The Bryn Llys Railway

The Bryn Llys Railway

A unique feature at Bryn Llys is our 5inch gauge miniature railway. It’s one of the first features you will notice as you come down our drive and pass over the level crossing.

Originally known as the Penrhyn Garden Railway (PGR) construction of the railway began in 1983 and was later renamed the Joys of Life Railway (JOLR) after the business and various visitor attractions on the site. The railway fell into disrepair around 2000 but has now been returned to its former glory and enhanced thanks to the efforts of the JOLR Club who help cover the cost of insurance so that trains can be operated for visitors.

The railway is an out and back journey giving a 600m round trip through the woodland around Bryn Llys. The route starts and finishes from the main ‘Stokerton’ station with its scale buildings, sunken loco shed and semaphore signals. It climbs a short steep section before the level crossing over continues to the small passing station at ‘Moles Hill’ where the line then continues through a tunnel! The journey then continues to the ‘Highfield’ reversing loop crossing two high level bridges over the stream before heading back to Moles Hill.

Guests can enjoy a ride on the railway for a small donation either through prior arrangement and on most Tuesday afternoons when club members are available to run their trains. All donations are gratefully received and go to the club for maintenance and development of the railway for the future.

If you are an enthusiast with a 5 inch gauge train you can bring your loco and run on our track. We ask that you join the club to cover insurance while you’re running and we are always available to lend you hand and help setup.