Snowdonia's Best Train Rides

Cyfieithiad i ddilyn...

Welcome to the Llys Derwen Blog where we'll be sharing Camping Updates and Travel advice from Experts and Local Enthusiasts.

This week we have Hannah Walters, a freelance writer with a true passion for all things travel. Hannah has previously been a content writer for a marketing agency, this enabled Hannah to gain valuable experience and take the plunge to go it alone in the world of Freelance writing. We now have an Exclusive on Llys Derwen from Hannah, sharing Snowdonia's best railway rides!!

On Track to Adventure: Snowdonia's Best Train rides for Railway Buffs

If you're a railway buff looking for a thrilling adventure, Snowdonia is the perfect destination for you. This stunning region in Wales offers some of the most spectacular train rides that take you through the rugged mountains, lush valleys, and scenic coastal routes. Snowdonia is home to a diverse range of train journeys, from historic steam railways to modern electric trains, each offering a unique and exciting experience. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best train rides in Snowdonia, so you can plan your next adventure and experience the magic of Wales from a different perspective.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

This historic railway takes you to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. The railway opened in 1896, and since then, it has been carrying visitors to the summit for over a century. The journey starts at Llanberis, a village at the foot of Snowdon, and takes you through stunning landscapes of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls before reaching the summit at 1,085 meters. The railway is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering and offers spectacular views of Snowdonia. Railway buffs will appreciate the engineering marvels of the railway while enjoying the stunning views. Riding on a steam train adds to the overall experience, providing a glimpse into the past.

Pre-book your tickets here: https://snowdon.vticket.co.uk/

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are two narrow-gauge railways that travel through the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia, from the mountains to the coast. Both railways have a rich history, with the Ffestiniog Railway dating back to 1836 and the Welsh Highland Railway to 1922. The railways offer a range of locomotives, from historic steam trains to modern diesel engines, and the scenery on the routes is simply breathtaking. Railway buffs will appreciate the unique engineering of the narrow-gauge tracks and the well-preserved historic trains. The railways also offer opportunities to explore the local attractions, with plenty of stops along the routes, including historic castles, charming towns, and picturesque villages.

Pre-book your tickets here: https://www.festrail.co.uk/

Talyllyn Railway

The Talyllyn Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway that has been in operation for over 150 years, making it one of the oldest railways in the world. It runs from Tywyn on the coast to Nant Gwernol in the mountains, taking visitors through the breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia along the way. The Talyllyn Railway is famous for being the inspiration for the "Skarloey Railway" in the popular children's book series, "The Railway Series," by Reverend W. Awdry. Visitors can learn about the history of the railway at the Talyllyn Railway Museum, located at Tywyn Wharf station. Overall, the Talyllyn Railway is a great choice for railway buffs when visiting Snowdonia, offering a unique and historic experience that showcases the beauty and history of the area.

Plan your visit here: https://www.talyllyn.co.uk/plan/timetable

Llanberis Lake Railway

The Llanberis Lake Railway is another narrow-gauge railway, this one runs for five miles alongside the picturesque Llyn Padarn in Snowdonia. The railway starts at Gilfach Ddu station and takes passengers on a journey through stunning scenery, including views of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. The railway operates with a fleet of historic steam and diesel locomotives, some of which date back to the early 20th century, providing a unique and nostalgic experience for railway buffs. Visitors can also explore the local area with stops along the way, including the Slate Museum and the Padarn Country Park. Overall, the Llanberis Lake Railway is a great choice for anyone interested in trains and railways, offering a scenic journey through the heart of Snowdonia.

Pre-book your tickets here: https://shop.myonlinebooking.co.uk/llanberislakerailway/sessions.aspx?tid=6

Cambrian Coast Line

The Cambrian Coast Line is a scenic railway route that runs along the west coast of Wales, from Machynlleth to Pwllheli, passing through Snowdonia National Park along the way. The route is known for its stunning views, including Mount Snowdon, and is popular among railway buffs and tourists alike. The railway operates with modern diesel trains, offering comfortable and convenient travel for passengers. Along the route, visitors can explore local attractions such as the picturesque town of Aberdovey and the historic Harlech Castle. Overall, the Cambrian Coast Line is a must-see for anyone interested in trains and scenic railways, offering an unforgettable experience of the natural beauty of Snowdonia and the Welsh coast.

Pre-book your tickets here: https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/rail/ticket-types/rovers-and-rangers/explore-cambrian-coast

These are just a few of the many train rides that railway buffs can enjoy in Snowdonia. Each journey offers a unique and exciting experience, so why not plan your next adventure, and explore the magic of Snowdonia by train?