The last steam railway owned by British Rail is still running and you can
enjoy the journey experienced by many thousands of passengers since it opened
in 1902. Some History
The railway was built in 1902 to serve the lead mines, timber and passenger
traffic of the Rheidol valley.
To save cost and in deference to the hostile terrain with its many sharp
curves and steep gradients, the railway was built of a narrower track gauge (1' 113/4") than the standard.
The engines and carriages now used were built by The Great Western Railway between 1923 and 1938 and have been fully restored to their former glory.
The railway was taken into private ownership in 1989.
The railway was built in 1902 to serve the lead mines, timber and passenger
traffic of the Rheidol valley.
To save cost and in deference to the hostile terrain with its many sharp
curves and steep gradients, the railway was built of a narrower track gauge
(1' 113/4") than the standard.
The engines and carriages now used were built by The Great Western Railway
between 1923 and 1938 and have been fully restored to their former glory.
The railway was taken into private ownership in 1989.
During the last ten years the railway has undergone a complete renovation with full restoration of the engines, carriages and track. Spectacular views, some not seen for many decades have been opened up. So if you have been a passenger before it may well be time for another trip
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 statementis available on request.
Vale of Rheidol trains depart from the centre of the town of Aberystwyth
on the Cambrian coast. The railway is adjacent to the British Rail Station.
Postcode for SatNav: SY23 1PG
Vale of Rheidol Railway,
Park Avenue,
Aberystwyth,
Cardiganshire,
SY23 1PG
Telephone: 01970 625819
E Mail: vor@rheidolrailway.co.uk
Web: www.rheidolrailway.co.uk
The Great Little Trains of Wales are a very special way of seeing
some of the best scenery in the British Isles and this year a new discount
card costing £10 will be available, entitling the holder to a 20% discount
for a return trip on each of the following 9 railways:
Ffestiniog Railway - Porthmadog
Welsh Highland Railway - Porthmadog
Talyllyn Railway - Tywyn
Bala Lake Railway
Vale of Rheidol Railway - Aberystwyth
Brecon Mountain Railway - Merthyr Tydfil
Welshpool & Llanfair Railway
Each card is valid for 12 months from the date the first journey is made; the cardholder can also take advantage of discounts that have been arranged with selected accommodation providers close to many of the railways. Please check details on website Cardiganshire Coast and Country are not responsible for external links or information on this site.
For further details please visit the GLTW website www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk
Find out more about Aberystwyth