Brecon Mountain Railway: Footplate Experience

Merthyr Tydfil

Brecon Mountain Railway

Available until 30 October 2025

Ride the rails like a true steam crew member!

Step onto the footplate and experience the thrill of steam power first-hand at Brecon Mountain Railway!

  • Exclusive Footplate Ride: Travel in the cab with the crew from Pant to Torpantau.
  • Memorable Photo Opportunities: Capture special moments with the crew before or after your journey.
  • Certificate of Participation: A keepsake to remember your experience.
  • Relaxing Return Journey: Enjoy the ride back to Pant from the comfort of a passenger carriage.

The Footplate Experience offers a rare opportunity to join the crew aboard one of the rail's historic Baldwin locomotives as it tackles the steep gradients of the Brecon Mountain Railway.

Feel the heat of the firebox, hear the hiss of steam, and watch the engineer at work as you travel five miles from Pant to Torpantau, one of the most scenic and challenging stretches of heritage railway in the UK.

Participants must:

  • Be over 18 years old in age
  • Be physically and mentally fit enough to climb on and off the locomotive from ground level unaided.
  • Wear overalls or old cotton clothing that fully covers your arms and legs.
  • Wear sturdy shoes / boots that protect your feet – trainers are definitely not permitted.
  • Must not consume alcohol in the 12 hour period leading up to the ride / course or during the Footplate Experience. 
Location

Brecon Mountain Railway

Pant Rd,
Pant,
Merthyr Tydfil,
CF48 2DD
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How to find us

By bus & rail:

Public service buses operate from Merthyr Tydfil town centre bus station to Pant (cemetery). From Mondays to Saturdays, the service is operated by Stagecoach on route 35, buses run every 15 minutes. 

Rail services are operated from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil by Transport For Wales, trains run every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and every two hours on Sundays. Timings may differ for Bank Holiday services.

By car:

Car parking is only available at Pant Station, there are no facilities at Pontsticill or Torpantau.

The main station (Pant) is located just off the Heads of the Valleys Trunk Road – about three miles north of Merthyr Tydfil. Follow the MOUNTAIN RAILWAY signs and roadside train symbols from the A470 and A465 and you arrive in our large free car park and coach park.

If you are using a Satellite Navigation System please ensure that you use the following postcode: CF48 2DD

Facilities
  • Free parking
  • Toilets
  • Gift shop
  • Tearooms (Pant Station)
  • Lakeside Café (Pontsticill)
More Info
What will we see on the Brecon Mountain Railway trip?

The line runs from Pant Station into the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, through Pontsticill and alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Dolygaer, before climbing to Torpantau — the summit of the original railway. On clear days, you can see Pen-y-fan, the highest mountain in South Wales (886m).

The route also passes through woodland, and in summer months the lush foliage can obscure some views, but it's part of the charm of travelling through this beautiful landscape.

How long does the Brecon Mountain Railway trip take?

About 1 hour 30 minutes return, including a 25–35 minute stop at Pontsticill Station.

What time should I arrive to Brecon Mountain Railway?

Please arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure to allow time for parking, collecting tickets, and finding your seats. Trains leave promptly and can’t be delayed.

Is Brecon Mountain Railway wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, there is a specially-adapted carriage for manual wheelchairs, with ramped access and staff assistance. Due to weight and width restrictions, powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters can not be carried. Spaces are limited and will need to be pre-booked. 

Are dogs allowed on the Brecon Mountain Railway?

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome on all trains for a small fee (except during Santa Specials, when only assistance dogs are permitted). Dogs are allowed in both cafés, the gift shop, and outdoor seating areas.

Assistance dogs are welcome at all times.

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