A festive rail journey through Snowdonia National Park
Sit back and relax as you enjoy a special Christmas journey through the beautiful landscapes of Snowdonia National Park.
About your journey:
- Departure from: Porthmadog Harbour Station, LL49 9NF
- Journey duration: Approx. 2 hours and 50 minutes, including a break at Blaenau Ffestiniog to stretch your legs, take some photos, get some refreshments and admire the locomotive before the return journey.
- Catering: Cold drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, a range of snacks, including sandwiches and meal deals, available on board the train. Spooner's Café / Bar open from 09:00 – 21:00, serving breakfasts, light bites and evening meals, with take away options available
- Toilets: Small toilet cubicle on board train, with main toilet facilities available at both Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog stations.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed in standard class and require a ticket.
Please note: The 'Christmas Mountain Spirit' service is NOT a 'Santa Train' service... i.e. Santa will not be on-board for this journey.
What you will see:
Starting at Porthmadog, ride the full length Ffestiniog Railway. Modern carriages from the railway's own workshops and normally hauled by an iconic double fairlie locomotive, this train offers excellent views of the beautiful Vale of Ffestiniog with an interval at Blaenau Ffestiniog, the slate quarrying town that once "Roofed the World".
The scenery continually changes as the train crosses the estuary along the Cob embankment before climbing up the valley, through pastures and villages, then entering the ancient wooded slopes of the valley side.
Shortly after picturesque Tan-y-Bwlch station, the train leaves the trees behind as it clings to the valley side. After rounding the spiral at Dduallt and passing through the tunnel, the train emerges beside Llyn Ystradau reservoir and the slate tips beckon.