The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways offer an immersive journey through the heart of Snowdonia, combining rich industrial heritage with breathtaking natural landscapes. The Ffestiniog Railway, established in 1832, is the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, running a 13½-mile route from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Passengers ascend over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains, traversing tranquil pastures, forests, lakes, and waterfalls, navigating tight bends and tunnels .
The Welsh Highland Railway, the UK’s longest heritage railway, stretches 25 miles from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. This route passes the foot of Snowdon, through the picturesque village of Beddgelert, and the dramatic Aberglaslyn Pass, offering passengers some of the most comfortable carriages on any heritage railway in the UK, including first-class Pullman luxury Dining experiences enhance the journey, with options like Spooner’s Café Bar at Porthmadog Harbour Station and tearooms at Tan y Bwlch Station. Luxury hampers and picnic boxes can be pre-booked and collected at the station, available for services such as the Harbourmaster, Snowdonia Star, Gelert Explorer, The Quarryman, and Mountain Spirit .
Accessibility is a priority, with step and wheelchair ramps available on all normal trains. Passengers requiring assistance are encouraged to contact the railway in advance to ensure a comfortable experience .
Throughout the year, the railways host a variety of events and offer opportunities for visitors to engage with the railway’s operations, including guided tours of their engineering works and driver experiences on steam locomotives . The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways provide a unique blend of historical significance and scenic beauty, making them a must-visit attraction in North Wales.
