Talyllyn Railway, Heritage railway in Snowdonia, Wales
The Talyllyn Railway is a narrow-gauge line in Snowdonia, Wales, that operates heritage steam locomotives through mountainous terrain. The route connects seven main stations and several minor stops, offering passengers a journey through scenic Welsh landscapes.
The line began in 1865 as a slate transport route and was the first narrow-gauge railway approved for steam passenger service in Britain. Decades of decline followed before volunteers revived it as a heritage operation.
The railway inspired a local reverend to create characters that became famous in children's stories, linking this Welsh place to beloved tales. Visitors can walk the same routes that sparked those creative ideas.
Passengers can board at seven main stations, and trains run throughout the year on varying schedules. It is worth checking in advance which service suits your travel plans.
This railway became the world's first preserved line when volunteers restored it in 1951, establishing a model that inspired similar heritage operations worldwide. That pioneering effort shaped how old railways are saved today.
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