The Vale of Rheidol Railway - Review

The Vale of Rheidol Railway is a historic narrow-gauge steam railway in Wales that runs from the seaside town of Aberystwyth to the charming village of Devil’s Bridge. This railway has been in operation since 1902, originally built to carry lead ore and later becoming a popular tourist attraction. With its vintage steam trains and scenic route through the stunning Rheidol Valley, it offers a unique and nostalgic way to explore the Welsh countryside.

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In late autumn 2024, while exploring Wales, we drove over from St. Davids and embarked on this magical rail journey. The valley was alive with vibrant autumn colours, making the views from the train windows absolutely breathtaking. The journey felt like stepping back in time, as the rhythmic chug of the steam engine and the whistle’s echo added to the charm. It was truly a memorable experience and one of the highlights of our Wales trip.

History and Heritage of the Vale of Rheidol Railway

The Vale of Rheidol Railway was built in 1902 to transport lead ore from the mines in the Rheidol Valley to the coast at Aberystwyth. Over time, as mining declined, the railway transitioned to carrying passengers, quickly becoming a popular attraction for tourists eager to explore the breathtaking Welsh countryside. Its historic steam engines and narrow-gauge tracks have made it a cherished part of Wales' industrial heritage.

In the late 20th century, efforts to preserve and restore the railway gained momentum as train enthusiasts recognised its cultural and historical value. The railway was privatised sometime in the late 1980s, leading to significant restoration projects to maintain the original steam locomotives and improve the tracks. Today, the Vale of Rheidol Railway operates as a fully preserved heritage railway, offering visitors a chance to experience the magic of vintage steam travel while protecting an important piece of Welsh history.

The Vale of Rheidol Railway offers two main attractions for visitors. The first and most popular is the scenic train ride, which takes you on a breathtaking journey through the picturesque Rheidol Valley, showcasing stunning views and lush landscapes. The second is a visit to the Engine Shed Museum at the Aberystwyth station, where you can learn about the history of the railway, admire beautifully preserved steam locomotives and see behind-the-scenes exhibits about the engineering that keeps these vintage trains running. Both experiences provide a unique insight into the charm and heritage of this historic railway.

Planning Your Trip to the Vale of Rheidol Railway

The Vale of Rheidol trains start and finish their journey at Aberystwyth.  

We arrived at Aberystwyth station an hour before our train's departure time to visit the Engine Shed Museum. Since our tickets had been booked in advance, collecting them from the ticket counter was quick and easy. This gave us about 45 minutes to explore the museum and soak in the atmosphere of the station. It was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the exhibits and get excited for the journey ahead.

The Engine Shed Museum

The Vale of Rheidol Railway Museum boasts an impressive collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock from around the world, highlighting the rich heritage of narrow-gauge railways. Visitors can explore steam engines that once worked in industries as diverse as mining, sugar production and quarrying. Among the highlights are locomotives like the 'Kathleen', a vertical boiler engine from 1877, and 'Margaret', a small quarry engine built in 1894. Each piece tells a story of its working life and the role it played in shaping industrial history.

The museum also showcases locomotives with fascinating global connections, such as those from South Africa, India and Fiji. These engines were used on light railways and industrial lines in their home countries before being preserved and brought to Wales. With such a diverse and well-preserved collection, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the evolution of narrow-gauge railways and appreciate their importance in industrial development.

After spending an enjoyable and informative time exploring the museum, we felt even more excited to board the train. Armed with a deeper appreciation for the history and charm of steam railways, we were ready to experience the magic of the Vale of Rheidol Railway firsthand.

Choosing Your Vale of Rheidol Railway Journey

The railway operates from April to early November, with trains running daily but to different timetables. There are two timetables - Yellow and Orange. You can check the train timetable here to plan your journey.

Trains start and finish their journey at Aberystwyth and the journey to Devil’s Bridge takes about an hour. We thought this was a great way to enjoy the stunning Welsh countryside at a relaxed pace!

Accessibility, Facilities and Onboard Experience

The Vale of Rheidol Railway offers different types of carriages to suit all travellers. There are:

• Standard Class Carriages with traditional seating, perfect for enjoying the scenic views during the journey.
• First Class Carriages which provide a more luxurious experience with comfortable seating and a quieter environment, ideal for those seeking extra comfort.
• Open Carriages which feature partially open carriages, allowing passengers to feel closer to nature and enjoy unobstructed views of the surroundings.
• Accessible Compartments that are designed for passengers with mobility challenges. These compartments ensures a comfortable and inclusive journey for everyone.

We travelled in the open carriage and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The open carriage offered unobstructed views of the stunning Rheidol Valley. Feeling the gentle breeze blowing through our hair as we soaked in the scenery made the journey even more refreshing and memorable. It was fun.

Note: The trains welcome trained guide dogs, hearing dogs and medical alert dogs. They can travel on the trains for free and are also allowed in the gift shops and cafés. If your dog needs water, just ask a staff member, and they will be happy to help.

The Route: Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge

The Vale of Rheidol Railway runs from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, passing through beautiful valleys, woodlands and mountains. Along the way, the train passes through several small stations - Llanbadarn, Glanyrafon, Capel Bangor, Nantyronen, Aberffrwd, Rheidol Falls and Rhiwfron.

All trains stop at Capel Bangor and Aberffrwd, but for other intermediate stations, you need to inform the Guard before boarding to arrange a stop. To board from these stations, you will need to give a clear hand signal to the Driver as the train approaches. There are walking trails between these intermediate stations. You can talk to the staff before the journey begins, in case you fancy a walk.

We did not get down at any of the intermediate stops and enjoyed the journey all the way up to the last stop at Devil’s Bridge.

The journey from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge offered breathtaking scenery, from stunning valleys and dense woodlands to rolling hills and dramatic mountain views. 

As the train climbed through the Rheidol Valley, we passed open farmlands and sweeping panoramas that made the journey just as special as the destination. I think every season will offer its own beauty, so whenever you plan your journey there will be something to admire and appreciate.

The Destination - Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is a small village in Wales famous for its legendary three-tiered bridge and stunning waterfalls. The name comes from a local legend where the Devil is said to have built the first bridge, tricked into doing so by a clever old woman. 

However, more realistically, it was the monks from the Strata Florida Abbey who actually built the first bridge in the 11th century.

There are many variations of these stories but what is a fact is that this is a unique structure, with bridges built one on top of the other and draws visitors intrigued by its history and engineering. The area is also popular for its natural beauty, offering walking trails, breathtaking views of the Rheidol Gorge and the cascading waterfalls of the Mynach River, making it a must-see destination.

We had been to Devil’s Bridge on two other occasions, on of them while staying at Wigwam Holidays Aberystwyth, but it is always a pleasure coming back to this place. It's beautiful!

We had just an hour to spend at Devil’s Bridge before catching the last train back to Aberystwyth (couldn't miss that). We walked to the viewing point at the bridges (£2 entry per person), spent some time enjoying the views of the waterfalls and soaked in the beautiful surroundings. 

Before heading back to the station, we treated ourselves to some delicious local ice cream from a shop nearby, then boarded the train for the return journey. There is a small cafe at the railway station if you fancy drinks or light meals.

Tips - Making the Most of your Vale of Rheidol Railway Experience

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway.

• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear, especially if you plan to explore the viewing points or walking trails at Devil’s Bridge. The weather can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers and carry a light waterproof jacket. If you’re travelling with kids, pack some snacks and water to keep them happy during the journey.
• The scenery varies by season: spring brings fresh greenery, summer offers vibrant landscapes while autumn showcases golden foliage - whatever the season, you will get stunning views of the valley.
• For the best photography opportunities, try to sit on the left-hand side of the carriage when leaving Aberystwyth and right-hand side when retrning from Devil’s Bridge, as it offers fantastic views of the valley.
• Standard Class passengers can return on any public timetabled train on the same day, but if you’ve booked First Class or the accessible compartment, you’ll need to return on the same train due to limited ticket availability.
• You can break up your journey by stopping at an intermediate station, but make sure your ticket remains valid for the rest of the trip when you rejoin the train.
• If you plan on travelling in the open carriages like we did, then it's a good idea to wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes, as bits of coal from the engine ahead can sometimes fly back during the journey.

Our thoughts on the Vale of Rheidol Railway Experience

The Vale of Rheidol Railway was one of the highlights of our trip to Wales. From the moment the steam engine started its rhythmic chug through the beautiful Rheidol Valley, we were captivated. The combination of breathtaking views, the nostalgic charm of the steam train and the peaceful pace of the journey made it an unforgettable experience. Travelling in the open carriages with the fresh breeze and unobstructed views added to the magic, and it felt like we had been transported back in time.

We would happily do this journey again, as it offers something special in every season. Whether it’s the vibrant colours of autumn or the lush greenery of summer, there’s always a reason to return. If you love scenic train rides or are simply looking for a unique way to explore Wales, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Plan your visit, hop aboard and let the Vale of Rheidol Railway take you on a journey to remember!

Vale of Rheidol Railway | Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 1PG
Phone: 01970 625819
Email: [email protected]