Vale of Rheidol Railway — Attraction in Wales

A truly awesome, stunning and spectacular railway in the heart of Mid Wales with one of the most picturesque and stunningly memorable railway journeys in Wales and the UK. The railway itself runs for a distance of 10 miles between Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge and The journey last for 1 hour where you beautiful gentle rolling countryside at the start before gently climbing the side of a gorge/valley in the Rheidol Valley on its last leg before reaching Devil's Bridge and on this last leg there are breathtaking views to enjoy of the other side of the Rheidol Valley, Cambrian Mountains, Rheidol Reservoir and you can also be in awe and admire the climb on the train up the side of the valley and also how far you have climbed up the valley and also admire the scale of the climb on the train, which is extraordinary and set this railway journey apart from others in the UK. The journey also gets you to admire the isolation and beauty of Mid Wales and its natural environment and on the journey you can catch a wonderful of a Red Kite and Buzzard flying overhead. There are some other stops on the journey and these include Capel Bangor and Aberffrwd where you can enjoy some walks of the local area and also local pubs and other attractions. At Devil's Bridge you enjoy the Hafod Hotel and The Devil's Bridge Waterfalls Walk and Three Bridges before hopping on the train back to Aberystwyth. At Aberystwyth there is the local attractions and beach to enjoy but at Aberystwyth station there is The Engine Shed where you can see some phenomenal steam locomotives on display where you can right up close to them and some of the trains on show are WREN, The Henschel Tender, Brigadelok, Graf Schwerin Lowitz and Dukedog Earl of Berkley steam loco no 9017 and the Fire Queen and all of these locomotives are wonderfjully displayed and are in phenomenal and great condition. There is information about all of the locomotives and their history which is very informative and intriguing. You can enjoy a ride on a variety of steam locomotives for the Journey and these include Margaret, No.7 Owain Glyndwr, No.60 G13 Drakensburg and No.8 Llywelyn and all of these are brilliant condition and amazing steam locomotives. The best of these steam locomotives has No.7 Owain Glyndwr as it gives that wonderful image of the GWR Railway and typifies it along with being symbolic to it. There is a cafe at Aberystwyth station selling a variety of refreshments at reasonable prices and there is a shop selling an array of wonderful souvenirs at afforable reasonable prices. Overall this is a truly special, stunning, spectacular and wonderful place to visit which makes for an enthralling and enjoyable day out. Definitely well worth a visit whilst in the area of Aberystwyth...

Booked tickets for the polar express.

First, the good points. our grandson, who is 6, watched the earlier train come in his face lit up it was magical (we didn't tell him where we were going). The actors on the train were very good with the children and did help people on and off the train. There were snowball fights with soft white balls and lots of dancing and singing going on for everyone to join in with and even some jokes being told. We stopped for some really lovely tasting hot chocolate and a cookie, then returned back to the station. Everywhere was very well lit. The toilets were dated, which i loved, and they were very clean. The platforms were very clean, and there were places to sit down.

Now the bad points. We booked for 7 pm. We was still stood on the platform at 7.20pm with no train, and it seemed nothing was happening. The children were fed up, and so were the adults. Everyone could see the train up the track a little, which didn't help. We were then taken in a building to watch the actors put a little show on and put into groups depending on which carriage you were in, only to be walked back outside and then wait another 5 minutes for the train. After the train journey, we got taken back into the building where there was more singing, then santa came, gave a little talk, and the actors gave everyone a silver bell. After this, the children went to see santa, where they could have they picture taken with him. It doesn't make sense why santa couldn't have used this opportunity to give the children the sliver bell himself, which would have been nicer. (santa himself didn't look very realistic. We have seen better ones for a lot less money). For the price you pay, the children could have had a little something extra like a selection box or something. (children's tickets being the same as the adults). All in all, there was a lot of standing around waiting for things to happen. If they need more time to prepare for the next train journey, then it would be helpful to know when purchasing the tickets as its hard for children with disabilities to just wait around. We got back to the car where we needed to pay for parking (£4). All this being said, our grandson loved it. He's not stopped talking about it and said he would love...

Rocked up at Aberystwyth yesterday, 15.4.23 at about 10.00. First time in 15 years.

The sun was out if a little fresh.

Got tickets for myself, my wife and our two sons, 13 & 14.

Not cheap, then having inspected First at the suggestion of the Guard my wife wanted and got an upgrade.

Having upgraded to First, and the lady at the booking office was as engaging and helpful as The Guard there was time to go somewhere I should not go when the train is in the station. The Gents is definitely a candidate for Bog of The Year, indeed when I mentioned it to The Guard his comment was that everyone says that and they even take photo's of it. On the return middle son (14) was equally impressed.

First Class is quite something, moveable armchairs rather than fixed seats, and very comfortable they were too, I just need the makers name as I need a chair when we revamp the study.

The line is in excellent condition, the new station at Aberystwyth and associated buildings are new and excellently maintained, the intermediate stations are similar - I can remember when all they were was a running in board in Rail Alphabet (Nameboard in British Rail Corporate Font for the non enthusiast) in the woods.

With the sun out and the trees not yet in leaf we enjoyed an excellent view of the Rheidol Valley in comforter.

As I am usually in the driving seat whenever the family identify a Kite I am inevitably having to concentrate on the traffic, however this time I was able to enjoy some very close up views without having to worry about driving.

At Devils Bridge the Two Hoots Cafe was good, there was a Classic Car Run in as well which made it rather busy but we got drinks and cake before it was time to return.

Not only was the railway a first class experience in more ways that one but it was clear that all the staff were clearly enjoying their jobs.

A great change since I first went - yes I am old enough to have left from the old Park Avenue terminus and remember the plain Rail Blue livery.

If there was just one thing I might change its that the access to the carriages from the ground could be a bit better, especially for the less mobile.

But its well worth a visit not only as a railway but as an example of how a heritage railway could and should...