We’ve Got It!

The Snowdonia National Park planning authority has granted planning permission for the extension of the Bala Lake Railway from its current
remote terminus at Pen y Bont, to a new location just off the High Street in the centre of the town.


After over ten years of speculative work on extending the railway, today, 4th September 2024, the dream of being able to build the railway into Bala became a reality.

Having overcome the disappointment of being refused last year the team, staff and volunteers are enjoying the sweet smell of success in achieving this major leap forward in now being able to realise that ambition. While the permission comes with raft of conditions which have to be satisfied before work commences it is exciting to know that this is now definitely going to happen.

Bala Lake Railway Trust chairman, Julian Birley, said “ This is a very exciting day here in Wales and we would all like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us both financially and morally in something that until now was completely speculative. Without that support this would all still be and remain a dream. That belief in us and the project is what kept us all going and we will never forget that”

4th September 2024

What Our Supporters Say

  • Good luck with your venture, we look forward to travelling with you! Pob lwc i chi.

    Steve Thomas
  • This has to be one of the most important railway projects since the rebuilding of the Welsh Highland Railway. Everyone must support it and donate NOW!

    Anonymous
  • Really exciting project which will make a difference to the local community and bring alive the heritage of the slate industry and its railways in Wales.

    Chrisi & Simon
  • Such a friendly railway that has the local and wider community at heart. Julian, Liz, Rob and all the people we met could not have been more enthusiastic and welcoming. A very worthy project.

    Jim, Kate, Cameron and Poppy
  • I have been meaning to donate since the excellent Winifred Gala last August so these two sleepers represent my arrears in monthly contribution! It's a really exciting project and I'm 100% behind it!

    Daniel Cartwright
  • Time to complete the original dream of the line promoters and get trains into Bala town.