During our recent visit to Anglesey we had a break from walking or sea fishing and took a rail journey, by steam, from Caernarfon to Porthmadoc on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway.
The scenery was magnificent as the train wound its way through the mountain of Snowdonia, made more so by the fact that we’d upgraded our seats to first class (it’s unlikely we’ll do it again for some time so we splashed out) so we were in the observation carriage at the end of the train which had a huge curved glass window at the rear, giving great views of the mountains and hills of North Wales as we sped (or trundled) past.
The carriage was amazing, with beautiful woodwork and individual small armchairs and although the snacks and drinks were basic they were of good quality and the service was great, especially considering that most of the ‘staff’ were volunteers.
At the other end we had a fish and chip lunch at the award winning Spooner’s Café & Bar – in Harbour Station then spent a few hours exploring Porthmadog harbour and Borth-y-Gest before reversing the journey.
Our return train was pulled by a different engine and we travelled in a ‘Pullman’ coach which was exceptionally comfortable – made more so by the fine bottle of Madog’s Ale, brewed in Porthmadog, I consumed along the way.
If the weather forcaste looks good, and you’ve nothing planned, I thoroughly recommend it.
