Discover the joys of the Ffestiniog Railway's flagship service
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".
About your Journey:
- Departure from: Porthmadog Harbour Station, LL49 9NF
- Journey duration: Approx. 3 hours, including a break at Blaenau Ffestiniog to stretch your legs, take some photos, get some refreshments and admire the locomotive before the return journey.
- Ticket Type: Standard class
- Catering: Take away picnic boxes from Blaenau Ffestiniog are available to purchase in advance. 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.
What you will see:
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.
Each section has its fascinating story and your journey is much enhanced by the Traveller’s Guide with its open out map and line guide to enable you to follow the route.