Steam railways in Wales

[Hannahb]

Hi! We love travelling on steam trains and would like to go on some/one in Wales next summer. We don't have to be on a steam train all the time and are happy to change trains. We would like to depart from Bridgend (where we'll be based) and travel further into Wales by train, stay overnight somewhere and travel back the next day. Have looked on Google but can't work out an itinerary! Any advice would be appreciated - thanks!

[Dassie]

If you are looking to travel all the time by one type of train or another then you will have a problem. Most of the preserved steam railways do not connect to the main line trains. The best standard gauge steam railway in Wales is at Llangollen not far from Wrexham. Then there is the narrow gauge ones at Aberystwyth and the Festiniog railway. Apart from that you'll have to cross the border to the Dean Forest Railway at Lydney, Gloucestershire or go to Cheltenham Racecourse for a round trip on the Gloucs-Warwickshire Railway.

[spudqueen]

I think you need to decide which steam railway you want to go on (there are quite a few in Wales) and then work out getting there and back by ordinary train. Or look in your local paper for details of any steam specials which may be running.

[manxbiker]

if you like to travel on steam trains have you considered coming over to the Isle of Man we have a Victorian Steam railway that runs from Douglas to the south of the Island all year round this link might help you http://www.iomguide.com/steamrailway.php

[mushroom25]

West Coast Railways ran a steam service from Machynlleth to Porthmadog during this year's summer season, and may do so again in 2008.
http://www.steamtrain.info/, then click "cambrian".

[Hannahb]

Hi! thanks for all the suggestions. The last one - the Cambrian - sounds ideal. And I've just looked them up and they are doing them in 2008 during the time we'll be in Wales! Thanks very much!

[Cathyhuns]

This website contains details on all mainline steam excursions to see what's on when and also links to all heritage railways.

http://www.uksteam.info/index.shtml