One of the Welshpool area’s most popular tourist attractions is set to reopen on May 1, providing a huge boost to the town’s post-Covid recovery.
The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway welcomes thousands of visitors every year, and providing the Covid-19 numbers continue to stay low, we can expect its return in three weeks’ time following five months of closure.
The line is also popular with local residents enjoying the majestic scenery of the Banwy Valley.
The early-season timetable features a variety of one and two-hour return journeys, with new-for-2021 innovations, including travelling first class, alongside returning favourites from previous seasons such as the popular fish-and-chip specials.
Return trips from Llanfair Caereinion to the intermediate station of Castle Caereinion will start from May 1, operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus every day during the Spring half-term holiday between May 31 and June 6.
Trains over the full eight-mile line to Welshpool will start running from May 4, with two-hour return trips operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. At present, due to Covid restrictions, all journeys will continue to start from Llanfair Caereinion and visitors will not be able to join the train at Welshpool.
Among several innovations launching this year, every travelling child aged three or over will receive a Discovery book full of interesting facts and activities with their ticket.
Visitors will now also be able to travel in enhanced luxury – the Llanfair Line’s former Sierra Leone Railway first-class carriage, with its white leather armchairs, will be rostered on every passenger service. Tickets for this carriage, which are subject to a supplement, include a free copy of the W&LLR’s newly-released Traveller’s Guide, a glass-bottle soft drink and snacks.
Trains from May 4 will also feature a new breakfast service, departing from Llanfair at 10am or 10.30am with the ticket price including a breakfast roll and hot drink. Tickets for this service will be limited and must be pre-booked.
“After a difficult 12 months for the railway, we are delighted to welcome visitors back to enjoy our beautiful line from May 1,” W&LLR General Manager, James Brett, said. “Our team are working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready for a Covid-secure operation and we already have much to look forward to in 2021.
“Alongside our core service of steam-hauled heritage trains, we plan to offer a range of new experiences for travellers, combined with the return of two of our historic locomotives from major overhauls.”
Tickets can be booked through https://wllr.digitickets.co.uk and Covid procedures will be in place.