Great Little Trains of Wales facts for kids
The Great Little Trains of Wales is a special group of narrow gauge railways in Wales. It was started in 1970 to help more people discover these amazing trains and visit Wales.
When you visit, you can even buy a special discount card. This card lets you ride all the trains in the group for a cheaper price! As of 2014, there are eleven railways that are part of this exciting scheme.
What are Narrow Gauge Railways?
A narrow gauge railway is a type of train track where the two rails are closer together than on a normal train track. This makes the trains smaller and often allows them to go through tighter turns and steeper hills. Many of these railways were built a long time ago to carry things like slate or coal from mines. Today, they are mostly used for fun, giving visitors a chance to see beautiful parts of Wales from a unique perspective.
The Amazing Trains of Wales
Here are the eleven railways that are part of the Great Little Trains of Wales:
Bala Lake Railway
This railway runs along the beautiful Bala Lake. It's a great way to see the stunning scenery of the Snowdonia National Park.
Brecon Mountain Railway
Located near Merthyr Tydfil, this railway takes you on a journey through the Brecon Beacons National Park. You'll see stunning mountain views and reservoirs.
Fairbourne Railway
This is one of the smallest railways! It's a miniature railway that runs from the village of Fairbourne to the beach. It's a fun ride for everyone.
Ffestiniog Railway
One of the oldest narrow gauge railways in the world, the Ffestiniog Railway takes you from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. It winds through forests and mountains.
Llanberis Lake Railway
This railway runs along the shore of Llyn Padarn, a lake near Llanberis. You get amazing views of Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
This special railway is the only public rack railway in the UK. It takes you all the way up to the summit of Snowdon, offering incredible panoramic views.
Talyllyn Railway
The Talyllyn Railway was the first preserved railway in the world! It runs from Tywyn to Nant Gwernol, through a beautiful valley.
Vale of Rheidol Railway
This railway travels from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge. It's a scenic journey through the Rheidol Valley, with waterfalls and woodlands.
Welsh Highland Railway
This is the longest narrow gauge railway in Wales! It connects Caernarfon with Porthmadog, offering spectacular views of Snowdonia.
Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
Located in Porthmadog, this railway tells the story of the Welsh Highland Railway. You can explore their museum and enjoy a short ride.
Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway
This charming railway runs from Welshpool to Llanfair Caereinion. It travels through the beautiful countryside of Mid Wales.
 | John T. Biggers |
 | Thomas Blackshear |
 | Mark Bradford |
 | Beverly Buchanan |
