Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway

About

The Talyllyn Railway is a Heritage Steam Railway, which has been running continuously in the Fathew Valley since 1865.  In 1951 it became the Worlds First Preserved railway, and a group of like-minded enthusiasts took it over and operated it as volunteers.

Today the railway has recently become part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site acknowledging its slate mining heritage and is an award-winning visitor attraction, carrying thousands of passengers each year.

Travel behind one of the six beautifully restored steam locomotives in comfort, enjoying the scenery and wildlife of the valley.  The train travels 7.25 miles, tracing the route that the original Victorian quarrymen used to the terminus of Nant Gwernol.  Hop off at one of the six stations along the way and follow one of the suggested walking routes, exploring waterfalls, gorges or follow the ancient tramways that fed the slate down to the railway.

Kings café at Wharf station serves a full menu for breakfast, lunch and snacks, and the train stops at Abergynolwyn where you can get refreshments at the ‘Quarrymans Caban’.  Younger travelers will enjoy spotting wildlife on the Wilderness trail or expending some energy in the playground.

Also at Wharf station is the well-stocked gift shop, and the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum which includes many interesting locomotives and artefacts to view, as well as the Rev Awdry’s study and his original model of Thomas the Tank engine!