Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways — Attraction in Great Britain

This trip was my daughter’s Christmas present to me and what an incredible experience it was.

We had quite a journey from north Herefordshire and it was worth every mile. We parked in their main carpark, where we had our lunch beside a small reservoir. It is a pay and display carpark and a five minute walk to the railway station.

We arrived and after collecting our tickets, we walked onto the platform and waited for our train to arrive.

A loco was filling up with water and another was offering footplate rides. Our train arrived and we were guided to our carriage. We would be travelling in First Class behind the engine, Merddin Emyrs, the Mountain Spirit, a double engined locomotive and about 140 years old, and still puffing along nicely.

We watched as the locomotive was coupled to our carriage and soon we were on our way.

Our amazing journey starts crossing along a harbour wall known as The Cob, and past Boston Lodge, where the locos go at the end of their busy schedules. From here, we travelled across fields before beginning the the long and picturesque journey to Blaneau Ffestiniog. We travelling past a few stations through very narrow cuttings, with slated sides, through tunnels and around the "Great Deviation", believed to be the only one in Britain. It took 6 years to build, by volunteers and raises the line 35ft in a circle, a real feat of engineering. We eventually arrived at Blaneau Station where the main line meets the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. Both services terminate here.

A chance to get out, stretch our legs, take more photos of the slate mountains, grab a snack as the engine was moved to the other end of the train for the journey back to Porthmadog.

Thankfully, we had taken plenty of photos on our outward journey because it came to a halt at the next station. As we waited for the next train, Linda was bringing the last train up to Blaneau. She arrived opposite us and departed and still we waited.

Unfortunately we could see smoke across the valley from us and we wondered if it might be a fire. Soon the Train Manager advised us that, due to a potentially large line side fire, our return journey was being turned around. We returned to Blaneau where buses met us to take us all back to Porthmadog.

Everyone was in good spirits and totally understanding. The drive back took about 20 minutes, where as the train took over an hour, allowing for water stops enroute. Yes, we were a little disappointed but everyone was safe and we all enjoyed the experience.

We shall look forward to travelling from Caernarvon to Porthmadog, through the western fringes of Snowdonia.

We received the very best of treatment and support from all the staff at the railway. The bus drivers were amusing and helpful, considering the...

We booked The Harbourmaster in advance and treated ourselves to the Gold first class Pullman service. We knew what to expect by reading their website but we were still shocked at just how lovely it was! The seats are comfortable and lots of space while the cabin itself is so well maintained and clean. It had an old but new feel.

Once we got going we were offered drinks and snacks at our seats and later, ice cream too. Prices are reasonable and the Welsh shortbread is delicious.

The sights you see as you climb through Snowdonia are amazing and Snowdon itself is clearly visible. We stopped at one point so the train could reload coal and could get out and watch.

Once in Caernarfon, you have around 1.45 hours to enjoy a walk along the promenade or a visit to the amazing castle. We just had a wander and ate our picnic, taking in the small shops and lovely ice cream parlour.

The only thing I would mention to be aware of is that it can get very warm onboard in the summer due to the big windows and lack of air conditioning being a heritage train. Just bear that in mind and take a little fan. Going was fine but coming back was uncomfortable. Sitting on the right hand side means you get shade at least on the return. If you book standard class then there was an open air coach which would have been perfect. I assume it's first come first served though so get there early!

We loved it so much that we went back a couple of days later and did The Mountain Spirit up to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This gold service was a similar layout but slightly different chairs and coach. Equally good though. It was also pulled by a diesel loco rather than a steam train like The Harbourmaster.

Staff are a fountain of knowledge, our guard on the second trip especially (younger, dark blonde guy) was great. They all made us feel welcome.

Prices for the Gold service are not cheap but they help keep lines like this open and the comfort and experience is different to any other heritage railway I've been on. It's worth it in my opinion.

The team who restore and keep these trains running are doing am...

What a great day out passing stunning scenery aboard a very comfortable third class carriage from Porthmadog to Caernarvon through the beautiful Snowdonia national park.

You don't have to be a train fanatic to appreciate the amazing engineering skills used to build this 25 mile long preserved steam railway. The bridges, the crossings, the cuttings, the gradients, not to mention the very tight curves all built in some fairly remote places.

The staff at the ticket office and on board were a pleasure, nothing was too much trouble and served up a very presentable Breakfast bap in double quick time all washed down with a hot chocolate and a shot of whisky added on request.

The guide book is an absolute must. Priced at £5 it is packed with lots of pictures, a description of the route and local anecdotes and history.

The journey takes just over two hours and you arrive in a new terminus building (June 2019) along the quay under the castle. The terminus has a very pleasant cafe, gift shop and toilets, but would benefit from an air lock platform side as the wind blows through the double automatic doors when open.

The town is a short walk away via stairs or road and has a good selection of shops and cafes. Not that we had time to eat as the return journey was scheduled to leave about an hour after arrival, and leave it did bang on time.

Back on board, the staff wasted no time in bringing round the buffet trolly and taking orders for hot food. All this on a narrow guage railway staffed mostly by volunteers.

At first glance the return fare may seem a little high, but having spent a very enjoyable day on the railway, I think it is excellent value for money at approximately 82p per mile.

If you are planning a special occasion why not go first class in the observation carriage and pretend to be the 'Old Gentleman from The Railway Children'. (£1-6s -2d per mile)

My Daddy, my Daddy.

Enjoy; I know...