Llangollen and Corwen Railway will continue to operate its planned steam services this weekend while introducing enhanced fire safety measures to help protect the railway and surrounding countryside during the current spell of hot weather.
Recent media reports have referred to a national "steam ban" following restrictions introduced by Network Rail on steam-hauled charter trains operating on the national rail network because of the heightened risk of wildfires.
Llangollen and Corwen Railway is an independent heritage railway operating on its own dedicated infrastructure and is not part of the Network Rail network, meaning those restrictions do not apply to its operations.
However, the railway says it is taking the current weather conditions extremely seriously and has introduced a range of additional measures to reduce the risk of lineside fires while continuing to operate safely.
To celebrate the start of the summer holidays, visitors will be able to enjoy journeys behind two Great Western Railway steam locomotives: GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754 and GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802.
A dedicated fire train will patrol those sections of the railway considered to be at the highest risk during the hot weather. Equipped with pumps and firefighting equipment, it will be ready to respond immediately should a lineside fire occur.
In addition, all operating steam locomotives and trains are fitted with hoses and fire beaters, while crews will continually monitor conditions throughout the day. These enhanced measures are designed to ensure the railway can continue to operate safely while protecting the surrounding countryside.
Matthew Carty, Head of Llangollen Railway's Footplate Team, 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, while our locomotives are equipped with hoses and fire beaters and our crews remain vigilant throughout the day.
"Steam locomotives are at the heart of what we do, but operating them safely is always our first priority. Our volunteers and staff have a great deal of experience operating during periods of warm weather, and we've put in place additional safeguards to help protect the railway, our neighbours and the beautiful Dee Valley.
"We're looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy two superb Great Western steam locomotives this weekend, while continuing to operate responsibly and safely."
Visitors travelling on Saturday can enjoy two classic Great Western steam locomotives in service throughout the day.
Saturday July 18 steam timetable
Llangollen → Corwen
- 10.00 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
- 11.05 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
- 12.20 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
- 13.45 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
- 15.15 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
Corwen → Llangollen
- 11.05 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
- 12.20 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
- 13.45 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
- 15.15 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
- 16.20 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
The popular Ales from Wales train will also be hauled by GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy a selection of Welsh real ales while travelling through the Dee Valley behind one of the Great Western Railway's most impressive freight locomotives.
Passengers are encouraged to book in advance.
* Train tickets: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/travel?date=2026-07-18
* Ales from Wales tickets: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/real-ale-train
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