subject: Five Places To Visit By Train In Snowdonia [print this page] Often, the most heart-warming and inspiring part of visiting Wales is seeing the outstanding and naturally perfect scenery.
The Great Little Trains of Wales offer a very special way of catching the best sights in Wales. With regular connections from the larger railways and bus services, stepping back in time while making the most of the views isnt all that difficult. While being set in lovely little towns and hotspots, the charming steam trains offer a unique and wonderful day out around Snowdonia.
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are renowned as the oldest independent railway company in the world today. In May 2007, the company celebrated the 175th anniversary of the founding of the line. Originally, the Ffestiniog railway lines were powered by gravity and the weight of the slate they transported, using only the brakes to increase or decrease speed with their weight filled wagons. It was only in the 1860s that steam locomotives were introduced; still in use today, the carriages now transport people through the wonderful scenery of Snowdonia National Park. Its headquarters set in the heart of Porthmadog, the line runs all the way to Blaenau Ffestiniog which is then shared with the larger Conwy Valley Line. The stops along the Welsh Highland Railways are old slate towns that make beautiful tourist locations with phenomenal backdrops, but between these you can expect to see the most luscious greenery and undisturbed views.
Running for just over seven miles from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, the Talyllyn Railway in mid-Wales passes through beautiful Welsh forestry and falls where you can stop off and catch a later returning train. The original narrow gauge steam locomotives offer a delightful trip, with packages tailored for any occasion. The station has a Narrow Gauge Railway Museum which celebrates Reverend W. V. Awdry - creator of Thomas the Tank Engine - who was an early volunteer on the Talyllyn Railway. The licensed cafe and bistro on site also make the experience even more pleasurable, allowing you enjoy a bite to eat or a glass of wine. The Abergynolwyn station, on the B4405 is only half a mile from the end the Talyllyn railway line using road access and is therefore reasonably accessible to get to.
Llanberis Lake Railway, set in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, provides a relaxing and enjoyable ride along the shores of Padarn Lake. Starting from Llanberis the train will take you past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, along Afon y Bala before entering Padarn Country Park and joining the original railway line alongside Lake Padarn, the larger of the two lakes in Llanberis. The outward journey is to Penllyn, where you'll enjoy outstanding views of Snowdon and surrounding mountains along the way. On your way back, the steam train makes a stop at Cei Llydan. The stop allows you to break your route up and make more of your experience by visiting the Slate Museum, the old Quarry Hospital or maybe have a picnic or a walk along one of the many forest paths. In all, the five mile route takes around one hour to complete, and you can still have time to visit some of the other attractions such Electric Mountain, and visit Llanberis itself.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway train up to the summit really is an adventure everyone should experience. One of the most unique experiences in North Wales, this train takes you all the way up to the Snowdon Summit. Since 1986, visitors from all over the world have travelled on the train, but only since 2009 have been able to experience the Snowdon Visitor Centre. The centre, which complements the natural landscape of the mountain, offers a great place to rest and get refreshed before your return trip. With that, it sells a range of foods and drinks that to enjoy in front of panoramic windows of the surrounding mountains along with a handy little gift store. Located close to the Lake Railway, you can enjoy the two in a day if you set aside enough time.
Barmouth is also a beautiful sea side destination easily accessible via the main line train. The route offers lovely scenery no matter which route you take. Being a popular seaside destination with a long and clear beach, the best time to visit is in summer when you can see the town at its best. During the summer youll find plenty of little ice cream stores and kiosks along the promenade. In town, there are also plenty of shops selling all kinds of products and gifts so suit adults and the little ones and so it makes for a classic sea side destination but with extra beauty in natural backdrops and surroundings.
