Following the outstanding success of the footplate passes during this year’s Branch Line Gala, Llangollen and Corwen Railway has launched a brand-new series of Footplate Pass experiences on both steam and diesel locomotives, now integrated into the regular timetable.
The first opportunity for visitors to enjoy this unique experience will take place on Sunday 3 May, marking the beginning of an exciting new programme that places passengers right at the heart of railway operations.
Feedback from those who took part during the gala has been overwhelmingly positive, with organisers describing the response as “incredible” and confirming they have been inundated with requests to bring the experience back.
These exclusive experiences allow participants to travel on the footplate itself, alongside the team, for a full line journey between Llangollen and Corwen. Along the way, passengers will enjoy a truly spectacular route through some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes – passing landmarks such as Berwyn Tunnel, Horseshoe Falls, and Llantysilio Hall, as the railway hugs the banks of the River Dee for much of the journey.
Matthew Carty, Head of the Railway’s Footplate Department, said: "This is a truly exhilarating way to experience the railway – right at the heart of the action. Being up on the footplate alongside the team, you’re completely immersed in the sights, sounds and sheer power of the locomotive as it works along the line. You feel the heat, hear every beat of the engine and see the railway from a perspective very few people ever get to enjoy.
“The feedback from our Branch Line Gala footplate pass holders was incredible – we’ve been inundated with requests to bring this experience back. We’re absolutely delighted to now offer it as part of our regular timetable, giving more people the chance to experience the railway in such a unique and unforgettable way while taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the country."
Each Footplate Pass includes:
- A signal box tour prior to departure
- A full footplate experience for part of the journey
- A return trip on the train in passenger accommodation
- Supervision and guidance from experienced railway volunteers
Passengers must complete a medical questionnaire in advance to ensure suitability for the experience.
Pricing:
- Steam Footplate Pass: £130
- Diesel Footplate Pass: £130
Confirmed Dates
Steam Footplate Passes: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/steam-engine-footplate-ex
- Sunday 3 May (first available date)
- Sunday 17 May
- Sunday 7 June
- Sunday 14 June
- Sunday 28 June
(All steam departures: Llangollen – Corwen 10:00 / Corwen – Llangollen 11:05)
Diesel Footplate Passes: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/diesel-engine-footplate-e
- Saturday 6 June
- Saturday 13 June
- Sunday 14 June
- Saturday 21 June
- Sunday 28 June
(All diesel departures: Llangollen – Corwen 11:05 / Corwen – Llangollen 12:20)
This new initiative not only offers an unforgettable experience for railway enthusiasts and visitors alike, but also supports the ongoing work of the railway, with proceeds being reinvested into the Footplate Department.
* Tickets are on sale now at Steam Experience: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/steam-engine-footplate-ex
Diesel Experience: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/diesel-engine-footplate-e and demand is anticipated to be high following the popularity of the gala experiences.
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