The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Ffestiniog and the Welsh Highland railways is the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway with almost 200 years of history, taking you on a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Outstanding scenery, comfortable carriages and historic steam engines await you here in the heart of Snowdonia. Glorious coastlines, ancient oak woodlands, mountains, rivers and castles, all beckon as you embark on your journey on our award winning railways. With some of the most comfortable carriages on any preserved railway – standard or narrow gauge – you can step back in time to a more civilised age. Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Snowdonia in comfort, with at-seat buffet service, snacks, refreshments and a fully-licenced bar featuring locally-brewed award-winning beers. Our historic trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round tight bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or tunnelling through it. The Ffestiniog and the Welsh Highland railways is the UK’s longest heritage railway and runs for 25 miles from Caernarfon, past the foot of Snowdon and the picture postcard village of Beddgelert, then through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog. Passengers ride in some of the most comfortable carriages on any heritage railway in the UK, including first class Pullman luxury and freshly-cooked food delivered to your seat. 2019 saw the opening of the new £3.5 million Caernarfon Station, offering greatly-improved passenger facilities. The new building befits the spectacular surroundings and provides a fitting gateway into the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.