Railway tickets now available at Tourist Information Centre

 

* James Veal, Denise Williams and Ian Lebbon at the launch of the new partnership. 

Advanced tickets for Llangollen and Corwen Railway will know be available to buy at the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre in Y Capel, Castle Street.

The new partnership between the Railway and Go North Wales means visitors and residents can buy railway tickets in person during the centre’s opening hours, offering even more convenience when planning a day out on the heritage line. This is the first time that advanced tickets for the railway have been available to purchase from the popular ‘TIC’.

 

While tickets remain available online at www.llangollen-railway.co.uk, customer feedback has shown that many people still value the opportunity to book in person, ask questions and speak directly with knowledgeable local staff. This partnership ensures both options remain available.

 

The Tourist Information Centre team, led by Denise, Barbara and their colleagues, plays a vital role in promoting everything that makes Llangollen and the Dee Valley special. In addition to selling tickets for the railway, the TIC provides a wide range of services, including:

 

• Booking accommodation in advance or during your stay
• Providing information on places to visit, things to do and places to eat
• Helping with routes and itinerary planning
• Offering information and tickets for national and local events

 

The centre also sells a selection of local crafts, maps, guides and books, supporting independent makers and helping visitors make the most of their time in the Dee Valley.

 

Ian Lebbon, Chair of Denbighshire Destination Tourism Partnership and a Director of Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Denise, Barbara and the team at the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre will be selling advanced tickets on behalf of the railway. 

"The TIC does a fantastic job of promoting Llangollen, the Dee Valley and the many attractions that make our region so vibrant throughout the year. Supporting our brilliant TIC is incredibly important to us. Partnering with Go North Wales is a natural fit for the railway, strengthening collaboration across the town’s tourism offer and making it even easier for visitors to plan their trip.

 

“We know from speaking to our customers that many still enjoy booking advanced tickets in person, particularly when they can combine it with advice on where to eat, what to see and how to make the most of their visit. This partnership allows us to offer the best of both worlds.”

 

The Tourist Information Centre will sell railway tickets during its normal opening hours:

 

Opening Times:

• Monday – Wednesday: 9.30am – 4.30pm
• Friday – Saturday: 9.30am – 4.30pm
• Sunday: 9.30am – 4.00pm

 

This additional ticket outlet complements existing ticket offices at Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen stations which are open when the trains are operational.

 

David Hennigan, Trust Manager at Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “Our partnership reflects your railway’s continued commitment to supporting local tourism, encouraging collaboration and ensuring visitors receive a warm welcome to Llangollen and the Dee Valley. As a regular visitor to the Tourist Information Office, I know how important it is to our local economy. It really is the one-stop shop for tickets and to keep in the know about everything that is amazing in our wonderful Dee Valley.”

Medals revealed for Hope House’s Llangollen canal walk

The limited-edition medals for Hope House children’s hospice’s 2026 Llangollen Canal Walk have been unveiled as hundreds of participants prepare for annual event on Sunday March 22.   

 

Walkers will be pulling on their boots and trekking a 10-mile route along the Llangollen Canal for the event, which has been sponsored by DMR Plumbing & Heating LTD.  

 

The company, founded in 2013, provides boiler and plumbing services in the Wrexham, Chester, Shropshire, and Flintshire areas and will have a full team of walkers taking part in the event which starts at the Trevor Basin in Llangollen, before heading over the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.  

 

Rosie-Jane Quayle, Director at DMR Plumbing & Heating LTD, said: “Supporting a charity such as Hope House Children’s Hospices means a great deal to us as a business. Getting involved in a local charity like this reflects our commitment and care for others within our community.   

 

“We hope sponsoring this event will help create moments of comfort, care and support for families that need it most.   

 

“We believe in putting people first and we know that Hope House truly does make a genuine, lasting impact in our community.   

 

“We are really excited to be the main sponsor for this event and will be bringing everyone from the big team down to take part and help raise as much money as we can on the day.”   

 

Fundraiser Vicky Bradbeer said: “We are so grateful to DMR Plumbing & Heating LTD for being the headline sponsors of this event and helping us to produce these fantastic medals for our 2026 walk.  

 

“We’d also like to thank our supporting partners Roche, Trederwen Springs and Caffi Wylfa.  

 

“The canal walk is extremely popular, and we are already down to the last few spaces so make sure you sign up and get your tickets via the Hope House website to avoid disappointment.”    

 

By joining the Llangollen Canal Walk you will be helping to raise vital funds, as well an enjoying a family friendly fun day out in the Spring air.   

 

Tickets for the event are £15 for adults and £5 for children and all entrants will get a special goody bag at the halfway point.     

 

* Get your tickets at www.hopehouse.org.uk/canal    

Section of A5 blocked following accident

Part of the A5 is partially blocked following an accident near the Gledrid roundabout this afternoon.

* For further details, see the Oswestry Advertizer at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16zGVuaY4M/

Ysgol Dinas Brân pupils fire questions at Wales's Conservative leader

* Welsh secondary schools pupils fire questions at Darren Millar MS (bottom).

Students from Ysgol Dinas Brân were among secondary school pupil from across Wales who fired a barrage of questions at Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar during a recent online Q&A session. 

Around 75 young people from the Llangollen school and others from Cardiff, Bargoed and Pontyclun joined in the Leader Dialogues session. 

The aim is to help learners across Wales to have meaningful conversations with the Welsh leaders of the Senedd parties.

The programme enables learners to ask questions to the leaders, giving young people the opportunity to raise issues important to them while developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate in the democratic process. The programme is free of charge for schools.

The young people who took part in last Friday's session with Darren Millar asked questions on a range of subject matters including the NHS, Welsh Conservatives' priorities, immigration, Welsh language media, school mental health and SEN support, the environment, agriculture, and youth unemployment. 

Commenting after the session, Mr Millar said: "It is always a pleasure and very insightful to engage with our young people and to hear their views. 

"I was asked some interesting and challenging questions during the session, including the prospect of a potential ban on social media, and it was good to see these young people so engaged in Welsh and national politics.

"It is crucial that we provide our young people with an opportunity to express their perspectives, as often they bring fresh solutions to complex problems. 

"They are the future and we must always listen to what they have to say."

He added: "I was very grateful to have this opportunity through the Leaders Dialogue programme to interact further with young people here in Wales and I look forward to taking part in further sessions in the future." 

Chinese company may have struck it rich with Poer pick up

GWM Poer 300 drive by Steve Rogers

After the great exodus of five years ago it’s game on as the pick up paddock starts to fill.

Five brands took their leave of the UK under the threat of fines for not meeting stricter emission levels. We lost some big players, notably Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi L200, both companies had partnered with Mercedes and Fiat respectively so their presence was short-lived as well.

That left Toyota, Ford, Isuzu and SsangYong, now rebranded as KGM, to keep the pick up fires burning. It opened up an opportunity for the two lesser brands and Isuzu with its D-Max and the Musso from KGM have flourished. I even ranked the D-Max over the mighty Toyota Hi Lux in a back to back road test last summer.

So what’s the state of play now? Well, VW returned with Amorak, now virtually a Ford Ranger in all but name after they partnered up, Mitsubishi is making a comeback and Kia has shown its take on the lifestylers favourite transport.

Here we meet the GWM Poer, pronounced power, and for some reason its Chinese masters think the name is cool. It’s not. In Australia, where it sells with the speed of a bush fire, it is called Cannon. There is a hint there…

Haven’t we been here before? Yes, I drove the Steed back in 2013 when it was sold under the company's old name of Great Wall. That was a ridiculously cheap rugged pick up. I only drove it on normal roads and the only good thing about it, apart from the low price, was the Steed name which, come to think of it, is also better than Poer, but let’s move on.

First up, let’s distance the two. They are apart as the earth is from the sun. GWM hasn’t made the same mistake twice and this time has come up with a strong contender, with cut throat pricing and bulging with kit.

Keyless entry and start, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, powered seats, auto dipping LED headlights, 360 degree camera, A and C charging ports and three 12V sockets. With proper leather, ambient lighting and some snazzy design touches the roomy cab has a premium feel so this is the way to start building a reputation.

Right, GWM is Chinese so you think I’m going to be moaning again about everything going through a touchscreen. Yes there is a 12.3in screen but the Poer has switches, a whole bank of them below the screen giving quick access to fan speed, heating, heated back window, and heated seats and hill descent, and there is a button on the steering wheel to turn off lane assist. All very welcome and sensible.

The technology is a mixed bag, logical enough but sometimes a bit slow if you don’t dab in the right place like the heated seat display which is too small and fiddly. This is a pick up with a bouncy ride so fingers tend to jump around.

My one big irritation is trying to tune the radio to BBC stations. They are there somewhere but I could not find them, and it took days to fathom how to adjust the radio volume from the passenger seat. Why do simple functions need to be hidden?

Poer will, I am sure, be a capable off roader with its switchable all wheel drive, low range gearbox and differential lock when the going gets really tough, but GWM has an eye on the lifestylers who have taken to double cab pick ups like surfers to the sea.

With 480Nm or torque from the turbo diesel engine, performance, if not the quickest in the pack, is more than acceptable with a good lump of power when overtaking.

Economy is a strong suit and I was clocking 34mpg on longer journeys, that beats some big name rivals. Poer has a nine speed auto box but changes while smooth are not lightning fast. Throttle lag when pulling from a standstill is an irritation and needs looking at.

After my experience with the bucking bronco ride of the Steed the Poer is a revelation. The ride is still a bit too lively and does not cope with B roads as well as the D-Max and Ford Ranger but it is light years ahead of its predecessor and settles nicely on good surfaces, in fact a motorway stint is quite relaxing.

As a workhorse it does the job as well as its rivals with a payload of 1050kg although the heavy duty community might prefer the option of a single cab in the range.

GWM has cleaned up its act and made the Poer 300 a capable machine. If its first job is to shake up the market it has won that round hands down.

Favourite feature: The pop out step on the tailgate. Gives easier access to the load bay.

Fast facts

Poer 300 Ultra

£35,430 exc VAT (starts £31,495 exc VAT)

2.4 turbo diesel; 180bhp

9-speed automatic

0-62mph 11 secs

32.7mpg combined

221g/km

Towing: 3500kg

Warranty: 5 years/120,000 miles

Railway celebrates St David’s Day in style

* Bethan, Joel, Ralph and volunteers ensured St David's Day was celebrated properly.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has hailed this year’s St David’s Day celebrations as a resounding success, with steam trains, Welsh music and community pride combining to create a memorable day in the heart of the Dee Valley.

Visitors travelled the full length of the line between Llangollen and Corwen, enjoying heritage steam services alongside a programme of music, Welsh language announcements and a special Welsh-themed menu in the Station Café. Daffodils and flags added to the atmosphere as the railway proudly marked Wales’ national day.

The undisputed stars of the show were the award-winning Llangollen Silver Band, who performed on Platform 1 at Llangollen before travelling on board to Corwen and continuing their performance there. Their music provided a stirring soundtrack to the day’s celebrations and was warmly received by passengers and visitors alike.

In a moment that delighted many, Wayne Ronneback, Corwen Station Master, stepped forward to conduct the band, embracing the spirit of the occasion and drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

* The steam train named Saint David specially for the occasion.

A key part of the day’s celebrations was the commitment to the Welsh language. Volunteer Joel Whittaker, a member of the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir, alongside his partner Bethan Wyn Hughes, ensured that announcements across the railway were delivered confidently in Welsh, reinforcing the railway’s pride in its cultural heritage.

Joel Whittaker, a local Paramedic, said: “It was a real privilege to help mark St David’s Day on the railway. This line runs through the heart of North Wales, and celebrating our language and culture is incredibly important. Hearing Welsh spoken across our stations and trains, alongside the music and the steam, created something truly special.”

The railway says celebrating St David’s Day is about more than just running trains - it is about honouring its location, heritage and community.

Bethan Wyn Hughes added: “We are immensely proud of our Welsh roots. St David’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate not just our history, but our place within the community today. The support from passengers, performers and volunteers made it a day to remember.”

Volunteers across the railway played their part in delivering the event, from those on the footplate and in the signal boxes to catering teams and station staff welcoming visitors along the line.

The success of the day comes as the railway begins its 2026 season, with further events planned in the coming weeks, including the highly anticipated Branch Line Gala from April 10 to 12.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has thanked everyone who travelled, performed or volunteered, describing the day as a proud celebration of Wales, community and heritage. 

Speed restriction on Horseshoe Pass for resurfacing work

Denbighshire County Council has given notice that a speed restriction will be in place on the Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen from March 24 until April 2. 

This is required to facilitate resurfacing works by the council, which says access will be available for pedestrians while the restriction is in place.

* The restricted area is marked in yellow on the map above.

Resurfacing work in Oak Street gets the finishing touches

The second phase of resurfacing work in Oak Street is underway this morning (Sunday).

Heavy equipment has been brought in to lay the new surface and the street, along with the adjacent Chapel Street, is closed to traffic to allow the job to go ahead.

As last week when the work began, diversions are in place and pedestrians still have access.

Westheads back on the road and heading for Asia

The three young friends on a mammoth cycling trip to Thailand in aid of a heart charity are now back in the saddle again after their winter halt.

Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham aim to cycle the 10,000 miles to the Far East in memory of Tony Edge, the father of a friend who died following a heart attack in 2024.

The intrepid trio, calling themselves the Westheads, set out from Lllangollen Football Club's HQ last August at the very start of their marathon ride which they reckon will take them at least 18 months to complete. 

To date they have cycled through Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Turkey and Georgia and are now heading for central Asia.

Along the way they aimed to raise £10,000 for the British Heart Foundation but, so far, well-wishers following their daily social media updates have pledged a healthy £23,000 to their cause.

The lads spent the winter in the town of Batumi on the Black Sea coast of Georgia and recently got back on the road as the weather improved.

In one of their latest updates they outlined the problem of exactly how to get safely into Asia with political problems in both Iran and Russia.

They have therefore decided to take a plane ride with their bikes across the Caspian Sea to Aqtau in Kazakhstan. 

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Happy St David's Day/Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus from llanblogger

Road traffic collision on A5 Froncysyllt

Update: At 4.15pm North Wales Live was reporting that an air ambulance had landed at the scene.

Free heritage craft at Pengwern Community Hub

The Little Learning Company are running free heritage craft activities at venues around Denbighshire, including Llangollen, during March.

On Wednesday March 4 there will be a session on folk art at Hwb Cymunedol Pengwern Llangollen Community Hub from 2.30-4pm.

You can book online or just turn up on the day. To book a place visit the  website: https://www.thelittlelearningcompany.co.uk/event-details-registration/trailblazer-heritage-craft-activities

World Day of Prayer united service

A World Day of Prayer united service is to be held at the English Methodist Church, Riverside, at 10.30am on Friday March 6. All are welcome.

Cytun Churches Together Llangollen has arranged a Lentern study group, which is a journey through Lent with the six Welsh cathedrals.

Sessions will be held every Tuesday until Easter at the Memorial Hall in Market Street, from 12.30-1.30pm. All are welcome.

Berwyn Shuttle project begins as historic railbus arrives at Llangollen

 

* The railway's Steve Barker, Oliver Lang and Roger Hodgkinson welcome the railbus to Llangollen.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has today (Friday) welcomed the arrival of historic Railbus No. 79962, marking the beginning of an exciting restoration and operational project that could deliver a more environmentally sustainable shuttle service between Llangollen and Berwyn. 

The Railbus has arrived on loan from the Vintage Carriages Trust, one of the UK’s leading accredited railway museums. Built in 1958 and one of only four surviving examples of its type in the world, Railbus 79962 represents a rare and innovative chapter in railway history.

 

Designed as a lightweight and economical solution for lightly used branch lines, the Railbus seats approximately 56 passengers and was built for flexible, efficient operation. Its low weight and ability to operate frequent short services make it particularly well suited to modern sustainable transport challenges.

 

The project, which formally begins now, has the potential to support the development of a regular Llangollen to Berwyn shuttle service. There is strong and growing interest from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in establishing a shuttle to help reduce traffic congestion and parking pressures at Horseshoe Falls during busy periods.

 

By offering an attractive alternative to car travel, the shuttle would help protect the sensitive Dee Valley landscape while improving access for residents and visitors.

 

Tim Pulford, Engineering Manager at Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “The arrival of Railbus 79962 is a significant and exciting moment for us. A great deal of preparatory work has already been completed, including asbestos removal, floor repairs, heater overhaul and soundproofing. From an engineering perspective, this is a well understood vehicle with clear solutions to the remaining challenges. Our volunteers have inspected it thoroughly and we are confident it can be restored to a high standard and returned to operational use.”

 

As part of the partnership, the Vintage Carriages Trust will fund the overhaul of the Railbus and provide technical advice, operational guidance and, if required, driver training. Planning for the project is already well advanced.

 

In addition to its environmental benefits, the restoration programme will create new volunteering, training and skills development opportunities in light traction operation, mechanical systems and heritage restoration, supporting the railway’s long-term sustainability.

 

The Railbus project reflects Llangollen Railway’s commitment to partnership led, practical solutions that protect the environment while widening access to the Dee Valley.