Day 22 – Brecon Beacons

Today was Great Little Trains of Wales visit number 10. The Brecon Mountain railway runs from Pant, 3 miles north of Merthyr Tydfil, to Torpantau following part of the route of the original Brecon & Merthyr Railway which closed in 1964.

The 9.5 mile return journey takes you into the Brecon Beacons National Park, through Pontsticill and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservior before climbing to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons.

I was lucky today. Not only did I have the immense pleasure of stopping overnight at the Butcher’s Arms pub in Pontsticill, with its wonderful food, great beer (Butty Bach), and comfortable bed, but Andrew, the owner, gave me and my luggage a lift to Pant station. After the trip on the railway, I walked to the nearest bus stop on the other side of the cemetery from Pant station and caught the 35 bus to Merthy Tydfil, a journey of about ten minutes. This is a great way to visit the railway from Merthy if you’re on public transport.

I was also lucky as my 10:30 journey was pulled by a steam train. This caused a small fire by the track which was put out by the railway but this incident does mean that until there’s a drenching rain The Brecon Mountain Railway will be only be using diesels on their trips.