The line ran westwards from Caersws along the Cerist and Trannon river valleys, with halts at Red House, Trefeglwys, Cerist and Garth & Van Road.
General freight was carried by the Cambrian Railways in 1896, to which company the line was leased.
It was built by David Davies of Llandinam, the contractor and colliery owner.
[2] Until his death in 1887, John Ceiriog Hughes was Manager of the Van Railway, and it is said that many passengers "made pilgrimage along its short length ... for a chance of conversing with one of (Wales') most notable characters".
[1] This United Kingdom rail transport related article is a stub.