Revised Welsh steam railway services following Storm Darragh

As happened to many other heritage railways and the national rail network, Storm Darragh caused extensive damage to the Talyllyn Railway and forced the cancellation of many services.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Talyllyn Railway was gearing up for its Festive Steam services, including Tinsel and Turkey trains, The Carol Train and the Santa Specials.

Water flows over the Talyllyn Railway. // Credit: Matt James

Unfortunately, the 90mph winds caused by Storm Darragh lashed the Welsh coast, and the Talyllyn Railway found itself right in the middle of a red weather warning zone.

Because it would have been impossible for visitors and volunteers to travel to the railway, it decided to do so cancel all scheduled services before the weekend of the storm.

Customers understood the situation and most booked another weekend.

A bunch of staff and volunteers went out on Sunday, December 8, to assess the damage and began cleaning it up.

They found that a large number of trees had fallen over the line and damage had been done to several block posts and station buildings.

A fallen tree blocks the Talyllyn Railway. // Credit: Stephen Thorpe — A fallen tree. // Credit: Stephen Thorpe

Other damage was caused by blocked culverts causing flooding, and debris was everywhere.

The worst damage occurred on the section between Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, where there were many blockages that also affected surrounding footpaths and bridges.

The railway has thanked the crew who assessed the damage and started the clean-up, which is still underway.

Fortunately, there does not appear to be any substantial damage to the infrastructure; the biggest problem is removing trees and other debris from the walking line.

It is still planned to run Christmas services, but to ensure the trains can run safely they will only run as far as Abergynolwyn as the line to Nant Gwernol still needs to be cleared and repaired. However, the cafe in Abergynolwyn will be open so passengers can still enjoy a festive fill of hot and cold drinks and food.

Clearing a fallen tree blocking the Talyllyn Railway. // Credit: Stephen Thorpe

The Santa Specials are not affected and will run as originally planned Dolgoch station that will take the form of Plas Nadolig, or in English: “Christmas Place”.