This is my least favourite Welsh train ride so far! Built in 1903, this narrow-gauge railway runs through the scenic Banwy Valley between Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion, showcasing rolling hills and picturesque farmland.
Location: The Station, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21 0SF
Public Transport: Train to Welshpool train station and bus to Llanfair Caereinion.
Welsh Highland Railway
This spectacular railway is one of the longest heritage railways at 40.5 kilometres (25 miles), connecting Porthmadog to Caernarfon, passing through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and the foothills of Snowdonia. I rode in style in their beautiful Pullman carriage (with champagne and picnic basket!) Initially opened in 1922, it was fully restored in 2011. Location: Harbour Station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF, Wales Public Transport: Porthmadog railway station connects to the national rail network. Caernarfon is a bus ride from Bangor station.
Summary of the Lines
| Region | Railway Name | Description |
| North Wales | Bala Lake Railway | Narrow Gauge alongside Bala Lake stunning Snowdonia views |
| Ffestiniog Railway | Oldest Narrow Gauge Railways, connecting Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. | |
| Great Orme Tramway | Funicular Railway with panoramic Llandudno views | |
| Llanberis Lake Railway | Alongside a peaceful lake beneath Snowdon | |
| Talyllyn Railway | World’s oldest preserved line runs through rural mid-Wales. | |
| Welsh Highland Railway | From Caernarfon to Porthmadog, with stunning views of mountains through Snowdonia National Park | |
| Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway | istoric steam journey through the countryside near Welshpool, | |
| Central Wales | Aberystwyth Cliff Railway | Funicular Railway offers fantastic views of Aberystwyth and the coastline as it climbs Constitution Hill. |
| Corris Railway | Former industrial railway, now offering a historic journey through the beautiful countryside of mid-Wales. | |
| Fairbourne Railway | Coastal Miniature Railway, running from Fairbourne Village to the Barmouth Ferry Point. | |
| Vale of Rheidol Railway | Narrow Gauge Railway that offers a journey from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge through stunning scenery. | |
| South Wales | Brecon Mountain Railway | A steam railway running through the Brecon Beacons National Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. |
| Cardiff Miniature Railway | Small Gauge Railway in Cardiff provides a fun and scenic ride for families and visitors alike. | |
| Funicular Railway offers fantastic views of Aberystwyth and the coastline as it climbs up Constitution Hill. | A scenic preserved railway offering rides through the picturesque countryside of Carmarthenshire | |
| Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway | A preserved steam railway connecting Pontypool to Blaenavon,-historic industrial landscape of South Wales. | |
| Teifi Valley Railway | running along the Teifi Valley, through rural landscapes |
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