Devil's Bridge Railway Guide
Devil's Bridge Railway: A Scenic Journey Through Welsh History Guide
The Devil's Bridge Railway is a narrow gauge steam railway that offers a breathtaking journey through the stunning Rheidol Valley in Wales. This historic railway, built in the early 20th century, climbs steeply through ancient woodlands and alongside the cascading River Rheidol, providing passengers with unparalleled views of the Welsh countryside. It's a perfect way to experience the natural beauty and industrial heritage of the region. The railway was originally built to transport timber and minerals from the Rheidol Valley to Aberystwyth. Construction began in 1902 and the line opened in 1903. The railway faced numerous challenges during its construction, including the steep gradients and difficult terrain. Despite these obstacles, the railway was successfully completed and played a vital role in the local economy for many years. Today, it operates as a heritage railway, preserving the history of the line and offering visitors a unique and memorable experience. A ride on the Devil's Bridge Railway is the main attraction, offering stunning views of the Rheidol Valley. The journey takes approximately one hour each way, allowing ample time to soak in the scenery. At Devil's Bridge, you can explore the famous bridges themselves (see the next entry), hike through the surrounding woodlands, and visit the Hafod Estate, a historic landscape garden. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly linked to the railway, the nearby village of Devil's Bridge offers traditional Welsh fare in its pubs and cafes, including Welsh rarebit and bara brith (fruit loaf).
Transportation
The Devil's Bridge Railway station is located in Aberystwyth. From Aberystwyth, you can take the train to Devil's Bridge. The railway itself is the transportation to the Devil's Bridge area.