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Glyn Valley Tramway Trust
1 Mountain View
Chirk Green Rd
Chirk
Wrexham
LL14 5NR
In 1873, a narrow-gauge railway was built to carry slate from quarries at Glyn Ceirog to Chirk. The trucks were initially pulled by horses, but converted to steam-power in 1888 and re-routed through Chirk castle and on to Chirk Station. Expansion to Pandy and Hendre soon followed and the route regularly carried up to 250 wagons, 14 coaches and 4 locomotives.
But that all changed with the advent of motorised transport. By the 1930s, the quarries were transporting their goods via road freight, and by 1935 the tramway had carried its last tram.
Fast-forward to today, and thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers at the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust, the line's almost back in operation. Now a registered charity, the trust has worked tirelessly to restore the tramway back to its former glory. They have recently been granted planning permission by the borough council, and work has started in earnest to get the train running again.
Reinstating the railway will be a major boost to tourism in Chirk and the surrounding area. Part of the track runs through Wrexham's world heritage site at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal. There are plans to build a Visitor and Educational Centre in Chirk, and maintenance facilities in the style of the old Engine Shed. And although the trust does receive a small amount of funding, it needs your help to fulfil its ambitions.
The trust are looking for new members to pledge their support to the trust. There are individual, couple, and family memberships available, as well as corporate packages for local business to really get involved.
You can see a full list of membership prices and download an application form from the Trust's website and also read more about the trust, its work and the history of the tramway there.
