The Brecon Mountain railway in Wales is a shortish train journey that runs from Pant Station near Merthyr Tydfil, up to Torpantau.
The whole journey takes about one hour and 45 minutes. This includes about a 30 minute stop at Pontsticill station, where you will find a cafe, a play park and views over the Pontsticill Reservoir.
Unfortunately, due to one of the larger Steam Engines being out of service, we were pulled along by the number 2 train. This did mean we could only go as far as Dolygaer, as the engine used was too small to tug the carriages up the final incline to Torpantau.
As a result, our journey was only 90 minutes long.
My Video all about Brecon Mountain Railway
Information
- Address is: Pant Station Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2DD
- Parking: Free on site parking
- Admission price: Adults £15, Child 2-15yr £6.25. Concession for seniors, £3 for dogs
- Opening times: Varying throughout the year. Check Website
- More information, please check official website
Getting There
The starting point for the Brecon Mountain Railway is just north of Merthyr Tydfil, and starts from Pant Station.
The route of the train winds its way near the Taf Fechan river.
The Journey the Brecon Mountain Railway takes
Our train left at 2pm, and within minutes we were enjoying great views.
The scenery opens out and you get great views of the Pontsticill Reservoir. Have your camera ready, as you can get some great photos.
The driver advises you at the start you are allowed to step out on the balcony.
This does allow you to get a bit of fresh air, and certainly helps the photos as you are not shooting through the glass.
The train itself is an old one, so the seats inside are not comfortable. But let’s face it, you are not on the journey for the luxury, more for the experience of the view and riding on a century plus old Steam Train.
The train towing us on this occasion was the ‘ARN JUNG ‘GRAF SCHWERIN – LOWITZ’.
Built in Germany in 1908, it came to the UK is a state of disrepair, but was rebuilt and has been working the Brecon Mountain railway since 1981.
You can find out more about all the engines on their official website. Click here for more information.
The Stop off and Back at the Station
On the way back we get a 30 minute stop over at Pontsticill station. The cafe is a bit unique, in as much it is set up inside an old train carriage, that has been slightly sunk in the ground
There were benches along the length of the platform to enjoy the views over the reservoir.
At one end there was a play park allowing the children to let off some steam after being on the Brecon Mountain Railway for a while.
About 20 minutes later we were pulling back into Pant Station, and taking the opportunity for a quick snap with the engine.
There is a gift shop to browse, AND a small model railway, for all the button pressers out there.
You also get the chance to look into the workshop area where the trains are maintained and serviced.
Indeed, we saw the No 1 train that should have pulled us all the way to Torpantau.
Summary
While not cheap, the Brecon Mountain Railway is a great way to spend a few hours. If a ride on a century old steam train is on your agenda, then this is for you.
What’s more, the money spent is sure to be well used in the up keep and maintenance of a great piece of UK history.
Let me know if you have been on the Brecon Mountain Railway, and what you thought of it?
