Two of Wales's best-known heritage railways have been reunited under common ownership almost 30 years after going their separate ways, with a major new attraction already set to deliver a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy.

The Vale of Rheidol Railway completed its acquisition of the Brecon Mountain Railway on 2 November 2026, bringing together two distinctive Welsh visitor attractions almost 30 years after they went their separate ways.

The acquisition opens opportunities to share expertise, develop new visitor experiences and strengthen the railways’ contribution to the Welsh tourism economy.

The two railways operated under unified management between 1988 and 1996. They subsequently developed separately under Peter Rampton and Tony Hills, whose vision and determination helped create two of Wales’s most distinctive visitor attractions.

Vale of Rheidol Railway Chief Executive Llŷr ap Iolo said: “Peter Rampton and Tony Hills were extraordinary railwaymen, and bringing these railways back together is a particularly special moment for those of us who worked alongside them.

“Both railways have their own character and loyal supporters. We want to preserve what people love about each while giving our teams the opportunity to work together, share expertise and develop the visitor experience.

“This is an exciting new chapter for both railways. By bringing their strengths together, we can build on what Peter and Tony achieved and help these attractions continue to thrive for future generations.”

The Vale of Rheidol Railway runs between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge. Opened in 1902, it was the last steam railway operated by British Rail and has since benefited from extensive investment in its workshops, stations and visitor facilities.

The Vale of Rheidol is also creating new opportunities for visitors to discover railway heritage through Collection X, an extraordinary collection of more than 40 historic locomotives assembled by the late Peter Rampton.

Television presenter and railway historian Tim Dunn has joined the railway’s team as Head of Collection Development, helping develop plans to restore locomotives, share their stories and open up access to the collection.

The Brecon Mountain Railway runs from Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil, into Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, with American-inspired steam locomotives travelling along part of the former Brecon and Merthyr Railway route.

Stuart Williams has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which now incorporates the Brecon Mountain Railway. He will work across both operations, having spent the past two and a half years at Brecon on secondment from the Vale of Rheidol.

Stuart Williams said: “Brecon Mountain Railway has huge potential. Having worked with the team here for the past two and a half years, I’ve seen what makes it special and how much more we can achieve.

“It combines a memorable steam train journey with wonderful scenery, on the doorstep of Merthyr Tydfil and Bannau Brycheiniog. We want to give people more reasons to visit, stay longer and discover what else the area has to offer.”