Garw Valley Railway
Heritage railway project in Pontycymer with a locomotive works, open to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays while volunteers work, but without passenger trains yet.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Garw Valley branch grew out of the push for better transport in the coal-rich valley in the 1860s. The Llynfi and Ogmore Railway Company was formed in 1866, the Great Western Railway took it over in 1873, and the Garw branch opened in 1876. Within a decade four large collieries were sending out nearly 4,000 tons of coal a day. Passenger services ended in 1953 and freight in 1997, after Ocean Colliery, the last working mine in the valley, closed in 1985.
The Bridgend Valleys Railway Company, a registered charity trading as Garw Valley Railway, is working to preserve the line. Its aim is to restore passenger trains between Pontycymer and Brynmenyn and to keep locomotives, carriages, wagons and other historical items on show for public education. It also plans a heritage centre at Pontycymer with the Garw Heritage Society.
The railway is based at Pontycymer Locomotive Works in the old station yard. Its locomotives include the Hunslet Austerity steam locomotive Pamela, built in 1956 for the National Coal Board, and the Hibberd diesel 4006, the only one in working order, which gives demonstration runs on open days.
Highlights
- Locomotive works and station site at Pontycymer
- Steam locomotive Pamela, a Hunslet Austerity of 1956, on static display
- Diesel locomotive 4006 running on open days
- Walks along the line past former colliery and station sites
- Open days with a miniature railway
Permanent exhibition
- Locomotives and rolling stock – The steam locomotive Pamela is on static display, the diesel 4006 gives demonstration runs on open days, and other locomotives are being restored.
- Operated by
- Bridgend Valleys Railway Company (trading as Garw Valley Railway), registered charity
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
There is no admission charge and donations are appreciated.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
By public transit
Pontycymer Co-op
Buses 72 and 73 run from Bridgend Bus Station towards Blaengarw and stop near the Co-op in Pontycymer, at least every half hour.
The railway is at the head of the Garw Valley, about 7 miles north of M4 junction 36. Follow the signs for Bryncethin; the station and shed are just past the Life Centre, reached by two left turns opposite the Pontycymer Co-op.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | On open days visitors can see progress at the shed and station, demonstration runs by a diesel locomotive and a miniature railway. |
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