Try GOLD - Free
Nine of the most enchanting train rides in Wales
Western Mail
|September 13, 2025
ACROSS the nation, several steam train journeys and vintage carriages provide glorious views of our countryside and coastline. Some are powered by steam, others by diesel, and if you're lucky, you might even find a special “whisky-tasting” journey for the grownups. Cheers!
If you're looking for something different to do this autumn, why not pack a picnic, board a vintage train, and enjoy rolling views and the slow rhythm of a chugging train?
Here are some of our favourite places for train adventures that the whole family will love...
FFESTINIOG RAILWAY, PORTHMADOG
The Ffestiniog Railway is the world's oldest narrow-gauge railway, with almost 200 years of history. It takes you on a scenic 13½-mile journey from the pretty harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Their historic trains climb over 700ft from sea-level into the mountains through dense forests, past lakes and waterfalls and around tight corners while hugging the rocky peaks or tunnelling right through them.
There are several routes you can take on their award-winning railways, including the Gelert Explorer, which runs from Caernarfon to Beddgelert and back; the Harbourmaster, running from Porthmadog and Caernarfon and back; and Woodland Wanderer, which begins at Porthmadog and will take you to Tan-y-Bwlch and back.
Your mighty ride for the day? One of Ffestiniog's iconic Double Fairlie locomotives. These double-ended engines were designed 150 years ago to chug the steep hills and tight bends of Eryri.
Each was hand-built at the historic Boston Lodge works - Merddin Emrys from 1879, David Lloyd George from 1992, and the gleaming new James Spooner, fresh on the rails from late 2023.
For extra luxury, opt for the Gold Service and travel in the swish first-class Pullman carriages.
■www.festrail.co.uk
THE VALE OF RHEIDOL RAILWAY
The Vale of Rheidol Railway has been in operation for 122 years and takes you deep into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.
This story is from the September 13, 2025 edition of Western Mail.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Western Mail
Western Mail
Allen announces West End Girl tour dates – including one in Wales
LILY Allen will bring the tour for her new album, West End Girl, to Wales.
2 mins
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
Roberts: Back three will make difference in an attacking team
RUGBY legend Jamie Roberts has chosen his starting Wales XV for the upcoming autumn internationals.
3 mins
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
Councillor questions carbon reduction policies
A MERTHYR Tydfil councillor has claimed the council does not need to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions.
1 min
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
School safety fear as parents call for crossing
TWO mothers are campaigning for a zebra crossing outside their children’s school after two pupils were hit by cars in the first week of term.
1 mins
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
Bus strikes planned as drivers walk out over pay
MAJOR disruption is expected across southwest Wales as a series of bus strikes are set to go ahead, following the rejection of a new pay offer by workers at First Cymru.
1 mins
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
Plans for major employment site to boost growth
PLANS for a major employment site in Merthyr Tydfil have been revealed.
1 mins
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
My husband died and I never felt so let down - now I need your help
Ellie James' husband Owain died of a brain tumour and she is campaigning for a law in his memory, called Owain's Law. She recently spoke to MPs in Parliament to explain the law she wants brought in and why she wants it. Here are her words...
5 mins
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
School goes from partial to full mobile phone ban
THE headteacher of a secondary school in Cardiff has said he is going to ban mobile phones after a trial showed pupils at his school without their phones talked to each other more.
2 mins
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
Labour and Plaid groups in Caerphilly looking for new leaders
THE Labour and Plaid Cymru groups in Caerphilly County Borough Council are both preparing to choose new leaders.
1 mins
October 31, 2025
Western Mail
Reddin floats Anglo-Welsh contest
DAVE Reddin has revealed talks have been held between the Welsh Rugby Union and the Rugby Football Union around creating an Anglo-Welsh competition.
2 mins
October 31, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size