• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• Home
• Where to Stay
• Things To Do
• Places To Eat
• Browse Shops
• News
• Your Basket (0 items)

The Beeching Report of the mid 1960s decimated the railway system throughout the UK, leaving literally thousands of Victorian designed railway stations high and dry and towns relying on the British road network!

It was certainly one of the most short-sighted actions by government in many years, with miles upon miles of track ripped up and sent to the scrap man.

The countries steam fleet didn't fair much better either, with the vast majority going back into public service as post boxes, iron girders and even saucepans as these once proud behemoths were melted down my the same delighted scrap man.

The last train to steam into Llangollen station was in 1968 and for seven years after this the buildings and track bed were left to the mercy of mother nature.

Thankfully, enthusiasts rallied round and began to do their bit to preserve this once proud service and Llangollen was no different and its own group of enthusiastic volunteers started the long haul back to use.

By September 1975 an open day saw 60 ft of track laid and the Llangollen Heritage Steam Railway was born.

As the number of volunteers grew, so did the length of the track and soon steam trains could be seen passing over the Berwyn Viaduct and through the tunnel at the same point.

On along the side of the Dee Valley, with the beautiful River Dee on one side and picturesque Berwyn Mountains on the other until the line finally reached the stunning little station at Carrog.

Seven and a half miles of some of the most wonderful railway anywhere.

The line has played host to some famous names over the past thirty years or so. The Flying Scotsman and the Mallard are two but probably the most famous is Thomas the Tank Engine himself, who makes an appearance at least once a year.

The Santa Specials are especially popular, with other special events for steam and diesel alike, seeing well over 100k. passengers a year simply awe-struck by the sheer natural beauty of this very special railway.

Perhaps Mr Beeching did us a favour after all.............



For all fares and timetable please visit www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Tel: 01978 860979