Chester to Holyhead

This Cab Ride takes us on the Chester – Holyhead railway aboard a Class 175 of Transport for Wales. The line opened in stages from 1848 to provide a more reliable link for the mail service to and from Dublin. At first, passengers were required to leave the train to cross the Menai Straits on a coach before resuming the journey across Angelsey to Holyhead. The opening of the rail bridge across the water in 1850 involved a monumental piece of engineering which used Robert Stephenson’s rectangular iron tube design.

The weather for the trip is perfect, with blue skies and sunshine displaying the beauty of the Welsh mountains and beaches. These lines were some of the busiest in the country as Victorian tourists flocked to the seaside resorts to escape the industrial grime of the north-west. We’ll pass them all – Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Bangor.  But the highlight is surely the crossing of the Menai Straits on the magnificent Britannia Bridge.

The Class 175 Coradia 1000 diesel multiple unit carries us with ease. Powered by 14 litre 6-cylinder Cummins turbo-diesels producing 450 hp each, the 175 is capable of 100 mph, though we’re restricted to a maximum of 90 mph on this line. 

On-screen graphics constantly show line speed limits, advance warning signs and temporary speed restrictions, and the signal section displays the current aspect, including feathers and theatre boxes.

There’s full commentary throughout which tells the history of the railway and highlights places of interest along the way, and you can also opt to silence the narration and concentrate on the sounds of the 175.