Nine of the most enchanting train rides in Wales

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!

- Portia Jones reports

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.