July 18, 2026 - 152 views
The Llangollen and Corwen Railway says its planned steam services will continue this weekend, with additional fire safety measures introduced because of the current hot and dry conditions.
The heritage railway has responded to recent reports of a national “steam ban” following restrictions placed by Network Rail on steam-hauled charter trains operating on the national rail network due to increased wildfire risks.
However, the Llangollen and Corwen Railway says those restrictions do not apply to its services because it operates on its own independent heritage railway infrastructure and is not part of the Network Rail network.
Despite continuing services, the railway says it is taking the current weather conditions seriously and has introduced extra precautions to protect the railway and surrounding countryside.
A dedicated fire train will patrol sections of the route considered to be at higher risk, carrying pumps and firefighting equipment ready to respond quickly if a lineside fire occurs.
Steam locomotives and trains will also be equipped with hoses and fire beaters, while crews will monitor conditions throughout the day.
The measures will allow visitors to enjoy steam journeys through the Dee Valley behind two Great Western Railway locomotives — GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754 and GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802 — as the summer holidays begin.
Matthew Carty, Head of Llangollen Railway’s Footplate Team, said the railway understood the concerns caused by the hot weather but had planned carefully to ensure services could continue safely.
He said: "The recent restrictions announced this week relate to steam trains operating on the Network Rail network and do not apply to independent heritage railways such as Llangollen Railway.
"However, we fully recognise the current hot and dry conditions and are taking them extremely seriously. We've planned extensively for this weekend, with a dedicated fire train patrolling those sections of the line that present the greatest risk."
He added that steam locomotives remain central to the railway’s operation, but safety remains the priority.
Visitors will be able to travel behind the two Great Western steam locomotives on Saturday, with services running between Llangollen and Corwen throughout the day.
The popular Ales from Wales train will also operate, giving passengers the chance to enjoy Welsh real ales while travelling through the Dee Valley behind GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802.
The railway is encouraging passengers to book tickets in advance ahead of the weekend services.
