Heritage steam trains are to return to the Cambrian Coast Line this summer, when Arriva Trains Wales will be running steam tourist trains on the line for the first time in nearly 15 years.

The steam train trips will run on this stunning railway line on six dates between 21 and 29 August.

“The line is extremely picturesque and it is high time that a dedicated tourist service was introduced to do justice to its beauty," said Graeme Bunker, managing director of Arriva Trains Wales.

"The steam trains will do just that, and will also help to give the area a significant economic boost. If the trips are a success, we will be looking at repeating them in future years.

“I am delighted that tourist trains will be running, particularly on the Cambrian. It will be a real boost for the line, which has suffered in recent months from the effects of the landslip at Friog.

The tourist trains will provide an opportunity for both visitors to the area and local residents to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, in the unhurried comfort of vintage carriages.

The steam trains will be provided by specialist steam operating company, West Coast Railway Company which has run the highly successful "Jacobite" steam train from Fort William in the West Highlands of Scotland for the past 10 years.
WCR’s James Shuttleworth said: “The Cambrian Coast Line has similar attributes to the Scottish Highlands and we will be able to use our established expertise from this and the other steam services we regularly operate nationwide, to ensure that we provide a first-class service.”

The trains will run on 21, 22, 24, 25, 28 and 29 August, starting at either Aberystwyth, Machynlleth or Shrewsbury and running along the Cambrian Coast Line to Barmouth or Porthmadog, taking in some of Wales’ most stunning mountain and coastal scenery.

Wales Tourist Board chief executive, Jonathan Jones, said: “This is a popular destination for people visiting Wales and the romance and history of steam trains will provide a wonderful added attraction to the beauty of the area. I am sure that the scheduled runs will draw a large number of railway enthusiasts, many of whom might be visiting Wales for the first time - but not the last."

The trains are expected to be popular with local residents and tourists to the area, particular over the August Bank Holiday. Fares start at £17 for children and £25 for adults and vary according to route.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 01743 458130.

The last time steam train tours ran on the Cambrian Coast Line and over the historic Barmouth Bridge was in 1991.

Special permission was granted by Network Rail for the trial to assess future operations.
If the venture proves successful, subject to engineering and operational considerations, the tourist trains could become a regular summer season event.


Sunday 21 August and Sunday 28 August

Aberystwyth – Barmouth
Adults £30 Children £18

Monday 22, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August

Machynlleth - Porthmadog
Adults £25 Children £17

Monday 29 August

Shrewsbury – Barmouth
(Connecting Diesel service for the outward train from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth)
Adults £50 Children £30


Information from Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva Cymru Limited

www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk