BMR ON TV: BRECON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY FEATURES IN TWO BBC ONE WALES PROGRAMMES
Brecon Mountain Railway has recently been showcased on national television – not once, but twice – as part of two high-profile BBC One Wales programmes now available on BBC iPlayer. Both explore the history, people, and legacy of Merthyr Tydfil – and feature the railway as a key part of the story.
Ruth & Steve: From Merthyr with Love
Aired: BBC One Wales, June 2025
Now streaming on iPlayer: Watch here
In this warm and personal documentary, Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey) joins fellow actor Steve Speirs on a nostalgic journey back to his hometown of Merthyr. Their weekend visit takes in key local landmarks – including a memorable visit to the Brecon Mountain Railway.
Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs posing for the camera with our crew during filming
Ruth and Steve with our MD Matt Hills
Ruth had a great time on the train!
Ruth and Steve didn’t just visit – they climbed aboard the footplate of one of our steam locomotives, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of heritage steam for themselves. Their excitement shone through – and it’s clearly inspired others to follow in their footsteps!
Boom Town: How Merthyr Made the World
Aired: BBC One Wales, June 2025
Now streaming on iPlayer: Watch here
Presented by Steffan Powell, this visually stunning documentary charts Merthyr’s rise as an industrial powerhouse – from ironworks and coal to global trade and railways. Local historian, Huw Williams, gives the background to railway and their local significance (you can also see Huw in one of our own videos on the BMR history here)
The crew stopped No.2 for various shots
Local historian Huw Williams being interviewed by Steffan Powell
The Brecon Mountain Railway plays a starring role, with dramatic shots of our locomotives in steam helping to bring the power of the Industrial Revolution to life. The programme uses the railway to illustrate the transformative impact of steam technology on Merthyr’s history – and how its legacy continues today.
Why It Matters
These two programmes show very different sides of Merthyr Tydfil – one looking back at the global industrial impact of the town, the other celebrating its people and places today. But both chose the Brecon Mountain Railway as a key part of the story – a living reminder of the town’s proud past and a unique attraction that continues to draw visitors today.
Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about the people and places that shaped modern Wales, both programmes are well worth a watch.
Since the programmes aired, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in passengers – with many visitors telling us they came specifically after seeing the railway featured on TV. It’s been wonderful to hear stories like the father and daughter who travelled from Port Talbot just to see “Ruth’s engine” for themselves!