The Glyn Valley Tramway for most of its route meandered alongside a former toll road close to the swift flowing waters of the Afon Ceiriog.
For around 60 years it provided an important lifeline to those who lived and worked in this beautiful Welsh borderlands valley.
Promoted as an easier, safer and cheaper means of transporting slate, from the Cambrian & Wynne Quarries above Glyn Ceiriog, down the Valley for onward distribution to buyers via the regional canal and rail networks, the Glyn Valley Tramway was authorised by Act of Parliament in 1870.
Originally worked by gravity and horse, the line was built to the unusual gauge of 2ft 4¼in (exactly half Standard Gauge) and opened in 1873. A service for passengers was introduced in April the following year.