THE new season at Llangollen Railway will get underway this weekend.
Over the last two years, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the railway has faced an uncertain future.
The railway’s Public Limited Company (PLC) called in the receiver on March 1, 2020 and said that move came following mounting debts – estimated to be at around £350,000.
But, following an incredible fundraising drive which collected hundreds of thousands of pounds, the railway gradually bounced back.
In April 2021, it was announced that a deal had been completed with administrators Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP, for an undisclosed sum.
This saw them purchase certain assets belonging to the railway along with the right to use the railway line.
Since then, the railway has been on the up once more and trains will now return to the tracks for a new season starting this Saturday (February 19).
A statement from Llangollen Railway read: “Our new season starts on the 19th February 2022 and we can’t wait to welcome you back.
“A two-train heritage diesel railcar service will be in operation on the weekends of 19th and 20th and 26th and 27th February when Timetable B is to operate with trains leaving Llangollen for Carrog at 10.30am, 12.00 noon, 1.00pm, 2.30pm and 3.15pm.
“A one-train railcar service will run on Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th February. Timetable A operates with departures at 11am, 12.50pm and 3.10pm. ”
Llangollen Railway is primarily a steam hauled Heritage Railway Line running between Llangollen, following the River Dee through the Dee Valley for 10 miles, to the town of Corwen.
The line, located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), remains close to the waters of the river for most of its length, on the north bank at Llangollen Station, the river is crossed on to the south bank via the Dee Bridge, approximately one mile upstream from Llangollen.
Llangollen Railway was started in 1975 by a group of enthusiasts who saw the potential for a scenic heritage line through the Dee Valley. Their original vision grew into what you can see today.
To book your tickets for the new season’s events, visit: llangollen-railway.co.uk