Present-Day Llangollen Railway
The Llangollen Railway operates over a 10-mile route from Llangollen to Corwen, passing through breathtaking scenery in the Dee Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Key stations along the route include Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, and Carrog, with the extension to Corwen completed in 2023, reopening access to the historic town. The railway is known for its fleet of restored steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages, and regular special events, such as Santa Specials, 1940s weekends, and railway galas.
Preservation and Restoration
Efforts to preserve the line began in 1975 when the Llangollen Railway Society was formed. Volunteers worked tirelessly to restore a section of the track, starting with a short stretch near Llangollen Station. In 1981, the first heritage passenger services were reintroduced between Llangollen and Pentrefelin.
History of Llangollen Railway
The original railway was opened in 1865 by the Vale of Llangollen Railway Company to connect the market town of Llangollen with the mainline at Ruabon. It became part of the Great Western Railway (GWR) in 1876 and was extended westward to link with Corwen, Bala, and eventually Barmouth. The line was significant in transporting goods and passengers, serving rural communities and supporting the local slate and agricultural industries. Its picturesque route through the Dee Valley also made it popular with tourists. Like many rural lines, the railway saw a decline in passenger and freight traffic after World War II due to increased competition from road transport. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1965 as part of the Beeching Cuts, and the line was closed entirely by 1968.