Great Little Trains of Wales welcomes Corris Railway as its 12th member

Corris Railway has become the 12th Welsh scenic railway to join the Great Little Trains of Wales (GLTW) consortium.
 
The railways, which make up GLTW, offer a special way to journey through the very best scenery in the British Isles on a historic narrow-gauge steam train.
 
They all share the same passion for their history and surroundings and take pride in the charm of their old-time steam trains, polished paintwork and brass. However, each railway offers something a little quirky and different to passengers.
 
The inclusion of the Corris Railway adds further prestige to this already world-renowned brand. Amongst its members, GLTW boasts the oldest independent railway company in the world, vibrant and exciting railway heritage projects and some of the most recognisable engines on the planet – including enthusiasts’ favourite, ‘Russell’.

GLTW secretary Ray Reid said: “The Great Little Trains of Wales was started in 1970 to encourage visitors to come to Wales in general and to ride the narrow-gauge railways in particular.
 
“The addition of Corris Railway to the existing 11 railways makes the GLTW’s Discount and Gold cards even better value and a must have for anyone intending to visit several of the railways during the year.”
 
Corris Railway is a 2’3” gauge railway and its origins date back to the 1850s. It was initially built to carry slate from the quarries at Corris Uchaf and Aberllefenni in the Dulas Valley. The railway ran until 1948, but preservation began in the 1960s.
 
Today, it operates regularly with a mix of steam and diesel traction between Maespoeth and Corris, and has exciting plans to extend operations.
 
Richard Hamilton-Foyn, Corris Railway chairman, said: “When the preservation of the Corris Railway started in 1966, the pioneer volunteers had nothing but one decrepit building to work on.
 
“Since then, we have purchased land, restored the infrastructure, laid track and built a completely new train with modern recreations of the original Corris Victorian carriages and a Corris steam locomotive.
 
“As we move into the next phase of the development of the railway with a second steam locomotive, a new station in Corris and a southern extension, we are delighted to have been invited to join the GLTW organisation. We are ready to contribute to the future prosperity of all of the Great Little Trains here in Wales.”
 
Costing £15, the GLTW Discount Card gives the holder a 20% discount on the price of a return journey on all 12 members railways. The card is valid for one year from the first date of use and there are also discounts for selected accommodation providers close to many member railways.
 
Cards are available at railway booking offices and online at www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk
 
The other GLTW members are Bala Lake Railway, Brecon Mountain Railway (Merthyr Tydfil), Fairbourne Railway, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways (Porthmadog), Llanberis Lake Railway, Snowdon Mountain Railway (Llanberis), Talyllyn Railway (Tywyn), Welshpool and Llanfair Railway (Llanfair Caereinion), Vale of Rheidol Railway (Aberystwyth) and Welsh Highland Heritage Railway (Porthmadog).