Steam, Stories and Scenery on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway

A few weeks ago I accepted an invitation to be a +1 on the Chairman’s Special Day out at the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, travelling as Community Rail Officer for the Cambrian Railway Partnership. Although I’ve lived near Llanfair Caereinion for nearly 20 years and often watched the line from the Welshpool main road, I’d never taken the trip…until now.

We set off after a warm welcome and a short speech from the new chairperson, Anne Wright. On board, the chairman, the finance director and the general manager moved through the train, introducing themselves and stopping for a chat. Conversation was constant, windows were open to the view, and the atmosphere felt like a community celebration. We paused once to let another train pass, a small, perfectly timed moment on a glorious day.

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was built in 1903 to link farming communities with the market town of Welshpool and to give local produce an outlet. Initially operated by the Cambrian Railways, the line later passed to the Great Western and then British Railways. Seeing a model of the railway at the Railway 200 exhibition during the 1940s weekend earlier in the year made the real thing feel even more special.

From the carriage window we saw birds, cattle, sheep and a profusion of wildflowers. The line follows a river valley, twists around a mill and runs straight through working farms, a very different perspective from the main road. The weather was kind, if a little crisp, and the slow pace of the train made every view feel like a small discovery.

I met a man called David who once dressed as a Beatle for a theatre-on-the-train event, it sounded like brilliant fun. There were stories all the way to Welshpool, and the informal storytelling made the journey feel like a shared memory in the making. At Welshpool we were greeted with a packed lunch that brought back school-trip nostalgia: fresh sandwiches, crisps and a choice of drink. We also had time to wander the engine shed, where spotting a locomotive named Joan made me smile.

Recently I met Anne again at the railway café for a catch-up and was given a sneak preview of a new museum building that will be opening soon. The team have exciting plans, and the friendly, chatty atmosphere makes the railway well worth a day out.

If you enjoy steam travel, local history and friendly company, the Llanfair and Welshpool Light Railway is a lovely day trip. I’m already looking forward to going again and popping into the café for coffee and cake. If you would like to volunteer please contact the railway directly.