A heritage steam railway in the heart of the Brecon Beacons has been declared one of the continent's most stunning rail journeys, placing it alongside legendary routes like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
How a Welsh Gem Made the Prestigious List
The ranking of Europe's most beautiful scenic train journeys was compiled by student travel firm Rustic Pathways. The company analysed thousands of Tripadvisor reviews for 29 different European rail experiences, specifically looking for the use of beauty descriptors like ‘beautiful,’ ‘lovely’ and ‘spectacular’.
Each journey was then scored based on the percentage of its total reviews that contained these glowing terms. The result was a top-ten list where the Brecon Mountain Railway claimed the tenth spot, rubbing shoulders with iconic trips such as Norway's Flåm Railway and the Bernina Express from Switzerland to Italy.
What Makes the Brecon Mountain Railway Special
This charming vintage railway departs from Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil, and ventures into the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park. The 9.5-mile round trip offers passengers a quintessential Welsh landscape experience.
The route travels through Pontsticill and runs the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir, before making a climb to the high point at Torpantau. A major highlight for visitors is the flexibility to disembark at Pontsticill during the journey. Here, many choose to enjoy a walk around the reservoir's edge before re-joining a later train.
Facilities along the route enhance the day out:
- The main station at Pant houses licensed tearooms serving coffee, cake, and highly-praised bacon rolls.
- A gift shop offers souvenirs, and an on-site workshop allows you to watch steam locomotives and carriages being restored.
- At the Pontsticill stop, the Lakeside Cafe provides lunch options, and there is a play area for children.
With over 1,500 reviews on Tripadvisor, the railway holds a strong four-star rating. Travellers frequently commend the friendly staff, the informative commentary, and the stunning scenery. One reviewer celebrated the chance to enjoy "the best tasting bacon roll I have had in years," while another highlighted the perfect picnic spot by the reservoir.
An Accessible and Affordable Adventure from the Midlands
While many of the railways on the list require international travel and significant expense, the Brecon Mountain Railway presents a remarkably accessible alternative for those in the West Midlands.
Located just over two hours' drive from Birmingham via the M54 (traffic permitting), it makes for a feasible and rewarding day trip. The cost is also a fraction of its European counterparts, with one-way tickets starting from just £6 and a full round trip priced around £22.
The full top ten list, as determined by Rustic Pathways' analysis, is:
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Vale of Rheidol Railway
- Kyle Line
- The Flam Railway
- Bernina Express
- Settle-Carlisle Railway
- Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
- Gotthard Panorama Express
- Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
- Brecon Mountain Railway
For anyone seeking a picturesque and family-friendly escape without the need for a passport or a hefty budget, this Welsh railway journey offers a proven, award-winning experience right on the region's doorstep.
