Safety Above All at Aberystwyth Railway

Running since 1st August 1896, the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway is a Grade II listed funicular railway and one of Wales's most iconic visitor attractions. Stretching 778 feet up Constitution Hill at the northern end of Aberystwyth promenade, it's the longest electric cable railway in Britain — transporting visitors to breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay and, on a clear day, 26 Welsh mountain peaks. Run by Constitution Hill Ltd, a registered charity, every penny generated goes back into maintaining and restoring this remarkable piece of Victorian engineering.

The Challenge
Operating a cliff railway isn't just about moving people up and down a hill — it's a safety-critical operation. With operators stationed at both the lower and upper stations, clear and instant communication between the two is essential. The railway operates seasonally, typically April to October, with a reduced timetable out of season — meaning radios take daily punishment across an exposed coastal environment, with salt air, wind, and unpredictable Welsh weather all part of the package.

When their existing radios had reached the end of their useful life through daily wear and battery deterioration, the team didn't hesitate — they simply reinvested in new ones ready for the season ahead.

The Solution
In December 2025, Aberystwyth Cliff Railway ordered a ten-pack of Motorola T82 Extreme walkie talkies with ten drop-in charging trays from Radio Solutions, with same-day despatch.

The T82 Extreme is built for exactly this kind of environment. IP67 rated — meaning it can be submerged in water up to one metre deep for 30 minutes — and Military Standard 810 certified for resistance to shock, vibration, dust, and extreme temperatures, it's a radio designed to handle whatever the Welsh coast throws at it. As a licence-free PMR446 radio, there's no Ofcom licence required and no programming needed — simply charge and go.

The drop-in charging trays mean the full fleet can be charged overnight and ready for the first service of the day, every day.

The Result
The radios slotted seamlessly into the existing operation, with the team already familiar with the model. In Jonathan's own words:

"The radios are an important part of our safety protocols. They are used by both lower and upper station operators to communicate during the day. We're used to these particular radios so it was seamless. The purchase from Radio Solutions was great — delivery was exactly as quoted."

Thinking About Upgrading?

Jonathan also mentioned that as the railway grows, they may look to upgrade to a more advanced solution in future. If your operation has outgrown licence-free radios — whether due to range, coverage, or the need for more advanced features — our licensed radio range may be worth exploring. Call us on 01745 335811 or get in touch via our contact page and we'll help you find the right fit.