Vale of Rheidol Railway
A blast of the whistle and the hiss of steam and you’re away! Sit back and relax on a nostalgic journey through some spectacular scenery.
Vale of Rheidol Railway
Travelling on the Vale of Rheidol Railway is the finest way to explore the stunning Rheidol Valley. Opened in 1902, the railway has been delighting passengers young and old for over a century.
See the countryside change as you travel through; wide open fields, meadows, woodland and rugged mountain scenery. Journey in open carriages in the summer or the comfort of first-class observation Saloons. The train twists and turns as the carriages cling to the hillside.
The railway is charming, a masterpiece of engineering opened in 1902 to carry lead ore, timber and passenger traffic. The narrow-track gauge allows the railway to follow the contours of the terrain with many sharp curves and steep gradients.
The 11.75 mile journey takes approximately one hour in each direction. Listen to the sound of a powerful narrow-gauge steam locomotive working to climb up 700ft (200m) from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge.
Trains normally wait for one hour at Devil's Bridge station before returning to Aberystwyth. Alight at one of the recently restored intermediate stations and explore the many walks the valley has to offer. If you would like more time than an hour to explore, you may return by a later train. Please discuss this with the Guard.
The vintage steam engines and carriages were built for the line by the Great Western Railway in the 1920s and 30s. Now restored, they are still operating on the trains today.
Park Avenue
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 1PG
SY23 1PG
Find Us
By Train
Aberystwyth is served by regular train services from Birmingham operated by Transport for Wales.
By Bus
Aberystwyth is served by Traws Cymru T1, T1C, T2 and T5 busses. Arriva and Lloyd's Coaches also operate local bus services.
By Car
Aberystwyth (SAT NAV: SY23 1PG)
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is on Park Avenue/Boulevard St Brieuc, close to the centre of Aberystwyth. Follow the brown train signs to our car park on Park Avenue/Boulevard St Brieuc (between the council car park site and retail park). The car park is managed by Park with Ease and there is a small fee for parking.
There is additional parking in nearby Pay & Display Car Parks. Please avoid parking at the mainline railway and local shopping centre car parks as higher charges apply.
Devil's Bridge (SAT NAV: SY23 3JL)
The station is on the A4120. There is parking next to the station platform.
Parking
Aberystwyth: there is a car park, fees apply, on Park Avenue/Boulevard St Brieuc (between the Park and Ride site and the Co-operative Supermarket).
If this is full, additional parking is available in nearby Pay & Display Car Parks.
We suggest avoiding parking at the main line railway and local shopping centre car parks as higher charges apply.
Devil's Bridge: there is parking next to the station platform.
Stay
Discount off stays with our Card
*available at selected accommodation
Harrys Hotel
Harry’s Hotel achieves a friendly, relaxed and warm environment for all guests in a range of accommodation from single rooms to family rooms.
Gwesty Cymru
Gwesty Cymru has eight rooms and an award-winning restaurant specialising in the finest Welsh produce. It is situated on the seafront.
The Hafod Hotel
Originally a 1700’s hunting lodge in the 1700's, The Hafod Hotel stands alongside the ‘Devil's Bridge’ it has Bar and Brasserie and 16 bedrooms. *Accommodation Offer
Nearby
The Silver Mountain Experience
Explore the Silver Mountain Experience, with a choice of guided tours discovering the history the Silver-Lead Mine or experience Welsh fantasy and myth an actor led show.
Photo © Chris Allen (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Railway Walks
Railway Walks in the Vale of Rheidol, a walkers' guide-book, by Maurice Kyle, in association with the railway with 26 local walking routes.
Devil’s Bridge Falls
It is a 4-minute walk from the Devil's Bridge Station to the Waterfalls. View the three bridges built one on top of the other, walk through the gorge to admire the waterfalls.