08-06-2025
Celebrating the Powys railway which won the heart of royalty
IT IS not surprising the the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway holds a special place in the heart of so many.
Indeed, it is even close to the heart of King Charles III who visited back in his princely days and was met by awe-struck locals and children alike.
The railway was built in 1903 to link farming communities with the market town of Welshpool and provide them with an outlet for their produce.
Operated at first by the Cambrian Railways, the line was taken over by the Great Western and then British Railways.
After 1931 the railway only carried freight traffic and was finally closed in 1956 but in 1963 a group of enthusiasts rallied round and began to progressively re-open the line until it became the railway you see today.
Today the 'Llanfair Train' sits in the platform at Welshpool Raven Square with the engine steaming gently at the head of charming balconied carriages which promise the traveller a wonderful ride along a country by-way.
The train negotiates a viaduct and river bridge, climbs the notoriously steep Golfa Bank and steams serenely through beautiful countryside.
The railway marked its centenary in 2003 and several pictures from the event are included in our nostalgic reel while others range from the start of the 2000s.
Gareth Evans and Alan Doig in front of Sir Drefaldwyn. (Image: County Times.) Alun Evans, James Batson and Jennifer Adey hard at work on track maintenance.
(Image: County Times.) New Members Day at the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway.
Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway Centenary memories from 2003. Pictured are Graham Hall and Triston Lister. (Image: County Times.) Celebrating the centenary in 2003.
(Image: County Times.) HRH Prince Charles on his visit to Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway.
Centenary celebrations at Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway in 2003. (Image: County Times.)
