Welsh Highland Railway - North Wales, UK
Posted by: 
Dragontree
N 53° 00.715 W 004° 06.488
30U E 425654 N 5874170
This fantastic scenic railway is a dream come true.
Waymark Code: WM6N9V
Location: North Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 06/25/2009
Views: 9
After many years in a state of abandonment this gorgeous railway line has been brought back to life. We chose to ride on the section between Beddgelert and Hafod y Llyn on our trip through the famous Aberglaslyn Pass and tunnels. It was 12 years ago that Female Dragontree walked through these tunnels and now everyone is able to take a train ride through them.
The Welsh Highland Railway runs from Caernarfon to Hafod y Llyn with the ultimate ambition being to Porthmadog due to open after summer 2009. This takes you from coast to coast through Snowdonia National Park in all its glory.
The line hugs the coast as it traverses from Caernafon to Dinas where the Welsh Highland Railway workshops are located. Then as it turns inland Welsh farmland and woodland is followed through the valley to Waunfawr village. From here the line climbs through the foothills of Snowdon and along the edge of Llyn Cwellyn.
There is a station at Snowdon Ranger Halt and Rhyd Ddu passing the routes up Snowdon itself. The train climbs leaving a spectacular view of where you have weaved your way through the landscape.
From Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert is reached by a steep decline zig-zagging down to the picturesque village. This is where we joined the train for a 50 minute trip to the end of the line and back. Aberglaslyn Pass was recently voted the best view in Britain with its tunnels, the lovely River Glaslyn and wooded valleys.
The train is a steam locomotive running on 2' gauge and being the largest in the world. There are open-sided coaches, which we chose upon recommendation from Bryn Bella, and saloons and carriages. There are also toilets and a buffet service on board.
The trip from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu is 12 miles, to Beddgelert is 16.5 miles and to Hafod y Llyn is 19.5 miles. Fares are advertised on each station with concessions available and children under three being free. Children aged between 3-15 travel free with each paying adult/concession. Seats can be booked and dogs and bicycles can travel too.
Tickets are available from the platforms when they are open or on board the train from the guard.
Engine Type: Steam
Gauge of Railway: Narrow
Approximate Adult Fare: 25.00 (listed in local currency)
Approximate Child Fare: 12.00 (listed in local currency)
Type: Spur (out and back)
Length of Route: 19.5 miles
Dates of Operation: From: 04/01/2009 To: 10/31/2009
Key Attractions:
Snowdonia National Park with its many attractions at every stop
Railroad Website: [Web Link]
Frequency of departures: Not listed
Does this Scenic Railroad Provide: Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Trains?: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:Provide a picture of something with the train. Possible photos include the entertainment on board the train, the train itself at any location along the route, a picture of the scenery with part of the train in view, the kids borrowing the engineer’s hat. Show us you had a good time visiting the train. If the train isn't running when you visit get a photo of one of the many railway related items that can be found in locations like this.