THE WELSH HIGHLANDS AND STEAM!

A trip over the Snowdonia Highlands by steam train is an experience not to be missed. The steam line is operated by two entities , the Ffestiniog Railway, operating from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog and the Welsh Highland Railway operating from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. Travelling one way on both takes you from one side of the Highlands to the other which is what we did. 

Llandudno Jct to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The approach to Porthmadog.

We had lunch at Porthmadog which had excellent facilities with bar and restaurant. While here, the train we arrived on prepared for it's return journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

After lunch we boarded for the leg to Caernarfon.

Not ours. we're in cattle class.

This was a great day out seeing some magnificent country. Travelling around the country primarily by train as we are can present its challenges. Without wanting to bore, I will outline the logistics of this trip as an example.
We caught the train from Conwy, where we were staying, at 1019 getting off at Llandudno Jct., the next stop, at 1021 for a 1025 departure to Blaenau Ffestiniog. We arrived at 1130 for a 1135 departure on the steam train, purchasing tickets before departure. Arrived at Porthmodog 1250 departing on the Welsh Highland train at 1410 arriving at Caernarfon 1620. Walked 15 min into town and jumped on a no. 5c bus to Bangor. Caught a 1715 train Bangor to Lladudno Jct, express through Conwy, arriving 1800 then 15 min walk back to Conwy and dinner at an Indian restaurant. We had a 'ball'.

                                        LLANDUDNO.

What is a Llandudno? Well, it is an amazing seaside holiday town in the north of Wales named after the Patron Saint Tudno.. The local area was settled centuries ago but the town was developed as a holiday town in the mid 1800's by Lord Mostyn who's family were huge estate owners and on who's land the town was built. Llandudno is unique in that the height of it's buildings cannot exceed the width of it's thoroughfares. This creates an expansiveness that is not found in the UK and is enhanced by it's amazing architecture. The towns pier, built in the 1870's, is the longest in Wales and has a 'Brighten' feel to it with it's cafes and amusements. 

Well, that's just a snippet of this little piece of Wales.