Railways have played a crucial role in shaping the diverse history and heritage of Wales. 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger railway journey under steam power. This took place on the Stockton & Darlington Railway on 27th September 1825, with circa 500 passengers travelling the 27 miles at speeds of up to 15 mph.
The town of Llangollen had to wait until 1861 to be connected to the rest of the railway network, with passenger services commencing between Ruabon and Llangollen in June 1862. A temporary station on the outskirts of the town had to suffice until the opening of the Llangollen & Corwen Railway in May 1865, resulting in the opening of our current Llangollen Station. Further extensions of the railway took place over the following few years, resulting in the creation of a line linking Ruabon with the coastal town of Barmouth.
The Ruabon to Barmouth line operated for nearly 100 years, serving rural communities and the towns of Llangollen, Corwen, Bala, Dolgellau. However, the line was slated for closure as part of the infamous ‘Beeching Report’ and closed to passenger services in January 1965. Track lifting commenced in 1968 and the whole line had been swept away the following year.
These amazing volunteers were the start of what we have today… Llangollen & Corwen Railway, hand built by volunteers since 1975!
We will be holding various events throughout 2025 to mark this momentous occasion. Please join us. More details will follow soon.
