Bala Lake Railway, Heritage railway in Llangywer, Wales
Description
Bala Lake Railway is a narrow-gauge railway running 4.5 miles along the southern shore of Bala Lake, with views across the water toward surrounding mountains. The line connects the stations at Llanuwchllyn and Bala.
History
The route originally operated as a passenger line under the Great Western Railway from 1868 onward. It closed in 1965 during the Beeching cuts, but was later revived as a heritage railway.
Culture
The railway preserves the story of narrow-gauge transport that once served the slate quarries of North Wales through its working locomotives. Visitors experience this industrial heritage firsthand as the trains operate along their original route.
Practical
Trains operate seasonally between the two stations, with special events requiring advance booking. The route runs alongside the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the lakeside scenery during their journey.
Did you know?
The operating company was the first business to register under a Welsh language name, a choice that reflected the importance of Welsh language and identity in the area. This distinction marked a significant moment in the region's cultural history.
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Bala Lake
611 m
Caer Gai
3.1 km
Town Hall
3.9 km
Moel y Garnedd
3.1 km
St Beuno's Church
2.4 km
Lledwyn Mawr
3.9 km
St Deiniol's Church
4 km
Statue of T. E. Ellis
4 km
Plas-yn-Dre
4 km
Church of St. Gwawr
448 m
Capel Tegid & Bala English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel
3.9 km
Congregational Chapel
3.9 km
Bala English Prebyterian Chapel
4 km
White Lion Royal Hotel, Including Former Stable Range and Associated Wall Adjoining to the Rear
3.9 km
Barclays Bank
3.8 km
Statue of Thomas Charles
3.8 km
Mary Jones World
2.4 km
Ye Olde Bulls Head PH, Including Outbuildings Adjoining to the Rear
3.8 km
Plas Teg
3.8 km
Pont Mwnwgl-y-llyn
3.3 km
Ysgoldy Llanuwchllyn
4 km
Plas-yn-Acre
3.8 km
Glanaber Chapel
4 km
E.J. Theodore, Ironmonger
3.8 km
Old Congregational Institute, 1842-1869
4 km
Sinema Neuadd Buddug
3.5 km
The Village Pump
4 km
O.M. Edwards Memorial Gateway
4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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