As with many other Heritage railways and attractions the Talyllyn Railway was looking forward to the start of the Christmas season with our Festive Steam services, Tinsel and Turkey trains, The Carol Train and our Santa Specials. However, the 90mph winds of Storm Darragh battered the Welsh coast with the Railway sitting right in the middle of a Red Weather Warning Zone. We took the decision to cancel our planned services for the weekend of the storm, our customers were very understanding with most rebooked for a different weekend.

On Sunday a gang of staff and volunteers evaluated and began to clear the damage, finding a large number of trees fallen across the line as well as damage to several blockposts and station buildings. Many culverts were found blocked leading to flooding and debris was everywhere. 

The section of line between Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol has received the most substantial amount of damage and blockages, also affecting the surrounding footpaths and bridges. 

A huge thank you is owed to the gang who undertook this evaluation and clearing, which is still underway. We are very lucky to have not sustained any substantial infrastructure damage, with the main issue being the removal of trees and other debris from the running line. 

To ensure safe running for our Christmas services we have taken the decision to only run trains as far as Abergynolwyn during this period, while the line to Nant Gwernol is cleared and repaired. Thankfully passengers can still look forward to getting their festive fill of hot and cold drinks and food as the Café at Abergynolwyn will be open. 

Our Santa Specials remain unaffected and will run as far as Dolgoch Station as originally planned – where it will take on the appearance of Plas Nadolig! 

We look forward to welcoming our visitors over the festive season and hope that the Railway with a Heart of Gold plays a part in your Christmas cheer.

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