Ever dreamed of having a go at driving a steam locomotive? The Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge is offering a chance to make your dream come true.
Quarry Hunslet No 605 locomotive “Margaret” will be in steam at Devil’s Bridge station from May 28 and, for a small fee, there will be opportunities for footplate rides or the chance to take the controls and drive the locomotive over a short section of line.
Driving the engine will cost £5 extra and footplate rides cost £3, with all the money going towards the restoration of locomotive No 7 “Owain Glyndwr” which has been out of service since 1998.
The offer is available between May 28- 31 and July 16 to August 30 on yellow and green timetabled days.Â
Participants need to be of good health and deemed fit and able. Children may participate with parental consent but must be supervised. The driver may ask for a parent to accompany children.
For bookings and enquiries contact Vale of Rheidol Railway on Tel: 01970 625819.
Travelling on the railway is the finest way to explore the stunning Rheidol Valley. Opened in 1902, the railway is a masterpiece of engineering and has been delighting passengers for generations.
Although the line no longer carries lead ore from the mines, it has been carrying tourists to the beauty spot of Devil’s Bridge for more than 100 years.
The journey starts in Aberystwyth, in the heart of Cardigan Bay and runs for 12 miles to Devil’s Bridge in the Cambrian Mountains. The countryside changes from wide open fields to ancient woodland and rugged mountains scenery on the climb to Devil’s Bridge, home of the famous Mynach Falls and one of the star locations in the award-winning BBC Wales television detective series Hinterland.
