More trains to run in October

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway says it will be increasing its service in October, with more trains running through the Banwy Valley and heading for Welshpool.

The Line returned to operating selected trains over its full length in September, having successfully run over part of the line through August in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown.

With staff constantly monitoring visitor numbers and the latest safety guidance, they now feel confident to continue services through the next month, running trains every weekend, as well as on this Wednesday and October 28.

On each day two services will operate over the hour-long return trip between Llanfair Caereinion and Castle Caereinion, and one will run over the full eight-mile line from Llanfair to Welshpool and back.

Additionally, Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 October, in school half-term week, will see a service of four trains between Llanfair and Castle Caereinion.

All trains continue to depart from Llanfair Caereinion for return journeys only and there remains no vehicle access to Raven Square or Castle Caereinion stations.

Full details and online booking for Castle trains remain on the website at www.wllr.org.uk while Welshpool trains should be booked by calling the railway’s office on 01938 810441, open seven days a week from 9am to 4.30pm.

The Welshpool trains will continue to be subject to a modest minimum fare to ensure costs of the longer journey are covered, but a discounted family rate is available and the child fare is unchanged.

All services will also be subject to no further Covid-19 restrictions being imposed by Government – the website will carry the latest service information.

On all operating days, hot and cold refreshments will be available to enjoy in the marquee at Llanfair Caereinion, to take on the train or take away, and the railway’s souvenir shop will also be open.

“In a year that has been very challenging for the railway, we continue to be gratified by the number of visitors that have come to ride our trains, and their kind comments,” W&LLR general manager Charles Spencer said. “We are very pleased to be offering more trains to Welshpool in October.”

Meanwhile the railway is receiving many enquiries about the likelihood of its highly popular Santa Special services running in 2020. The Llanfair Line said its team is working to enable Santa’s visits and will make an announcement soon.