FAQs

About the Journey

What will we see on the trip?
Our line runs from Pant Station into the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, through Pontsticill and alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Dolygaer, before climbing to Torpantau — the summit of the original railway. On clear days, you can see Pen-y-fan, the highest mountain in South Wales (886m).
The route also passes through woodland, and in summer months the lush foliage can obscure some views — but it’s part of the charm of travelling through this beautiful landscape.

Do we go up a mountain or to Brecon?
No — the railway’s name comes from entering the Brecon Beacons and climbing to 1,313ft (400m), where mountain views open up.

How long does the trip take?
About 1 hour 30 minutes return, including a 25–35 minute stop at Pontsticill Station.

Can I get off and explore?
Yes — you can stay longer at Pontsticill or Torpantau and return on a later train. Please let our guard know before leaving the train so they can confirm your return time. If you plan to do this, you may need to book two singles to guarantee a seat on both trains.

Booking & Arrival

What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure to allow time for parking, collecting tickets, and finding your seats. Trains leave promptly and can’t be delayed.

Can I buy tickets on the day?
Yes, subject to availability. However, during busy periods our trains often sell out hours in advance — so booking online is strongly recommended (and it’s usually cheaper).

If I book online, will you post my tickets?
No — your booking confirmation email will include your ticket ID number. Bring this (printed or on your phone) to the booking office on the day to collect your tickets.

Can i cancel or change my booking?
If you have booked online you can change the date or time and add extra passengers by following the ‘change booking’ link on your confirmation, or call the office.  Tickets are non-refundable, but trip protection can be added to a booking which allows cancellation with a refund up to the point of travel.

Facilities at the Stations

Is parking free?
Yes — we have a large free car/coach park at Pant Station. Accessible bays are available near the entrance. If these are full, you can drop off passengers before parking.

Are there toilets?
Yes — accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available at Pant and Pontsticill Stations. There are no toilets on the train.

Is there food and drink available?
Yes —

• Pant Station Tearooms: Light lunches, snacks, cakes, and drinks (open 9:30am–2.30pm).  Afternoon teas and cream teas are available to be added to your booking (must be ordered at least 48 hours in advance)

• Pontsticill Lakeside Café: Snacks, drinks, and ice cream.
  

Do you have a gift shop?
Yes — at Pant Station, offering souvenirs, books, toys, and railway-themed gifts.

On Board the Train

What are the carriages like?
Our heritage carriages are enclosed, unheated, and built to traditional narrow-gauge dimensions — so seating is closer together than on modern trains. Seats are wooden and unpadded, adding to the authentic vintage experience. Each carriage has large windows and open balconies at both ends for fresh air and photography.  There is no heating in the carriages, so wrap up warm when the weather turns chilly.

Are seats reserved?
Yes — your seat is reserved on your chosen service. If travelling with another group, let us know in advance so we can seat you together.

Is there a buffet car?
No — food and drink are available at Pant and Pontsticill Stations.

Can I bring a pushchair or pram?
Yes — outside special event days, pushchairs must be folded and stored by the carriage balcony. On Christmas trains, pushchairs must be left at the station.

Accessibility & Special Requirements

Is the railway wheelchair accessible?
Yes — we have a specially adapted carriage for manual wheelchairs, with ramped access and staff assistance. Due to weight and width restrictions, we cannot carry powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Spaces are limited — please prebook.

Are assistance dogs welcome?
Yes — assistance dogs are welcome at all times.

Are all dogs allowed?
Yes — well-behaved dogs are welcome on all trains for a small fee (except during Santa Specials, when only assistance dogs are permitted). Dogs are allowed in both cafés, the gift shop, and outdoor seating areas.

Do you offer carer discounts?
Yes — please call 01685 722988 before booking online.

Other Common Questions

Why don’t we see the mountains all the time?
The line runs through woodland and alongside a reservoir before climbing into open mountain scenery — so views change throughout the trip.

Why do we stop at Pontsticill?
The stop allows the locomotive to take on water and gives passengers a break to enjoy the scenery, café, and picnic areas.

Why might a steam locomotive be replaced by diesel?
Occasionally, extreme weather, high fire risk, or mechanical issues mean we must use a heritage diesel locomotive. We always aim to run steam where possible.

Do you offer a locals’ discount card?
Yes — available to permanent residents of the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough. Bring proof of residency to Pant Station or Pontsticill Café to apply.