News from the Bala Lake Railway
2021 was a year to be proud of. In spite of persistent restrictions, ever-changing Covid precautions and the railway not opening until 1st May, the BLR recorded final passenger numbers including the Mince Pie Specials, of which more in a moment, which were no less than 8.5% up on our…
As you will read, it has been a very busy month on the railway but we start this report with congratulations to BLR Trust Chairman and BLR Director Julian Birley who, amidst all the other myriad tasks he does for the railway and the extension project, not only took part…
LATEST FUNDING BOOST BRINGS BALA RAILWAY DREAM CLOSER The Bala Lake Railway’s high-profile extension into a new station in the town itself received a further boost this month with the award of further funding . The ¾ mile extension of the Bala Railway into the town centre continues with a…
Half-term fell very handily upon the last week of the month, hence visitor numbers to the railway were impressive – just over 100% up on our previous best. Trains were very busy, and particularly the Halloween trains on the 29th and 30th which were fully booked on both days. We…
After quite a while where very little progress has happened because of the pandemic, the Penrhyn Coach received some serious attention during the month when it was moved from the carriage shed into the warmth of the loco shed. David Hale, who constructed this masterpiece next to his house in…
The BLR General Manager was almost beside himself when announcing the passenger numbers for September, the figures being 57% (no, not a misprint, fifty-seven percent) up on the previous best September, with full trains being operated almost to the end of the month. He added that the railway numbers are…
“It’s been our best summer season ever!” So said David Jones, the Bala Lake Railway’s energetic General Manager, when asked about how the passenger numbers for August had fared. He, along with everyone involved with the railway, was effervescing, particularly as the actual August figures were – wait for it…
July was the usual mixed bag of weather for visitors to the BLR and average passenger numbers might be expected, but no. Let us just say that the month’s figures were a whisker over 26% (yes, 26%) better than our previous highest numbers, those of July 2018. We started with…
The public consultation regarding the extension of the Bala Lake Railway into Bala is currently open and we would love to know what you think. Click here to view copies of the plans and provide us with your feedback. Mae’r ymgynghoriad cyhoeddus am yr estyniad i Reilffordd Llyn Tegid ymestyn…
The Bala Lake Railway is pleased to announce the arrival on the 17th July 2021 of Bagnall 0-4-0 ST locomotive ‘Dorothy’ as the latest addition to the fleet based at Llanuwchllyn. Dorothy was built by W.G. Bagnall of Stafford in 1899, works number 1568, the last of three similar steam…
