Vintage Ffestiniog experience is the description given by the Ffestiniog and the Welsh Highland Railway of their new rail journey service “The Victorian”
FFWHR tell Welsh Country their plans for the 2024 season.
“ ‘The Victorian’ service gives you a Vintage Ffestiniog experience, riding in some of our beautifully preserved heritage carriages in the original ornate livery of the Victorian era, hauled by a traditional Ffestiniog locomotive.
Upon arrival at Harbour Station (Portghmadog), passengers will be greeted on the platform before taking their seats, ready for a leisurely mid-morning departure. Sit back and enjoy the journey as you set off from Harbour Station across the iconic Cob causeway.
Boston Lodge, our historic workshops, are situated at the other end of the Cob*, so look out to the right of the train for a glimpse into this amazing site that has seen locomotives built in three different centuries and is still building and repairing locomotives and carriages today.
We are grateful to grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable extensive work to preserve Boston Lodge whilst enhancing it for the future.
The Vintage Ffestiniog experience continues through majestic forests as it steams its way up the Vale of Ffestiniog to the idyllic Tan-y-Bwlch station, set in the heart of the woodlands of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
During the hour interval break at Tan-y-Bwlch station, passengers can explore the picturesque woodland trails and enjoy a tasty treat from the Tearooms, as you admire the woodland birds flocking to the bird table! It’s also an opportunity to read some of our fascinating Interpretation boards, which provide an insight into our rich and varied history.
Following the interval break, the train will then make its way back down the valley to Porthmadog, where you’ll get another chance to admire the dramatic views!
Our ‘The Victorian’ experience will run on select days throughout April and May, with tickets available to buy on our website or by calling our Booking Office: 01766 516024
Please note, further dates may be added in future subject to demand.
Once you’ve travelled on our ‘The Victorian’ service, make sure you pencil in a date in the diary to visit the Talyllyn Railways, who will be offering their very own ‘Slate Trail’ train experiences. The Ffestiniog and Talyllyn Railways are proud to be part of the UNESCO Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales as both were built to service the slate industry.”
Vintage Ffestiniog experience also gives the passenger the chance to experience the best of ‘Eryri’ (Snowdonia) with other steam services …
“Our trains steam through the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park) offering a truly unique way to experience the splendours of this remarkable area of North Wales!
Picture yourself sat in one of our comfortable carriages, gazing out at the majestic mountains, glistening lakes, and spectacular coastlines, on board one of our comfortable carriages, being hauled by one of our historic heritage steam engines!
So whether your chosen service allows you to sightsee the historic Castle walled streets of Caernarfon, enjoy a riverside work in the picturesque village of Beddgelert or gaze up at the dramatic slate landscapes of Blaenau Ffestiniog… there’s something to suit everyone!
While all this may seem a million miles away from city life… the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are ideally placed in the North Western corner of Wales. There’s easy access to Caernarfon, where our Northern Terminus on the Welsh Highland Railway is located, just 15 minutes off the A55 North Wales Coast Expressway, making the Welsh Highland Railway only two hours away from much of the North West.
Our Gelert Explorer service departs at 1130 and returns at 1600 with pre-order picnic hampers available and 90 minutes to explore Beddgelert, making it an ideal trip for a day out in Snowdonia.
Our longer services such as the Snowdonia Star (departures from Caernarfon) and The Harbourmaster (departures from Porthmadog) give a full railway day out with time to explore the other end of the line, but back in time for a stroll and a nice meal to round off the day.
For families, the popular Woodland Wanderer (departures from Porthmadog) is a brilliant options! It’s great for those with small children and Dogs as it offers an hour intermediate break at Tan-y-Bwlch station, providing an opportunity to explore the various woodland walks or enjoy a little something from the station tearooms while the kids let off steam in the play area!
If this sounds like your kind of thing, then head over to our website, browse through our various journey options, pick your favourite and book your ticket, it’s that simple!
Full details on all our 2024 services can be found on the ‘Train Services’ page on our website www.festrail.co.uk and we have added a simple timetable to give more detail for each service.”
*Welsh Country has more about the Cob Toll House at www.welshcountry.co.uk/welsh-slate-and-porthmadogs-the-cob-toll-house/
