Introduction

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY

A HERITAGE LINE THROUGH 7 ½ MILES OF THE VALLEY OF THE RIVER DEE

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY is a mainly Steam hauled Heritage Railway Line starting at Llangollen Station located beside the Dee River Bridge in Llangollen Town, and continuing for 7 ½ miles upstream, following the River Dee to the village of Carrog.

The Railway remains close to the waters of the river for most of it’s length, On the north bank at Llangollen Station, the river is crossed on to the south bank via the Dee Bridge, approximately one mile upstream from Llangollen.

Llangollen Railway was started in 1975 by a group of enthusiasts who saw the potential for a scenic heritage line through the Dee Valley. Their original vision grew into what you can see today.

7 ½ miles of track have been re-laid westwards along the track-bed of the old Ruabon to Barmouth main line, through to Carrog, where the line presently terminates.

The old main line closed to passenger traffic in 1965 and to goods in 1968. The track, signaling and much of the infrastructure was removed or demolished quickly after this, although Llangollen, Berwyn and Carrog Station buildings survived.

The enthusiasts commemorated the re-opening in 1975 with an open day at Llangollen Station where 60 feet of track had been relaid. The rest, as they say, is history. Berwyn was reached in 1985, Deeside in 1990, Glyndyfrdwy in 1993 and Carrog in 1996.

Demolished infrastructure, such as the signal boxes at Llangollen Goods Junction, Deeside Halt, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog were rebuilt from the ground up and are fully operational allowing multi train operation on gala days and busy weekends

(Carrog Signal Box was recommissioned Saturday 3rd March 2007)

Carrog Bridge over the River Dee (Built 1661) Photo J Rutter

Last updated 27th August 2008 by John Rutter- email webmaster

The line then climbs steeply to reach Berwyn Station, from where the climb continues, through Berwyn Tunnel (1/3 mile) to Deeside Halt - a request stop only. From here the line rises gently for the next 2 miles to Glyndyfrdwy Station and village, and finally, on to Carrog on a gently rising grade.

Plans are in hand to extend the line a further 2 ½ miles to Corwen Town, where a new station will be built.

Llangollen Station during the 6880 Gala, April 2007 Photo Dave Allen

78019 leaving Berwyn Station during the 6880 Gala, April 2007 Photo John Berrisford

78019 at Berwyn Station during the 6880 Gala, April 2007 Photo Steve Kemp

5224 leaving Llangollen Station during the 6880 Gala in April 2007

Photo: John Berrisford