|
Group Travel on the
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
With a rail system that links Caernarfon, Beddgelert,
Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Ffestiniog & Welsh
Highland Railways can offer a wide range of choice of trips
for groups, and a wide range of reasons for travelling.
For coach parties and tours:
Most groups do a one way trip along part of the line, making
it an ideal excursion to add into a tour of Snowdonia. For
instance, passengers join the train at Caernarfon and enjoy
a two hour ride through the national park to Pont Croesor
while the coach travels along the main road and there is
time for a break before collecting the group. Trips from
Blaenau to Porthmadog and visa versa are also popular. The
scenery on both lines is stunning and changes all the way
along as the train twists and turns through the landscape.
Light refreshments are served on board and pre-booked
catering is available. Spooners’ award winning café & bar at
harbour station also welcomes groups and makes an ideal
coffee or lunch stop.
For schools & colleges:
The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway
company in the World, founded by an Act of Parliament in May
1823. It was built as a gravity line to bring slate from the
quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog down to the newly created
harbour town of Porthmadog. There is heritage and history
all around, and for those interested in following the story
of ‘slates to the sea’ a joint visit with Llechwedd Slate
Caverns is recommended.
Passing through the classic glaciated valley of the Vale of
Ffestiniog and across the reclaimed Glaslyn estuary, the
area is rich in geography. And in more recent years, the
tourist traffic has made a significant impact on the social
aspects of the area, bringing in money and creating jobs.
The newly completed Welsh Highland Railway has been a huge
engineering project rebuilding the line through some of the
most sensitive areas of Snowdonia. Working with wildlife
agencies such as the Countryside Council for Wales and the
RSPB as well as local landowners and government bodies has
been an interesting challenge, but now the area is starting
to see the financial benefit as tourists use the railway to
access the national park.
For Special Interest Groups:
Walking Groups are often glad of a ride home after a day in
the countryside, and a cup of coffee, of course! There are
many linear walks using the railways and there are many
books to help.
Bird Watchers will spot many different species as the train
passes through different habitats and a visit to the RSPB
Glaslyn Osprey Project next to Pont Croesor station will
complete the visit.
Special Occasions:
Many people book a trip to celebrate a special birthday,
anniversary or even their wedding. Tan y Bwlch station café
is licensed for civil services and receptions can be
arranged too. All such visits have specific requirements and
a bespoke service is available.
Charter Trains:
For very large or special groups, it may be possible to have
a charter train of their own. Due to the intensity of our
services, this option is not always available and must be
organised well in advance. Prices start at around £2000.
For more details and information on fares and how to book,
please down load our group brochure, below, or phone our
group travel office on 01766 516024 to request a copy or to
obtain more information.
For more detailed information, download a copy of
our 2013 Group Travel Brochure:
|
