Vale of Rheidol Railway facts for kids
The Vale of Rheidol Railway (which is Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol in Welsh) is a special narrow-gauge railway in Wales. It runs for about 11.75 miles (18.91 km) between the towns of Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge in Ceredigion county. This railway has been running for a very long time and has only ever closed during big wars. In 2002, it celebrated its 100th birthday!
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Discovering the Vale of Rheidol Railway
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is famous for its beautiful journey through the Welsh countryside. It's a narrow-gauge railway, which means its tracks are closer together than standard railways. This allows it to wind through tight valleys and stunning landscapes.
A Journey Through Time
The railway first opened in 1902. It was originally built to carry lead ore from the mines in the Rheidol Valley down to the port at Aberystwyth. Soon, it also started carrying passengers who wanted to see the amazing scenery. Over the years, it became a popular tourist attraction.
Why is it Special?
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is one of the few steam railways in the UK that has never closed down, except for wartime. It has kept its original purpose and charm, offering a unique trip back in time. The steam locomotives are old but well-maintained, giving visitors a real sense of how trains used to be.
The Route and Scenery
As the train travels from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge, it climbs steadily through the Rheidol Valley. Passengers can see forests, rivers, and waterfalls. The journey is known for its stunning views, especially as it gets closer to Devil's Bridge, which is famous for its three bridges built one on top of the other.
The Locomotives
The railway uses steam locomotives, which are powered by burning coal to heat water and create steam. These engines are often named after important figures or places. They are carefully looked after to ensure they can continue to pull carriages full of excited passengers.
Images for kids
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Prince of Wales with British Rail logo in 1981
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The Vale of Rheidol Light Railway in 2006
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No 8 (like sister engines 7 and 9) had probably the oddest application of the rail blue livery during the 1970s
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Train with No 7 leaving Aberystwyth station
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No. 9 Prince of Wales at Devil's Bridge railway station
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Front view of No. 9 at Devil's Bridge
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Prince of Wales on its way to Devil's Bridge
