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Friday 9 Aug 2019

Full steam ahead for the Conwy Valley line

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Network Rail and Transport for Wales Rail Services hosted a special steam train trip on Saturday 3 August to celebrate the reopening of the Conwy Valley line.

The Conwy Quest, hauled by double headed steam locos 48151 and 46115, ran from Chester to Blaenau Ffestiniog. It also stopped at Llandudno Junction along the way for a reopening ceremony, where Father (Tad) Deiniol, Welsh orthodox Priest, performed a blessing before it headed up the Valley.

The line, which was closed in March due to extensive flooding, fully reopened for passengers on 24 July ahead of the National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst.

Bill Kelly, route managing director, Wales and Borders, said: "The reopening of the Conwy Valley line was a great success and a fitting way to celebrate the importance of this section of railway in this part of north Wales. In particular, it was great to see so many young people and families who turned out in their droves to line the platforms of our station to celebrate the event with us.

"I would like to thank all those who were involved in this special day and, in particular, I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as we worked towards getting the line back on track."

Colin Lea, customer experience director, Transport for Wales Rail Services, said: "This was a rare opportunity to travel by steam, through some of the best scenery in the United Kingdom."