New arrivals at the Vale of Rheidol
This week, we were excited to announce the arrival of the last two Collection ‘X’ locomotives from their long-term storage in Surrey. These are the Avonside ‘Heisler’ Renishaw No. 4 (built 1931), and the Bagnall Articulated Renishaw No. 5 (built 1936). They had both lived at the late Peter Rampton’s farm in Surrey for over…
February Half Term Trains
The Vale of Rheidol Railway has been running for over 120 years. Hop aboard one of our historic trains for a journey through the stunning Welsh countryside. Trains will travel a short journey between Aberystwyth and Capel Bangor stations only as winter maintenance is taking place on the tracks preventing our trains from reaching Devil’s…
The Vale of Rheidol Railway featured on ITV’s Coast & Country
The Vale of Rheidol Railway has taken centre stage on Welsh television once again — this time as part of ITV Wales’ Coast & Country programme, which celebrates the people, places, and natural beauty of Wales. A few weeks ago, presenter Hamish and the Coast & Country crew visited…
Autumn on the Vale of Rheidol Railway
Autumn Adventures on the Vale of Rheidol Railway As the long summer days give way to crisp mornings and golden evenings, autumn is one of the most magical times to enjoy a steam train journey through the Rheidol Valley. The trees take on stunning shades of orange, yellow, and gold, and the softer light…
Collection X book launched
New Book Lifts the lid on ‘Collection X’ – The Secret World of Narrow Gauge Locomotives A fascinating new book from the Vale of Rheidol Railway is set to uncover one of Britain’s most enigmatic private collections and tell the story of the man behind it. ‘Narrow Gauge Enigma – The Story of Peter Rampton…
First Female Guard Appointed in Vale of Rheidol Railway’s 125-year History
The Vale of Rheidol Railway has welcomed its first female guard in more than a century of operations, as Commercial Manager Claire Stott qualified for the role this summer. Claire officially passed out as a guard in August 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the position since the line opened in 1902. Her appointment…
Oldest surviving Isle of Man bogie coach returns home after nearly 50 years
Oldest Surviving Isle of Man Bogie Coach Returns Home After Nearly 50 Years Vale of Rheidol Railway facilitates transfer of historic Coach F6 to Steam Railway Supporters’ Association The Vale of Rheidol Railway is pleased to announce the successful sale and transfer of historic Isle of Man Railway Coach F6 to the Isle of Man…
Brecon Mountain Railway – TWAO application
Announcement Following on from the submission of a Transport and Works Act Order on 20 January 2025, we are delighted to announce that our application was approved by the Welsh Ministers on Monday 19 May 2025. The decision letter can be found here 250520 Welsh Ministers’ decision letter The order provides statutory authority for the…
Dyffryn’s big day out…. May half term
May 28th & 29th at the Vale of Rheidol Enjoy a day of fun and activities with Dyffryn our lovable dragon in our Engine Shed at Aberystwyth Station before boarding the train, travelling in Standard Class Seating to Devil’s Bridge and back. Arrive an hour before the train departure to meet Dyffryn! What’s included Meet…
Reunion of Locomotive Crews at the Vale of Rheidol Railway
The Vale of Rheidol Railway recently played host to a special reunion of locomotive crews who had once worked on steam engines along the historic Cambrian Lines, which ran from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli, as well as the narrow-gauge Vale of Rheidol branch to Devil’s Bridge. Many of these railwaymen, some of whom had…