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Welcome to the first episode of making tracks of 2025 the start of a special year in the Railway calendar – Railway 200

Railway 200 is a cross sector, government backed, partner led campaign to celebrate Two centuries since the start of the modern era of rail travel marked by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825
The bi-centenary Celebrations started with a New Years Day 'Whistle Up' across the UK and beyond.

Alan Hyde joins us from the Railway 200 campaign, we talk to to the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways General Manager Paul Lewin to get his take on the bi centenary and hear about their combined Railway 200 and FR Platinum Jubilee celebration... and historian Dafydd Gwyn puts the whole anniversary into perspective.
Sharon Gregory swaps biker boots for walking boots this time and explores disused railway lines across north Wales on foot.

We also visit the narrow gauge Corris Railway in Powys and talk to to David Coleman about their Southern extension which could eventually double the length of the running line.
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Please find details of the Railways, books and Events mentioned in this episode below:
Railway 200

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways Whistle up Reel with Paul Lewin GM.

The Volks Electric Railway Whistle Up Reel (with kind permission Ludwig Tails)
Volks Electric Railway
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Author and Historian Dafydd Gwyn's book The Coming of the Railways available at Railway specialist book stores and on Amazon.
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways Special Event - Railway 200 and the FR Platinum Jubilee
Part of the Caernarfon to Llanberis railway route walked by Sharon Gregory - Lon Las Peris and Lon Las Ogwen from Bangor towards the Penrhyn quarries.
Corris Railway and the southern extension

This podcast is produced by Laura Raymond and presented by Alasdair Stewart

Our 'Making Tracks' music is with kind permission of composer and musician Richard Durrant. It is a unique piece inspired by the rhythm of the historic rolling stock on the Ffestiniog Railway on the scenic journey from Harbour Station to Tan y Blwch.

You can listen and download the full 'Tan y Bwlch' Ukulele Quartet here:

Thank you to voice artist David King - for the Railway Ride outs voice over.

Ukulele Quartet No. 1 "Tan y Bwlch"

Ukulele Quartet No. 1 "Tan y Bwlch" Richard Durrant · Single · 2019 · 3 songs.