Widely regarded as one of Britain’s most spectacular railway routes, the Conwy Valley Line has reopened following an upgrade designed to make it more resistant to extreme weather. Stretching almost 90 kilometres through north-west Wales, the line runs between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction, cutting through the heart of Snowdonia National Park.
Although it is picture-perfect and famed for its breathtaking views as it winds past mountains, waterfalls and forests, the line is also the most exposed to the elements in Britain. In the past decade alone, it has been forced to close for over 500 days due to storm damage and flooding. The most recent closure, which lasted a month, was to allow essential improvement works along the route.
These extensive works included clearing 600,000 square metres of overgrown ‘high-risk’ vegetation, such as trees that could fall onto the track and endanger passengers. The embankments were also strengthened to prevent landslides. A new safe walkway was constructed to allow maintenance staff to access the line more easily while carrying out essential repairs.
Network Rail also trialled a new leaf-clearing technique during the works. This pilot programme involved applying a special gel to the tracks, which was developed in collaboration with Irish Rail. This solution is designed to break down leaf contamination, remain effective for up to seven days and reactivate with rain. This is intended to significantly reduce delays caused by slippery rails, which are a persistent problem on rural routes.
Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, assured that the “improvements will make a real difference to the reliability of services during the autumn and winter months, protecting the line from future storm damage and keeping communities connected across North Wales”.
🍂 Autumn on the railway means slippery rails and tough conditions.
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) October 27, 2025
That's why we're investing £7.7m to fit smarter sanding systems on @ScotRail trains- helping them grip and brake better through the challenging season.
For more info ➡️ https://t.co/Plec36dyF3@transcotland pic.twitter.com/CMV6bNqNNF
The line is mostly used by daily commuters, but also by visitors exploring the countryside. The one-hour journey offers dreamy views of Snowdonia’s peaks and valleys, passing through the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed, known as the “Gateway to Snowdonia”, and the no less charming town of Llanrwst, nestled at the foot of Gwydir Forest. Other highlights include the Roman Bridge village, the dramatic Conwy Falls near Betws-y-Coed, and excursions to the historic Llechwedd Slate Caverns near Blaenau Ffestiniog. They are perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike, offering intimate access to the raw beauty of the Welsh countryside.
Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales, thanked “passengers and local residents for their patience while this essential work was carried out”, adding that the “Conwy Valley line is a vital link for the communities of Conwy, and this investment means it’s now better prepared to withstand the challenges of severe weather in the years ahead”.
The UK is continuing to invest heavily in railway infrastructure to boost resilience, make commuting more efficient, and attract more visitors through sustainable tourism.
The UK Government is investing £445m into Welsh rail to unleash Wales’ economic potential. 🚆
— Wales Office (@WalesOffice) October 29, 2025
Watch Wales Office Minister @annamcmorrin tell her first Welsh Questions how this will mean new stations, better services and improved access to new, well-paid jobs. pic.twitter.com/rPg4zyEh3M
Other famous lines include the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which gained worldwide fame through the Harry Potter films; the Far North Line in the Highlands, which crosses a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and several train routes that traverse the Yorkshire Dales and venture deep into the beautiful Welsh countryside.
Few journeys, however, capture the country’s lush, varied landscapes quite like the Conwy Valley Line. All it now takes to be swept away is a ticket and a window seat.
