Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway

The London and North Western Railway opened the line in the mid-19th Century primarily to transport coal, iron ore and limestone from local mines and ironworks. Following the industrial decline, the line finally closed in the mid-20th century. It reopened as a heritage railway in 1983.

The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway (often referred to as simply the Blaenavon Railway) is in South Wales, just north of the town of Blaenavon in Torfaen, Pontypool. The railway sits on the northeastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog) within an impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed industrial landscape.

The furthest north the line goes is Whistle Inn Halt and the southern terminus is Coed Avon. The journey is quite unusual, as most voyages operate out of Furnace Sidings, first going along the branch line to Big Pit halt, then reversing back through Furnace Sidings to go north to Garn-yr Erw halt (Whistle Stop Inn). The train then runs through Furnace Sidings, through Blaenavon High Level to the end stop at Coed Avon!

The Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway is the highest and steepest standard-gauge preserved railway in England and Wales. It climbs across the dramatic hillsides up to the high moorlands of South Wales, offering a true test of power for its vintage locomotives.

As well as being super steep in parts, the line is within the UNESCO-listed Blaenavon Heritage Landscape, which means it played an important role in the working heritage of the area, which was once filled with coal mines and ironworks. It's also on the edge of the Brecon Beacons - a stunning National Park. 

The railway operates using a rotating roster of steam and diesel engines. The railway is also custodian to various privately-owned locos. For the latest stock list (including steam, diesel, carriages and wagons) check out the Stock List link.

It will vary according to which locos are operational in the fleet at Blaenavon, but we are generally talking ex-British Rail mainline Class 37 diesel electric locomotives.

This is the great thing about the Pontypool & Blaenavon line; there's so much to see and do! Take the train to Big Pit stop and alight here to visit the fascinating Big Pit National Coal Museum. Entry is free and it gives an amazing insight into mining life. Guided tours to go underground into the mine are also organised (fee payable). If you get off at the Whistle inn you're at the pub and at the departure point for the Brynmawr cycle paths. Further along the line at Blaenavon High Level, there's easy access to the Ironworks, the town and Rhymney Brewery. At the Coed Avon terminus, there's access to the cycle paths to Pontypool. 

If you have a Day Ticket (either as a standalone experience, or part of a package) you can indeed ride the trains all day long and visit all the lovely things to see and do along the way. 

Standard diesel train driving experiences are shared, that's to say you will be part of a group on the day, rotating around activities and roles. The Exclusive experiences are one to one, so it's just you on the footplate with instructing crew.