Background of the Brecon Mountain Railway
The Brecon Mountain Railway has its roots in a dream that began over 40 years ago by our founder Anthony Hills. His vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a steam railway that would bring locomotives from around the world to life once more, running through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wales.
Choosing the Perfect Location
After an extensive search, Merthyr Tydfil was chosen as the ideal location. Situated at the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the area is renowned for its stunning mountain vistas, serene lakes, and lush forests. But Merthyr Tydfil is more than just a pretty backdrop; it has a rich industrial heritage. In the 19th century, it was the epicenter of the world’s iron industry, with many early railways using tracks produced in Merthyr’s mills. The town is also significant in railway history as the site of the world’s first steam locomotive trial, conducted in 1804 by Cornish inventor Richard Trevithick.
Brecon and Merthyr Railway: A Historic Route Reborn
The Brecon Mountain Railway follows a section of the former Brecon and Merthyr Railway, a line originally built in 1859 and closed in 1964. This historic railway fought its way through the rugged Brecon Beacons, climbing to a summit at Torpantau, 1,313 feet above sea level. When the decision was made to revive this section of track, it was not without challenges. The original rails, bridge girders, and stone ballast had long been stripped away, leaving only the shells of the signal box and station house at Pontsticill, the latter serving as a makeshift sheep shelter. Moreover, the original station at Pant was unavailable, necessitating the purchase of adjacent land to construct a new station and car park.
The Construction Journey
After six years of planning, securing the necessary consents, and obtaining a Light Railway Order, construction of the Brecon Mountain Railway began in 1978. Track laying between Pant and Pontsticill started in 1979 and was completed the following year. Pontsticill station saw significant restoration efforts, including the renovation of the station house and conversion of the old waiting room into a small workshop. Seven bridges were also repaired or replaced during this time. The railway welcomed its first passengers in June 1980, with the locomotive ‘Sybil’ pulling a single carriage.
Between 1982 and 1996, the railway expanded significantly, including the construction and subsequent extension of a large station and workshop at Pant. This facility now includes passenger amenities such as toilets, a café, a shop, and a booking office, as well as an extensive workshop where locomotives, carriages, and wagons are built and maintained.
In 1995, the line was extended by 1.5 miles to Dolygaer, and in 2014, the railway reached its current terminus at Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons.
Growing and Evolving
The 1980s were a period of growth and innovation for the Brecon Mountain Railway. As passenger numbers increased, so did the need for more carriages and more powerful steam locomotives to haul them. Today, we have two steam locomotives capable of hauling the heaviest trains to Torpantau. Please see our locomotive page for more information.
The Pant Station and Its Industrial Past
Pant station, the heart of the Brecon Mountain Railway, sits atop the site of the former Brecon and Merthyr branch line into Dowlais. Beneath the car park lies the old London & North Western Railway (L&NWR) tunnel, which was closed in 1958. Three ventilation shafts from this tunnel, known as “pepper pots,” are still visible along the back of the car park. Across the road are the Morlais Quarries, once a vital source of limestone for the iron works, also connected by rail. The entire area is steeped in railway history, reflecting the intense industrial activity that once defined Merthyr Tydfil.
Craftsmanship and Tradition
Every aspect of the Brecon Mountain Railway’s operation and maintenance is carried out by our dedicated team. From routine servicing to complete locomotive rebuilds, our staff work with machinery that, in some cases, is over a century old. For example, our wheel lathe and hydraulic press, both dating back to the 1890s, were acquired from the Southend Pier Tramway and continue to perform essential tasks today. We manufacture new boilers, build locomotives from scratch, and construct all the carriages and wagons used on the line, keeping the spirit of traditional railway engineering alive.
The Brecon Mountain Railway is more than just a journey through the stunning Welsh countryside; it’s a living tribute to the history of steam railways and the industrial heritage of Merthyr Tydfil. We invite you to step aboard and experience it for yourself.