What are the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways?
The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are heritage railway lines in Snowdonia in North Wales. The Ffestiniog Railway runs 13.5 miles through woodlands from Porthmadog to Blaenau-Ffestiniog. The Welsh Highland Railway runs for 25 miles from Porthmadog to Caernarfon, passing the foot of Mount Snowdon.
What are the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways like?
We went on the Woodland Wanderer, which took us on a 30-minute journey with a short break at Tan-y-Bwlch before coming back again. It was really enjoyable - you book a compartment and have great views of the climb into the woods.
Where are the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways?
Wales, UK
When did we go?
June 2022
How did we get to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways?
They were part of a little weekend road trip. I went by train to Bangor, then hired a car to drive around Snowdonia (161) with my friends SJ and Steph. I also went to Portmeirion (476).
Worth noting
The Welsh Highland Railway is the longest heritage railway in the world. The Festiniog Railway Company (with one F) is the world's oldest surviving railway company, having been created in 1832.
Where were the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways on the 2015 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
They were a new entry for 2020.
Do the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?
I'm a bit surprised they're on there ahead of the Statue of Liberty and other places, but it's a great experience so I would say yes.
