Rheilffordd Eryri - The Welsh Highland Railway

Winter timetable currently in operation; summer timetable dates to be added shortly

The Welsh Highland Railway is a narrow gauge line, presently based at Caernarfon in Wales. The exciting news is that during 2009, the line will be doubled in length to more than 25 miles, making it the longest preserved railway in the United Kingdom. Regular steam trains presently ply the steeply-graded 12½ mile line to Rhyd Ddu, and the heavy trains are normally hauled by large 'Garratt' type articulated steam engines, as shown below. The line is expected to be extended to Beddgelert at Easter 2009, and all the way to Porthmadog in July 2009, meeting with its sister railway, the Ffestiniog Railway .

One of the unusual 'Garratt' typearticulated locomotives on the Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon)
Main information telephone number: 01766 516000
 
  Steam trains operating regularly? Yes
  Diesel trains operating regularly? On certain dates and services - see timetable
Main Station/Centre Address (July 2009):

Harbour Station ,
Porthmadog,
Gwynedd
LL49 9NF

 
Other Stations:

Caernarfon, Dinas, Waunfawr, Rhyd Ddu

Beddgelert (opening Easter 2009), Porthmadog (opening July 2009)

 
Web-site address: www.festrail.co.uk
 
Length of line: 12½ miles (extending to 25 during 2009)
 
Ample car parking is available on site at Caernarfon, Dinas, Waunfawr, Rhyd Ddu and Porthmadog, for a modest £1 daily charge.
 
Other local amenities:
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Standard Ticket Prices (other fares available, different fares and restrictions may apply on Special Event days, including Santa Specials):
  Adult Day Rover: £    
 

Child Day Rover (age 5 - 15):

 £ All prices yet to be confirmed, due to works on  
  Senior Day Rover: £ railway extension. Please contact the  
 

Dogs and cycles (charge per return journey):

  railway directly for more information.  
   

 
Operating Dates (click on a coloured date to display the timetable for that date): Winter dates only at present
Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) operating dates 2009
 
Catering facilities available:
 

PORTHMADOG (from July 2009) - A cafeteria is available, serving hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks. Prices not yet available.

 
 
A buffet service is available on normal service trains.
         
FACILITIES FOR DISABLED VISITORS and FAMILIES WITH PRAMS OR PUSHCHAIRS:
 

The low-level platforms at Caernarfon, Dinas, Rhyd Ddu and Porthmadog are easily accessible. Disabled lavatories are available, and adapted rolling stock is available on most service trains.

Some halts have limited disabled access; please contact the railway for details.
 
 
 
FAMILY FACILITIES:
  Baby change facilities are available at Caernarfon and Porthmadog, and plenty of children's gifts are available in the well-stocked gift shops at both these stations.
 
 
OTHER FACILITIES:

Books, DVDs, postcards and other small gifts are also available in the shops.
 
PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS
 

The nearest National Rail Network stations are Porthmadog and Bangor.

Caernarfon bus station is an easy 5-minute walk from the railway station.

 
 
 

 

PRESERVEDRAILWAYS.ORG.UK REVIEW:

Our reviewers have not visited this site yet; a review will be undertaken during the 2009 season.