Saturday 5th April 2025

What could be finer than a springtime day out to Snowdonia, with the option of a magical journey by narrow gauge steam railway all the way from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Caernarfon via Porthmadog, taking in the full length of both the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways?

Our special charter train departs from London Euston and runs via the West Coast Main Line calling at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes Central, Northampton and Rugby.  At Crewe we diverge towards Chester, before heading along the North Wales Coast to arrive at Llandudno Junction where we pause to set down our first group of passengers heading to the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. From here we continue first to Bangor where our second group for the F&WHR will leave the train, and then on to our final destination of Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey where our train will be serviced.

THE FFESTINIOG AND WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS

Just imagine a narrow gauge railway that runs for forty miles from the little town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, winding its way through glorious mountain scenery all the way down to Porthmadog. From here it races across farmlands before hugging the sides of the dramatic Aberglaslyn Pass. It swings around tight curves and climbs to emerge into the foothills of Snowdon itself, skirts high above peaceful lakes and finally descends past streams and woodlands to end its journey beneath the walls of an ancient castle.

Although the Ffestiniog Railway survived and prospered, tragically the much longer Welsh Highland saw its last passenger train in 1937 and fell into total dereliction and decay. Everybody was pretty sure that was the end of the story. Well, maybe not quite everybody. The brave vision of a few and the sheer determination and guts of many means that both railways are now popular tourist attractions in this part of Wales.

Our coaches take passengers either from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog, or indeed from Bangor to Caernarfon, where our narrow gauge train of corridor stock complete with toilets and a buffet car will be waiting for our scenic marathon. Those who began their journey at Blaenau Ffestiniog will end up at Caernarfon and vice versa, meaning that everyone will travel the full length of both railways with a leg stretching break at Porthmadog before being whisked in comfort back to our charter train for the journey home.

FREE TIME IN LLANDUDNO JUNCTION, BANGOR OR HOLYHEAD

We are also offering a ‘train only’ option to Llandudno Junction, Bangor or Holyhead.  From Llandudno Junction there are scheduled train and frequent local buses (not included in the fare) into Llandudno itself, some three miles distant. Other local services link the Junction to Conwy and Colwyn Bay.

Both Bangor and Holyhead have a range of pubs, restaurants and shops.

We expect to have around six hours (or more!) at these destinations and therefore advise that those wishing to spend their time at leisure plan activities accordingly, especially considering the unpredictable spring weather in Wales!

Our return route follows that of our outward. Traction will be provided by class 47 or 57 diesel locomotives from West Coast Railways.

All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.

Station	Depart	Arrive
London Euston	06.30	22.45
Watford Junction	06.50	22.25
Milton Keynes Central	07.30	21.40
Northampton	08.00	21.10
Rugby	08.25	20.45

First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner.  A buffet car is available for those in Standard Class and First Class Non Dining. Off train options must be booked in advance.

Class	Price	Availability
Standard Class Adult	£129	Good
Standard Class Junior	£109	Good
First Class Non Dining	£189	Good
First Class Dining	£299	Good
First Class Dining Table for Four	£1176	Good
Off Train Option - Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways	£50	Good

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