The Welsh Mountaineer
Saturday 12th July 2008
Blaenau Ffestiniog, high in the Welsh mountains, is a new destination for the Railway Touring Company giving customers in the North West the opportunity to travel by steam train along the scenic North Wales coast and through the beautiful Conway Valley.
Our train departs Manchester Victoria steam hauled by Black 5 45407 and BR Standard 76079. It calls to pick up more customers at Newton le Willows, Warrington Bank Quay and Chester before passing through its Roman Walls to cross the River Dee and head into Wales. Out route runs alongside the Dee Estuary and then the Irish Sea passing through Prestatyn and Rhyl, as we follow this coastline known for its beaches. At Colwyn Bay we have a good view of the Great Orme before arriving at Llandudno Junction where our train reverses.
Our two steam locomotives take on water before taking the very steeply graded line to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This line follows the pretty Conway Valley through Llanrwst and into the Snowdonia National Park before Betws-y-Coed. The next part of our journey really makes this railway line something special. We are about to enter the very heart of the Welsh Mountains, our train climbing to reach Blaenau Ffestiniog Tunnel. At over two miles, this is the longest single track tunnel in the country. It is extremely rare for a steam train to travel on this line. Leaving the tunnel we see the old slate quarrying area before arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog where we will have two and a half hours to explore. While here should see a train on the famous Ffestiniog Railway.
Our train departs Blaenau about 17:30 and retraces its steps with our two locomotives back to Llandudno Junction before returning to Manchester Victoria setting down customers as outward.
Our two steam locomotives take on water before taking the very steeply graded line to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This line follows the pretty Conway Valley through Llanrwst and into the Snowdonia National Park before Betws-y-Coed. The next part of our journey really makes this railway line something special. We are about to enter the very heart of the Welsh Mountains, our train climbing to reach Blaenau Ffestiniog Tunnel. At over two miles, this is the longest single track tunnel in the country. It is extremely rare for a steam train to travel on this line. Leaving the tunnel we see the old slate quarrying area before arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog where we will have two and a half hours to explore. While here should see a train on the famous Ffestiniog Railway.
Our train departs Blaenau about 17:30 and retraces its steps with our two locomotives back to Llandudno Junction before returning to Manchester Victoria setting down customers as outward.
Approximate Timings
| Station | Depart | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester Victoria | 08:00 | 22:05 |
| Newton le Willows | 08:30 | 21:35 |
| Warrington Bank Quay | 08:40 | 20:25 |
| Chester | 10:20 | 20:00 |
| Llandudno Junction | 11:50 | 19:00 |
| Blaenau Ffestiniog | 14:15 | 16:30 |
Fares
| Fares | Adult | Junior | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier | £169 | £117 | £500 |
| First | £109 | £60 | £315 |
| Standard | £79 | £44 | £210 |
• Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat.
• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.
• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person.
(subject to availability)
• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.
• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person.
(subject to availability)