Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon
50 miles return to Porthmadog ·
About
The narrow-gauge Welsh Highland Railway starts from its own station on St Helen's Road, under the castle walls by Slate Quay, and runs 25 miles across the foothills of Yr Wyddfa to Porthmadog, per the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. It is a heritage line with its own tickets, not part of the national network. From Caernarfon the Gelert Explorer leaves at 11:10 for Beddgelert, with up to 75 minutes in the village, and is back at 15:25; the Snowdonia Star goes the whole way to Porthmadog and back, about six hours. The railway says the Snowdonia Star is hauled by one of its Beyer Garratt locomotives. Caffi De Winton in the station does breakfast and coffee before the train.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Gelert Explorer: 11:10 from Caernarfon, back 15:25
- ✓Snowdonia Star: coast to coast to Porthmadog
- ✓Children ride for a flat £5 on standard services
Tips
- →Prices online carry a 6 per cent booking fee; booking online guarantees your seats.
- →Wheelchair and mobility scooter users book by phone on 01766 516024.
- →Slate Quay car park beside the station is private pay and display with 295 spaces, per the railway.
Best Season
Accessibility
Wheelchair and mobility scooter users should book by phone so space can be arranged.
More Heritage Activities
Caernarfon Castle
Edward I's castle at the foot of Y Maes, run by Cadw; the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is inside.
Caernarfon Town Walls
The medieval circuit round the old town, free to walk round but closed on top for safety.
Segontium Roman Fort
The foundations of the Roman fort that gave Caernarfon its name; check Cadw's access dates first.