Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

16 mile return journey by narrow gauge steam train through beautiful Mid Wales countryside.

Opened in 1903 to link the market town of Welshpool to the rural community of Llanfair Caereinion, this 2 foot 6 inch narrow gauge steam railway now provides a tourist service for all the family and a welcome change from the rush of everyday life. Built as a Light Railway to avoid some of the costs of railway construction, the narrow gauge allows for tight curves and steep gradients, enabling the line to follow the contours of the countryside. Most of our trains are steam hauled, either by one of our unique original locomotives or one from abroad. The carriages too are special; those in regular use being from Hungary and Austria with access to the enclosed seating area via an open balcony - a great way to watch the world go by.

Your journey begins on the edge of the historic market town of Welshpool. Right from the start it is all action as the train battles up the notoriously steep Golfa Bank accompanied by the sound of the locomotive echoing off the hills.

From the open balconies of our unique Hungarian and Austrian coaches you will see the beautiful mid Wales countryside roll slowly by as you travel into the delightful Banwy Valley.

Your train will be hauled by either one of our historic steam locomotives which include 'The Earl' and 'The Countess' supplied new to the railway in 1902 or one of our other operational steam locomotives were built for use in Sierra Leone and Romania.

LLANFAIR STATION, SHOP & TEA ROOM
As your journey unfolds through this picturesque part of Wales you may well see deer, hawks and even otters. As you approach your journey's end the train travels along the River Banwy into Llanfair Caereinion. Here you can visit the shop, have a snack in the Tea Room that serves hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and freshly prepared sandwiches. On colder days soup is available, on hot days the selection of ice creams are always popular. The tearoom can be found in the same building as the shop and booking office at Llanfair Station.

DRIVE A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE DAY
Driver Experience Days are designed to give you the thrill of being at the controls of a powerful narrow gauge steam locomotive, doing the job for which it was designed. You will be hauling one of our standard train sets along a challenging route that abounds with sharp curves and steep gradients.

Driver experience days are restricted to one person to maximise driving time and must be pre-booked. Under the guidance of one of our regular drivers, our day starts with a short health and safety briefing before taking the controls of one of the passenger steam locomotives. Once familiarised with the controls, you will take a standard rake of carriages over the entire railway from Llanfair Caereinion to Welshpool and back.

Please note that the Raven Square Station, Welshpool is closed during the winter.