Then it carried slate, nowits passengers that can enjoy a journey back in time as the ride takes you 700feet above sea level into themountains that iswhere this black goldwas hewed fromthe quarries around Festiniog and protected roofs and buildings all over the UK and the world.
Winding around very tight curves and through narrow cuttings this ride gives great views of the area around Snowdon and its forests, waterfalls and lakes. Also you do not have to leave your seat or miss any of the views as an at seat buffet trolley service will bring you snacks, refreshments and is licensed too!
With these two railways of theWelsh and Festiniog both sharing an interchange at Porthmadog its really excellent place to make themost of two railways in one and again youwait and then two come along!
In 2014 this stationwas improved to allowcross platformaccess for all passengers. Some rail enthusiasts adore narrow gauge some prefer the big stuff, that is standard gauge. For them the choice would be Llangollen as it’s the only standard gauge heritage railway in the NorthWales area.
Travelling along the Dee River valley for around tenmiles to the town of Corwen. The station at Llangollen is very typical in the GWR
style.GreatWestern Railway or as somewould say: ‘Gods Wonderful Railway’.
The volunteers have created a station that echoes back to that period when steamtrain rail travel was at its peak. Stacks of old suitcases trolleys, antique lights and signage helpmake the experience very much a history lesson for those that are too young to have known of steam. Although for those of a certain age it brings waves of nostalgia sweeping over them when they first felt the breathing, hissing almost living engines thunder past at a station near them.
Included on some of the inclusive holiday packages are some other non-railway excursions like that to the Italian inspired village of
Portmeirion.Nowa hotel and holiday cottage complex it became hugely famous when the 1960’s cult TV programme ‘The Prisoner’ was filmed there.
Actor and Director Patrick McGoohan used the complex as a huge filmset pretending itwas a villagewhere people like himself ‘No6’, a former intelligence agent found themselves after they resigned fromthe secret service.He never really knewif, hewas being held and questioned by ‘his side’ or the other side. He spent much time trying to escape from the famous balloon guards.
Architect Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 until 1976 constructed the collection of whimsical buildings, with an enforced break during the SecondWorldWar. Themix of styles from the Palladium through to Arts and Craft with aged focal statues and items placed into various setting as he felt suited the aesthetics of each view.
As well as its starring role on TV it was once all hired out to Beatle George Harrison who was celebrating a birthday with friends and family. Film stars such as Gregory Peck, Ingrid Bergman, Noel Coward have stayed. More recently musician Jools Holland has been a regular visitor to one of its palladium style houses.
Another charming diversion is that of a ride on horse drawn barges at Llangollen. From the many horsepower of a steam engine to that of one horsepower and a gentle glide in horse towed a barge along the Llangollen Canal taking in the views of the famous InternationalMusical Eisteddfod site in the town and the pretty countryside around.
Using their travel knowledge Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries put together excellent inclusive packages of quality hotel accommodation, food, transport and ticketing leaving you free to enjoy that special rail experience you can treasure.
Geoff Moore
MORE INFORMATION Great Rail Journeys, for the 6-day Railways & Castles of Wales visit
www.greatrail.com
Rail Discoveries, for the 6-day Railways ofWales visit
www.raildiscoveries.com
GRJ Independent for a tailor-made holiday – price on request
www.greatrail.com/grj-independent
Hotel:
www.dunoonhotel.co.uk
Free time dining recommendation: Wildwood Restaurant Llandudno
www.wildwoodrestaurants.co.uk
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