Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

Our premier service from Caernarfon to Beddgelert takes you on a scenic journey filled with variety as it crosses the foothills of Snowdon…

This full day out begins at our modern award winning station and cafe at Caernarfon; a sharp contrast with the imposing castle guarding the adjacent harbour.

After passing through Rhyd Ddu station, the train crosses the summit of the line before snaking down through the forest to Beddgelert, the pretty riverside village nestling amongst the hills.

You have approximately 90 minutes to explore the village, walk beside the river or learn more about the legend of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llewellyn.

There is plenty to see and do, and the ice cream parlour in the centre of the village is not to be missed. The train departs Beddgelert for the leisurely return journey.

The station gift shop will be open on your return for a memento of your day or a present for those at home.

Our elegant first class Pullman carriages offer a choice of executive seating. Pullman armchair seating at polished wooden tables in bays seating up to four people; or an observation saloon with loose chairs seating up to six people on each end of the train, providing a mini Orient Express experience!

(Dogs are not permitted in first class with the exception of assistance dogs which may travel free of charge with their owner. This can be arranged through our booking office).

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board.

Starting at Caernarfon and travelling 25 miles coast to coast across the foothills of Snowdon to its destination beside the harbour at Porthmadog.

This ‘grand day-out’ celebrates the dedication of Cymdeithas Rheilffordd Eryri (the Welsh Highland Railway Society) – and the hard work and support of its members – in the rebuilding of this railway back to Porthmadog, which enables you to make this journey today.

From the opening of the first section of track to Dinas in 1997, embankments have been rebuilt, bridges replaced, stations constructed and track laid. Such is their love for this very special railway, supporters have paid towards buildings and bridges, carriages and even locomotive restoration. We hope you love it too!

Your 2¼ hour journey starts at the iconic Caernarfon station. Your train, pulled by a huge Beyer-Garratt NG/G16 from South Africa, steams through farmland and forest, crossing the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) before descending a steep hillside to pass the village of Beddgelert, through the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass and across the Traeth Mawr to reach Porthmadog.

As you cross the harbour bridge into the station, spare a thought for the moment in early 2009 when the final piece of track was laid and fitted with ‘Golden Bolts’ to connect the link with the Ffestiniog Railway.

Modern carriages, with seating bays divided by Perspex screens, give excellent views from every window. An optional pre-book picnic hamper service is available to enhance your trip.

On arrival at Porthmadog, there is time to explore the town – or enjoy a drink on the terrace of Spooner’s café-bar at the station – during the approximately 1.5 hour break before the train heads back to Caernarfon. There is a well-stocked gift shop and the friendly café has snacks to stock up for your journey home.

Our elegant First Class Pullman carriages offer a choice of executive seating. Pullman armchair seating at polished wooden tables in bays seating up to four people; or an Observation saloon with free-standing chairs seating up to six people at each end of the train, providing a mini Orient Express experience!

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board.

Starting at Caernarfon and travelling 25 miles coast to coast across the foothills of Snowdon to its destination beside the harbour at Porthmadog.

This ‘grand day-out’ celebrates the dedication of Cymdeithas Rheilffordd Eryri (the Welsh Highland Railway Society) – and the hard work and support of its members – in the rebuilding of this railway back to Porthmadog, which enables you to make this journey today.

From the opening of the first section of track to Dinas in 1997, embankments have been rebuilt, bridges replaced, stations constructed and track laid. Such is their love for this very special railway, supporters have paid towards buildings and bridges, carriages and even locomotive restoration. We hope you love it too!

Your 2¼ hour journey starts at the iconic Caernarfon station. Your train, pulled by a huge Beyer-Garratt NG/G16 from South Africa, steams through farmland and forest, crossing the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) before descending a steep hillside to pass the village of Beddgelert, through the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass and across the Traeth Mawr to reach Porthmadog.

As you cross the harbour bridge into the station, spare a thought for the moment in early 2009 when the final piece of track was laid and fitted with ‘Golden Bolts’ to connect the link with the Ffestiniog Railway.

Modern carriages with large windows give excellent views. An optional pre-book picnic hamper service is available to enhance your trip. On arrival at Porthmadog, there is time to explore the town – or enjoy a drink on the terrace of Spooner’s café-bar at the station – during the approximately 1.5 hour break before the train heads back to Caernarfon.

There is a well-stocked gift shop and the friendly café has snacks to stock up for your journey home.

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board.

Starting at Porthmadog and travelling 25 miles coast to coast across the foothills of Snowdon to its destination beside the harbour and castle at Caernarfon.

Starting its journey from the old slate quays beside the harbour in Porthmadog, ‘The Harbourmaster’ steams inland across the floodplain and meadows of Traeth Mawr, through the Aberglaslyn Pass and Beddgelert village, before climbing the forested hillside and onto the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Passing the summit of the line (‘Y Copa’ in Welsh) it starts its descent towards the harbour and quayside at Caernarfon – passing small hill farms, running alongside Llyn (Lake) Cwellyn and following the Afon (River) Gwyrfai to reach its destination, the Welsh Highland Railway’s impressive station building beside Caernarfon Castle.

This is a splendid 2½ hour, 25-mile journey through a stunning variety of Snowdonia’s beautiful scenery.

Modern carriages give excellent views from every window. The option to pre-book a picnic hamper service is available to enhance your trip.

On arrival at Caernarfon, there is time to explore this historic town – with its narrow streets, small shops and market square – during the approximately 1.5 hour break before the train heads back to Porthmadog.

The modern station has a well-stocked gift shop and friendly café with freshly baked snacks to stock up for your journey home.

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board

Your train departs Blaenau Ffestiniog station, crossing the historic industrial landscape of Blaenau’s slate quarries with the surrounding slate tips, an awe-inspiring legacy of its past, then on to the rich green tapestry of the Vale of Ffestiniog

Finally you cross the famous Cob embankment with time to appreciate the views of both mountains and coast –

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board but there is a toilet available for passenger use.

On arrival at Porthmadog, there is time to explore the town – or enjoy a drink on the terrace of Spooner’s café-bar at the station*

Your train departs Blaenau Ffestiniog station, crossing the historic industrial landscape of Blaenau’s slate quarries with the surrounding slate tips, an awe-inspiring legacy of its past, then on to the rich green tapestry of the Vale of Ffestiniog

Finally you cross the famous Cob embankment with time to appreciate the views of both mountains and coast –

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board but there is a toilet available for passenger use.

Our premier service from Caernarfon picks up at Waunfawr, then on to Beddgelert, taking you on a scenic journey filled with variety as it crosses the foothills of Snowdon.

To help you make the most of your day, we offer the option to a pre-order a picnic hamper with freshly prepared local produce.

The train meanders into the mountains with views towards Snowdon itself.

After passing through Rhyd Ddu station, the train crosses the summit of the line before snaking down through the forest to Beddgelert, the pretty riverside village nestling amongst the hills.

You have approximately 90 minutes to explore the village, walk beside the river and learn more about the legend of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llewellyn. There are numerous shops, cafes and pubs, and the ice cream parlour in the centre of the village is not to be missed.

Modern carriages with large windows give panoramic views on both sides of the train.

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board.

Our premier service from Caernarfon to Beddgelert takes you on a scenic journey filled with variety as it crosses the foothills of Snowdon…

This full day out begins at our modern award winning station at Caernarfon; a sharp contrast with the imposing castle guarding the adjacent harbour.

Arrive early for breakfast or take a coffee from Caffi De Winton before joining the train.

To help you make the most of your day, the option to pre-order a picnic hamper service with freshly prepared local produce to take on board.

The train meanders from the coast into the mountains with views across to Anglesey and then towards Snowdon itself.

After passing through Rhyd Ddu station, the train crosses the summit of the line before snaking down through the forest to Beddgelert, the pretty riverside village nestling amongst the hills.

You have approximately 90 minutes to explore the village, walk beside the river and learn more about the legend of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llewellyn. There are numerous shops, cafes and pubs, and the ice cream parlour in the centre of the village is not to be missed.

The train departs Beddgelert for a leisurely journey home, arriving back in Caernarfon at 1600. The station gift shop will be open on your return for a memento of your day or a present for those at home.

Modern carriages with large windows give panoramic views on both sides of the train.

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board.

Our premier service from Waunfawr to Porthmadog takes you on a scenic journey filled with variety as it crosses the foothills of Snowdon…

To help you make the most of your day, the option to pre-order a picnic hamper including freshly prepared local produce.

The train meanders into the mountains with views across to Anglesey and then towards Snowdon itself.

After passing through Rhyd Ddu station, the train crosses the summit of the line before snaking down through the forest to Beddgelert, the pretty riverside village nestling amongst the hills then on to the harbour town of Porthmadog.

On arrival at Porthmadog, there is time to explore the town – or enjoy a drink on the terrace of Spooner’s café-bar at the station – during the approximately 1.5 hour break before the train heads back to Caernarfon. There is a well-stocked gift shop and the friendly café has snacks to stock up for your journey home.

Modern carriages with large windows give panoramic views on both sides of the train.

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board.

Travelling the southern end of the Welsh Highland Railway, this service starts at Beddgelert Station.

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board but there is a toilet available for passenger use.

At Porthmadog, Spooner’s café will be open for a selection of take away refreshments before re-joining the train for the return trip.

The journey starts by travelling through the world famous Aberglaslyn Pass and then across the flatlands of the ‘Traeth Mawr’ offers wide vistas of the mountains of Snowdonia.

Modern carriages with large windows give panoramic views on both sides of the train.

Starting at Caernarfon and travelling 12 miles from the coast to the foothills of Snowdon.

The train will reach an elevation of 627 feet above sea level.

Carriages with large windows give excellent views.

You can pre-order a picnic hamper service with freshly prepared local produce to take on board.

On the day, arrive early and visit Caffi De Winton for lunch or buy a bag of goodies and drinks to take on the train.

There is a well-stocked gift shop and toilets at the Station. there is also a toilet on the train available for passenger use.

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase at Rhyd Ddu.

The Harbourmaster is a full day out from Porthmadog. It picks up at Beddgelert, then travels 16.5 miles to the coast from the foothills of Snowdon to its destination beside the harbour and castle at Caernarfon.

Starting its journey from the quaint village of Beddgelert, ‘The Harbourmaster’ steams uphill, climbing the forested hillside and onto the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Passing the summit of the line (‘Y Copa’ in Welsh) it starts its descent towards the harbour and quayside at Caernarfon – passing small hill farms, running alongside Llyn (Lake) Cwellyn and following the Afon (River) Gwyrfai to reach its destination, the Welsh Highland Railway’s impressive station building beside Caernarfon Castle.

This is a splendid 1½ hour, 16.5-mile journey through a stunning variety of Snowdonia’s beautiful scenery.

Modern carriages give excellent views from every window. The option to pre-book a picnic hamper service is available to enhance your trip.

On arrival at Caernarfon, there is time to explore this historic town – with its narrow streets, small shops and market square – during the approximately 1.5 hour break before the train heads back to Beddgelert.

The modern station has a well-stocked gift shop and friendly café with freshly baked snacks to stock up for your journey home.

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board.

Heritage style service through the heart of the woodlands of the Snowdonia National Park.

Grab this opportunity to try some of our carefully preserved heritage carriages as we offer you a service to Tan-y-Bwlch station, set in the heart of the woodlands of the Snowdonia National Park.

It is great for families and those with dogs, with accommodation in individual compartments.

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board.

Each train provides approximately an hour break for a walk along the woodland trail to Llyn Mair, the pretty lake in the valley and some freshly made refreshments from the station tearooms. The cakes are delicious; and taste even better sitting outside in the Snowdonia sunshine watching the woodland birds flocking to the station birdtable! The tearoom has a play area for young children so they can ‘let off steam’ during the break.

While accommodation may vary, there is one price and you can choose your seating on the day.

Starting at Porthmadog and travelling 25 miles coast to coast across the foothills of Snowdon to its destination beside the harbour and castle at Caernarfon.

Starting its journey from the old slate quays beside the harbour in Porthmadog, ‘The Harbourmaster’ steams inland across the floodplain and meadows of Traeth Mawr, through the Aberglaslyn Pass and Beddgelert village, before climbing the forested hillside and onto the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Passing the summit of the line (‘Y Copa’ in Welsh) it starts its descent towards the harbour and quayside at Caernarfon – passing small hill farms, running alongside Llyn (Lake) Cwellyn and following the Afon (River) Gwyrfai to reach its destination, the Welsh Highland Railway’s impressive station building beside Caernarfon Castle.

This is a splendid 2½ hour, 25-mile journey through a stunning variety of Snowdonia’s beautiful scenery.

Modern carriages give excellent views from every window. The option to pre-book a picnic hamper service is available to enhance your trip.

On arrival at Caernarfon, there is time to explore this historic town – with its narrow streets, small shops and market square – during the approximately 1.5 hour break before the train heads back to Porthmadog.

The modern station has a well-stocked gift shop and friendly café with freshly baked snacks to stock up for your journey home.

Our elegant first class Pullman carriages offer a choice of executive seating. Pullman armchair seating at polished wooden tables in bays seating up to four people or an observation saloon with loose chairs seating up to six people on each end of the train, providing a mini Orient Express experience!

There are drinks and light snacks available to purchase on board.

After a huge rebuilding programme spanning nearly 30 years, including the building of a spiral, miles of new trackbed and a tunnel, and involving the effort of hundreds of volunteers, the Ffestiniog Railway proudly steamed back to Blaenau Ffestiniog on 25th May 1982.

Our Mountain Spirit services will normally be hauled by the unique Double Fairlie locomotives designed over 150 years ago to haul large trains on the steep gradients and sharp curves of the Ffestiniog line. All our Fairlies have all been built in our own historic workshops at Boston Lodge with stalwart Merddin Emrys the oldest completed in 1879 and David Lloyd George in 1992, whilst a brand new locomotive James Spooner, is under construction with completion planned late 2022. The carriages too have been built at Boston Lodge so this is the ultimate Ffestiniog Experience.

Trains remain at Blaenau for 40 minutes to enable you to stretch your legs, take some photos, get some refreshments and admire the locomotive before the return journey. The town centre is only 5 minute walk from the station and there are a number of cafes close by.

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board but there is a toilet available for passenger use.

During your journey look out for the changing scenery as the train crosses the estuary along the Cob embankment before climbing up the valley, through pastures and villages before entering the ancient wooded slopes of the valley side. On leaving picturesque Tan-y-Bwlch station, the train leaves the trees behind as it clings to the valley side.

After rounding the spiral at Dduallt and passing through the tunnel, the train emerges beside Llyn Ystradau reservoir and the slate tips beckon. Each section has its fascinating story and your journey is much enhanced by the Traveller’s Guide with its open out map and line guide to enable you to follow the route.

Travelling the southern end of the Welsh Highland Railway, this service starts at Porthmadog’s Harbour Station…

Spooner’s café will be open for a selection of refreshments before joining the train.

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board but there is a toilet available for passenger use.

As it leaves the station, the train crosses the road bridge over the river Glaslyn flowing out into the harbour, steaming along the road itself for a short distance. Be ready to wave – There are always people waiting to watch this spectacle!

The journey across the flatlands of the ‘Traeth Mawr’ offers wide vistas of the mountains of Snowdonia before it enters a tunnel, reappearing high on a ledge above the river in the Aberglaslyn Pass on route to Beddgelert.

There is approximately an hour to explore this pretty riverside village with its ancient church, numerous shops, cafes and pubs and a splendid ice cream parlour.

Our elegant first class Pullman carriages offer a choice of executive seating.

Pullman armchair seating at polished wooden tables in bays seating up to four people; or an exclusive observation saloon with loose chairs seating up to six people on each end of the train, providing a mini Orient Express experience!

(Dogs are not permitted in first class with the exception of assistance dogs which may travel free of charge with their owner. This can be arranged through our booking office).

After a huge rebuilding programme spanning nearly 30 years, including the building of a spiral, miles of new trackbed and a tunnel, and involving the effort of hundreds of volunteers, the Ffestiniog Railway proudly steamed back to Blaenau Ffestiniog on 25th May 1982.

Our Mountain Spirit services will normally be hauled by the unique Double Fairlie locomotives designed over 150 years ago to haul large trains on the steep gradients and sharp curves of the Ffestiniog line. All our Fairlies have all been built in our own historic workshops at Boston Lodge with stalwart Merddin Emrys the oldest completed in 1879 and David Lloyd George in 1992, whilst a brand new locomotive James Spooner, is under construction with completion planned late 2022. The carriages too have been built at Boston Lodge so this is the ultimate Ffestiniog Experience.

Trains remain at Blaenau for approximately 40 minutes to enable you to stretch your legs, take some photos, get some refreshments and admire the locomotive before the return journey. The town centre is only 5 minute walk from the station and there are a number of cafes close by.

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board but there is a toilet available for passenger use.

During your journey look out for the changing scenery as the train crosses the estuary along the Cob embankment before climbing up the valley, through pastures and villages before entering the ancient wooded slopes of the valley side. On leaving picturesque Tan-y-Bwlch station, the train leaves the trees behind as it clings to the valley side.

After rounding the spiral at Dduallt and passing through the tunnel, the train emerges beside Llyn Ystradau reservoir and the slate tips beckon. Each section has its fascinating story and your journey is much enhanced by the Traveller’s Guide with its open out map and line guide to enable you to follow the route.

Travelling the southern end of the Welsh Highland Railway, this service starts at Porthmadog’s Harbour Station…

Spooner’s café will be open for a selection of refreshments before joining the train.

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board but there is a toilet available for passenger use.

As it leaves the station, the train crosses the road bridge over the river Glaslyn flowing out into the harbour, steaming along the road itself for a short distance. Be ready to wave – There are always people waiting to watch this spectacle!

The journey across the flatlands of the ‘Traeth Mawr’ offers wide vistas of the mountains of Snowdonia before it enters a tunnel, reappearing high on a ledge above the river in the Aberglaslyn Pass on route to Beddgelert.

There is approximately an 1 hour and 15 minutes to explore this pretty riverside village with its ancient church, numerous shops, cafes and pubs and a splendid ice cream parlour.

Modern carriages with large windows give panoramic views on both sides of the train.

Travelling the southern end of the Welsh Highland Railway, this service starts at Porthmadog’s Harbour Station…

Spooner’s café will be open for a selection of refreshments before joining the train.

Please note there is no refreshment service on-board but there is a toilet available for passenger use.

As it leaves the station, the train crosses the road bridge over the river Glaslyn flowing out into the harbour, steaming along the road itself for a short distance. Be ready to wave – there are always people waiting to watch this spectacle!

The journey across the flatlands of the ‘Traeth Mawr’ offers wide vistas of the mountains of Snowdonia before it enters a tunnel, reappearing high on a ledge above the river in the Aberglaslyn Pass on route to Beddgelert.

There is approximately 4 1/2 hours to explore this pretty riverside village with its ancient church, numerous shops, cafes and pubs and a splendid ice cream parlour.

Modern carriages with large windows give panoramic views on both sides of the train.