The Narrow Guage Railways of Wales

One of the most satisfying ways to see Snowdonia's lush and dramatic countryside is by rail. It's more eco-friendly than using a car, and the novelty of riding a narrow gauge steam railway is a delight for young and old alike.

Steam locomotives were a common sight throughout Britain until the mid-20th century, when they were gradually replaced by engines powered by diesel and electricity. But diesel and electric engines, while faster than steam locomotives, don't have quite the same charm and romance as a chuffing, chugging plume of steam zig-zagging across the open countryside, through mountain-hewn tunnels and over picturesque bridges.

The remaining steam locomotives in Britain are used almost exclusively for sightseeing these days. And nowhere is this truer, perhaps, than in the Snowdonia region of North Wales, where a trip on a narrow gauge steam railway is one of the nicest ways to enjoy the mountains, coast, lakes and lush countryside of Snowdonia, whatever the weather.

The Journeys

There are particular methods of travel that make the most of your surroundings. A journey on board one of the many narrow gauge steam trains of Wales is certainly the best way to enjoy the magnificent landscape of the country. Enjoy stunning views from high in the mountains or along scenic lakes. Snowdonia's unique narrow-gauge railways will take you on a trip that you won't soon forget. We've got a variety of great little steam trains in North Wales, from relaxing little lakeside journeys to trains that climb Mount Snowdon.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Since 1896 visitors from around the world have travelled on Snowdon Mountain Railway. Trains travel to the Summit of Snowdon,which at 3,560ft (1085m), is the highest mountain in England and Wales, where the surrounding countryside boasts dramatic landscape and scenery. This unique railway is one of the most popular visitor attractions in North Wales.

For more than 115 years holidaymakers and day-trippers have been appreciating the truly spectacular views they have experienced while claiming the ascent of Snowdon. As the train climbs through the atmospheric landscape of Snowdon, passengers can absorb themselves in the rich myth, legend and history Snowdonia has to offer. Based on Victorian engineering Snowdon Mountain Railway is the only public rack and pinion railway in the United Kingdom and a true majestic mountain top adventure.

Location: Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4TY. Ph: 08444 938 120

Ffestiniog Railway

Established by an Act of Parliament way back in 1832, the Ffestiniog Railway is truly a 'Great Little Railway' and is the oldest independent railway company in the World today. In May 2007 we proudly celebrated the 175th Anniversary if the grounding of the line.

Originally built to serve the slate industry of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the line used to be operated by gravity. Wagons laden with slate, rumbled down the hillside, kept under control by intrepid brakemen who leapt from wagon to wagon tightening or loosening the brakes while their colleague on the front wagon blew his horn to warn others of its passage. Steam locomotives were introduced in the 1860s and today, some of those same little engines haul carriages of holidaymakers through the stunning scenery of the Snowdonia National Park.

Blaenau Ffestiniog, at the head of the valley still bears the scars of its industrial past with slate tips all around. One of these quarries is open to the public and makes and interesting addition to your day out. Porthmadog's Harbour Station, the headquarters of the railway, is where most trains start and finish.

Location: Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NF. Ph: 01766 516000

Welsh Highland Railway

The Welsh Highland Railway - train travel as it used to be. Take a trip on the new Welsh Highland Railway has to be one of the most spectacular ways to see the awe-inspiring scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. Sitting in the comfort of one of the first class Pullman carriages is surely one of the finest experiences in North Wales, as is the excitement of riding in one of the open carriages behind the world's most powerful narrow gauge steam locomotives. The Beyer Garratt NG/G16.

Weighing in at over 60 tons, these magnificent locos are more powerful than many standard gauge steam engines and the sound of them working hard up the toughest railway in the UK is an experience to be savoured by any steam enthusiast - a solid six miles of 1 in 40 gradient is as tough as it gets.

Starting from beneath the castle walls in historic Caernarfon, the railway climbs to the foot of Snowdon before dropping again to sea level at the harbour in Porthmadog. The original railway closed in 1936, but has now been completely rebuilt by volunteers. With the final section of the 25 mile line between Caernarfon and the world-famous Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog now open, you can be amongst the first to experience this unique journey.

Location: Caernarfon, c/o Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NF. Ph: 01766 516000

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is a small, friendly railway where the train ride is just part of the experience. Our vintage train also stops at the sheds, where you can get off for a guided, hands-on tour. Our trains are pulled by vintage steam locomotives, or by heritage diesel engines. Climb on board one of our old fashioned carriages, some of which are over 100 years old. You could travel in the coach that used to carry bombs, or see where the Prime Minister sat when he visited the railway in 1892!

When your train reaches the end of our one-mile demonstration line, at Pen-y-Mount Junction, you can watch the guard changing the points and signals so that the locomotive can run round, and enjoy the ambience of a typical 1920s-style WHR rural station. As your ticket lasts all day, why not go for a walk on the Traeth, and return to the station for a later train?

Location: Tremadog Road, Porthmadog LL49 9DY. Ph: 01766 513402

Bala Lake Railway

Bala Lake Railway occupies the trackbed of the former Ruabon Barmouth line of the Great Western Railway between the peaceful village of Llanuwchllyn and what was Pen-y-Bont Halt on the opposite side of Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) to the market town of Bala. Opened as a narrow gauge railway in 1972, we are one of the youngest of the narrow gauge railways, although the steam locomotives we normally use are over 100 years old.

The railway, whilst being relatively young in narrow gauge terms, uses the original standard gauge station buildings and signal box. Whilst there have been considerable changes the character of the buildings remains. The smaller scale of the railways operation and the old buildings and locomotives means the railway has all the charm of the old fashioned narrow gauge railway, and it remains a place where the staff and volunteers have time to deal with passengers on an almost individual basis.

Our steam locomotives are all ex-quarry engines, all but one from the slate quarry at Llanberis. Four of the loco's were built by the Hunslet Engine Company and are all over 100 years old. The odd one out is a Pecket built locomotive from 1911 and was used by Rugby Portland Cement at Southam.

Location: The Station, Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd LL23 7DD. Ph: 01678 540666

Llanberis Lake Railway

Situated in the heart of Snowdonia, and with a terminus at the foot of Snowdon, the Llanberis Lake Railway offers a delightfully relaxed steam train ride along the shores of Padarn Lake. Starting from Llanberis the little trains take you past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, birthplace of the Welsh Prince Llywelyn the Great, along the new extension and across Afon y Bala, possibly Britain's shortest river, before entering Padarn Country Park and joining the original slate railway route alongside lake Padarn, the largest of the two lakes in Llanberis. The outward journey takes you non-stop to Penllyn, and along the way there are magnificent views of Snowdon and the surrounding high peaks.

On the return journey the train stops briefly at Cei Llydan, mid-way along the lake. Passengers may alight here and use the lakeside picnic area, or visit the nearby (independently operated) children's play area.

Location: Gilfach Ddu, Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4TY. Ph: 01286 870549

Talyllyn Railway

The Talyllyn Railway starts from Tywyn on the Mid-Wales coast, halfway between Barmouth and Aberystwyth on the A493 road. Opened in 1865, the line, which is narrow gauge powered by coal fired steam locomotives, was built to carry slate from quarries in the hills. The quarries closed in 1946 but the daily passenger train carried on, and now the terminus is at Nant Gwernol, a station over seven miles from Tywyn with no road access. Abergynolwyn station, on the B4405, is half a mile from the end of the line and has road access with a car park. In 1952 the railway was takes over by the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society, the first such in the world, and it is the volunteer members of the Society together with a small dedicated full time workforce who run the Railway today. The original two steam locomotives and four passenger coacher are still in regular use, together with others which have been built or acquired over the years.

In 2005 the new 60 seat station cafe - the Porters Platter - was opened at Tywyn Wharf station together with an enlarged gift shop. The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum also opened at the same time. This features two floors of large and small exhibits illustrating the development of narrow gauge railways to suit various industries. The Revd W Awdry, one of the first volunteer Guards on the Talyllyn, has a special section dealing with his series of Railway books for children. Entry is free to Groups. All the main facilities are gathered under one roof and full provision is made for disabled passengers. Wharf Station has a large car park and free parking for coaches.

Abergynolwyn station features a cafe, small shop and toilets and disabled facilities. The Railway Adventure playground is a magnet for children of all ages. At Dolgoch you can walk around majestic waterfalls and there are country walks to suit everybody from the intermediate stations and halts.

Location: Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9EY. Ph: 01654 710472

Fairbourne Miniature Railway

The Fairbourne Railway has a unique story with four different track gauges in a hundred years. Built initially as a horse-drawn tramway and converted to a miniature steam railway in 1916 it has carried passengers continuously, aside from World War II, since 1895.

After leaving the village of Fairbourne, the journey offers unsurpassed views of the Mawddach Estuary and Cadair Idris mountains before arriving at Barmouth Ferry Station. From here it is possible to take a short boat ride into Barmouth town and make a day of it. The steam locomotives are half-sized replicas of narrow gauge engines and are a delight to children because of their small size.

Location: Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd LL38 2EX. Ph: 01341 250362

Corris Railway

The Corris Railway was the first Narrow Gauge railway in Mid-Wales. Built originally in 1859 as a 2' 3" gauge horse-hauled tramroad, steam locomotives arrived in 1878 and passengers were carried from 1883 to 1930. The Railway closed in 1948 and was dismantled soon afterwards. The Museum opened in 1970 and passenger services recommenced in 2002, with regular steam-hauled services returning in 2005, operated by volunteer members of the Corris Railway Society.

The museum is open on these days between 10:30am and 5:30pm and trains leave Corris station on the hour from 11:00am until 4:00pm. The round trip taking 50 minutes, including a guided tour of the old engine shed and workshops at Maespoeth. No single tickets are issued as under planning requirements all journeys must start and end at Corris Station. Passenger services will be steam-hauled whenever possible, but this cannot be guaranteed. Please phone on the day to check which locomotive will be operating.

Location: Corris Railway, Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys. SY20 9SH. Ph: 01745 337821