The Great Little Trains of Wales
Last Updated: May 6, 2008
Copyright © 2007 Bruce Yarborough. All rights reserved.
Web: http://www.festrail.co.uk
Blaenau Ffestiniog, at the head of the valley still bears the scars of its industrial past with slate tips all around. One of these quarries is open to the public and makes an interesting addition to your day out. The station is situated in the centre of the town on the A470 and is shared with the Conwy Valley Line which runs from the North Wales coastal resort of Llandudno, connecting with the main line at Llandudno Junction.
Porthmadog’s Harbour Station, the headquarters of the railway, is where most trains start and finish. The station is situated on the A487 at the eastern end of the town. Our main gift shop here offers a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs and also supplies the on-line shop www.festshop.co.uk. A visit to Spooner’s Café and Bar in the old station goods shed is a must, with a wide selection of food and beverages on offer. Spooner’s is justly proud to have won a CAMRA award for ‘Local Pub of the Year’ three times in the last four years.
The Ffestiniog is easily accessible by public transport with main line connections at Blaenau Ffestiniog and Minffordd stations and many stations on regular bus routes. For more information on how to find us, what is happening, and how to make the most of your visit, please visit our website www.festrail.co.uk A visit to the Ffestiniog Railway is ‘history on the move’ and a whole lot more too! Your GLTW Discount Card also entitles you to discounts at the following accommodation providers. Please Note: You must disclose that you are a GLTW card holder at the time of booking and show your card on arrival.
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Ffestiniog Railway,
Originally built to serve the slate industry of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the line used to be operated by gravity. Wagons laden with slate, rumbled down the hillside, kept under control by intrepid brakesmen who leapt from wagon to wagon tightening or loosening the brakes while their colleague on the front wagon blew his horn to warn others of its passage. Steam locomotives were introduced in the 1860s and, today, some of those same little engines haul carriages of holidaymakers through the stunning scenery of the Snowdonia National Park.
Tan-y-Bwlch Station, half way along the line, is situated just off the main valley in the Merionydd Oakwoods. There are many nature trails starting at the station so it is a good place to break your journey and explore. The licensed café, open Easter to October, serves a tempting selection of hot and cold snacks. The café is licensed for weddings and makes an unusual setting for your special day.
We have special events throughout the year and also host a ‘Guest Driver’ programme. 
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