Trains

We are very fortunate in having seven steam railways within one hours drive of Gwrach Ynys.

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway

Porthmadog- fifteen minutes’ drive – the starting point of both spectacular train journeys

The Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway with almost 200 years of history, taking you on a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. On the journey the trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round tight bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or tunnelling through it.

 

The Welsh Highland Railway

Is the UK’s longest heritage railway and runs for 25 miles from the Ffestiniog Railway terminus in Porthmadog all the way to Caernarfon. A spectacular journey. through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass, the picture postcard village of Beddgelert onwards to Rhyd Ddu skirting the foot of Snowdon, Waunfawr to Caernarfon home to Wales’s most famous castle and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A full day out stating from Porthmadog around 10.00am and returning around 4.30pm. For timetables see the website.

 

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Station at Llanberis about 45 minutes’ drive from GY

Snowdon Mountain Railway has been welcoming visitors to experience the awe-inspiring journey by rack railway to the summit of Snowdon since 1896. It has been described as one of the most unique and wonderful railway journeys in the world. As you make your way up the mountain, you’ll experience breathtaking views and uncover the mountain’s hidden secrets, from viaducts, waterfalls, and gorges to the remnants of abandoned farms, chapels, and medieval settlements. From the summit enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view and on a clear day you may be able to see the Wicklow hills in Ireland

A round trip to the summit is approximately 2.5 hours, which includes a 30-minute stopover at the UK’s highest visitor centre, Hafod Eryri. Remember to take your camera and a warm coat.

 

You may also like to take a ride on:

Talyllyn Railway – Tywyn The world’s first preserved steam railway. A seven-mile scenic journey through the woodlands and meadows of the Fathew Valley to Abergynolwyn within sight of Wales’ second highest mountain, Cadair Idris.

Fairbourne Railway – Experience the beauty of the Mawddach Estuary on this miniature, half-sized coastal railway. Connecting the village of Fairbourne with the sea at Barmouth Ferry.

Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid Bala Lake Railway, a 9-mile return journey alongside Bala Lake

Llyn Padarn Lake Llanberis five-mile return journey alongside Llyn Padarn lake on a heritage steam locomotive.

The Cambrian Coast Railway

The line runs between Aberystwyth and Pwllheli (change at Machynlleth), following the curve of Cardigan Bay. The Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury connects the coastline with the Midlands and the rest of the UK.

The Guardian newspaper celebrated the Cambrian Coast Railway as one of the world’s 10 epic train journeys in 2016. Completed by 1869, this incredible feat of Victorian engineering follows our beautiful coastline for most of the journey, showcasing the sandy beaches, coastal villages, and outstanding views of the Cambrian Bay. The railway line is dramatic; in places it clings to high cliffs and burrows through tunnels hewn from the rock.

Catch the train at Harlech station and go north to Pwllheli or south to Machynlleth The train ride itself can be a relaxing day without the car, with several places to stop and explore along the way.