The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are historic narrow gauge railways that welcome customers of all abilities.
The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are committed to welcoming customers with a wide range of accessibility needs ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe, comfortable and memorable visit. We continually review our accessibility and provide training for staff and volunteers to help us offer the best possible experience for all.
Please read this information carefully and follow the links to our more detailed information about each railway.
Booking and Travel Assistance (Advisable)
Pre-booking (Essential)
To help us understand your requirements and make suitable arrangements, customers with any access needs are asked to contact us in advance by telephone on 01766 516024 or emailing [email protected]. This allows us to provide appropriate assistance and ensure your visit is as enjoyable as possible.
Our Stations and Facilities
Our railways operate across many stations and halts, ranging from principal stations with comprehensive facilities to more remote request stops with limited, or no, access. Our main stations are generally more accessible, offer better facilities, and allow longer dwell times to assist customers when boarding and alighting. Some smaller or remote stations may present access challenges, so we strongly recommend checking this information carefully before travelling.
Wheelchair Users
Booking and Safety Information
Customers who are unable to transfer to a standard carriage seat may book a wheelchair space on most services; spaces are limited and must be pre-booked; we will explain this when taking your advanced booking.
For safety reasons, and due to platform width restrictions, wheelchair access is not available at request stops.
Wheelchair Size and Weight Limits
Our adapted carriages can accommodate wheelchairs with the following maximum dimensions:
· Maximum combined weight (wheelchair and users): 250 kg
· Maximum length (including footrests): 1200 mm
· Maximum width: 700 mm
Our boarding ramps also have a maximum weight limit of 250 kg and are suitable for an occupied wheelchair and a helper.
Due to the narrow width of heritage carriages, there is no turning space inside, and wheelchair areas are smaller than those found on mainline trains. However, customers regularly tell us they find these spaces very comfortable.
Wheelchair Availability
Standard-sized wheelchairs are available free of charge at Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Beddgelert and Caernarfon. These may be borrowed for boarding assistance.
Please note that there are no accessible toilet facilities on board our trains.
Mobility Scooter Users
Booking and Safety Information
For safety reasons, mobility scooters may not be used to board or alight from our trains. Small “Type 2” mobility scooters may be carried on board if folded and stored safely, subject to staff guidance.
We are happy to discuss alternative arrangements when pre-booking by telephone, or email, so that you can still enjoy your journey.
To assist boarding, we can provide:
· Additional steps
· Grab rails
· Standard wheelchairs (free of charge)
Customers may then travel seated while their scooter is stored securely in an appropriate area of the train.
Our Carriages
Our carriage fleet is built, maintained and developed by our dedicated volunteers and staff, and includes a mix of historic Victorian vehicles and more modern saloons. Accessibility varies between services.
The Mountain Spirit, Quarryman, Snowdonia Star, Harbour Master and Gelert Explorer services include accessible Gold and Standard Class carriages, which feature:
· Large, double-glazed windows and good interior lighting
· Accessible doors with large handrails, additional access steps and ramps
· Accessible seating bays in some carriages, with folding tables and chairs to allow customers to sit together
On train toilets – There is a small toilet compartment on most trains which is regrettably not accessible to wheelchairs, and we recommend that this is seen as being for emergency use only as the facilities at our stations are far superior. Information on specific station facilities can be seen below. Certain special services operate entirely with vintage carriages, and we regret that, at this stage, they are not suitable for customers who need to remain in their wheelchairs, and they do not have toilet facilities.
Assistance animals – We welcome assistance animals in all carriages and station buildings.
Blind and partially sighted customers – Staff are happy to give assistance with reading menus and delivering food to your seat both on the trains and in the cafes.
Customers with a hearing impairment – Staff are happy to give assistance with giving written information and showing visual aids if necessary. We have clear signage where needed to ensure people know where facilities are based.
Quiet zones – We currently do not have dedicated quiet carriages on our services, but our staff will assist in finding a quieter carriage whenever possible, or a quiet area at one of our stations. This cannot be guaranteed during busy periods.
Allergies and intolerances – Please speak to a member of staff for more information regarding how we can help you, especially regarding our food services.
Dog Free – Most services offer a dedicated dog free carriage but seats on this carriage cannot currently be reserved in advance. We cannot guarantee that these carriages are free from allergens.
Familiarization and Contextualization – We cannot guarantee the exact carriages that will be used on our services but internal and external photographs of our range of carriages can be viewed on Carriages – Festipedia
If you have any questions as to how we can help you further, please do not hesitate to contact us (01766 516024 / [email protected]) and we will do our best to help you to plan your visit.
Travelling on the Ffestiniog Railway
Porthmadog Harbour Station
Our main station is adjacent to the A487 at the southern end of the town. We have a small tarmac car park designated for Blue Badge Holders which usually has a car park host. There are allocated “Disabled” spaces close to the main entrance as well as a dedicated “dropping off” point. The “Check-In” for trains is through the main entrance into our Booking Hall; our volunteer hosts will be able to advise of special arrangements.
Car parking for our other passengers is available free of charge in our fenced area at the far end (the opposite end to B & M Bargains shop) of the nearby Llyn Bach car park, a short, signposted walk away from Porthmadog Harbour Station.
Our main entrance at Porthmadog has a ramped access into the Booking Hall. From here there is level access through the building to the Shop, Café and Bar. There is level access onto the platform. The toilets are situated at the far-right hand end of the platform when leaving the building. There is a small step into the Ladies’ toilet. The accessible toilet has level access and contains nappy changing facilities.
The Booking Office counter is 1040mm / 41″ in height – if this presents any difficulty to you, please ask and someone will come and assist you.
The Shop counter is 940mm / 37″ in height. Shelving is both on the walls and free standing. If you need any help with your shopping, our staff will be happy to help.
The Café counter is 890mm / 35″ in height and the bar is 1010mm / 40″ in height. Food and beverages can be brought to your table if requested.
Boston Lodge Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is approached by a steep and rough track and is not suitable for anyone with mobility impairments, or some types of vehicles. There is no car parking at this station.
Minffordd
The station is adjacent to the main A487 with a small gravel car park from which there is ramped access to the platform for Blaenau Ffestiniog bound trains. Access to the Porthmadog bound platform is via a concrete foot crossing to take you over the track at the left-hand end when arriving from the road.
There are no facilities at the station, although there is covered seating and a small waiting shelter.
There is steep ramped access to the Network Rail mainline station at the Station building end of the platform.
Penrhyn (Request Stop only)
The station is adjacent to the A4085. There is limited parking and access from the road is via a steep and uneven ramp. Trains in either direction use the same platform. Although there is covered seating, there are no other facilities.
Plas Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is in the middle of the woods and is only accessible by rough woodland footpaths. There is no road access or services.
Tan y Bwlch
Situated off a minor road and having a rough gravel car park, this station has an island platform which is mainly accessed by means of a footbridge. However, there is a flat crossing with a gate into the car park situated halfway along the platform. Please note this facility is not available when there is a train in the platform, please arrive early if you wish to join here. A section of car park has been tarmacked to give a smoother surface for wheelchair users.
There is a small café which is open during our daily running season. There is ramped access into the café and a designated table for wheelchair users close to the door. There are also tables and seating outside, some of which are under cover. The toilets are outside and to the left of the café. There is a small step into the Ladies’ and the Gentlemen’s toilets. The accessible toilet has level access and contains nappy changing facilities.
Dduallt (Request Stop only)
This remote halt is accessible only by mountain footpaths and stiles. There is no road access or services.
Tanygrisiau (Request Stop only)
This halt has a rough gravel car park. As the route to the platform is up a steep gravel path, then crossing the track, the halt is currently not described as wheelchair accessible. There is a small shelter but no other facilities.
Blaenau Ffestiniog
The red box is the location of the accessible Pay and Display car park.
The station is in the centre of the town on the main A470 and easily accessed from council owned car parks. Please note that there is no dedicated railway car park. The nearest car park is on your left when approaching from the north opposite the Gwesty Queens Hotel.
Access to the Ffestiniog platform is via a gentle ramp and a level crossing to take you over the tracks. Please note – there is a walk of approximately 155m (170 yds)
from the nearest parking to the station building. Our booking office / shop is situated on the platform and can be accessed via a ramp.
The toilets are situated in the main station building beyond the booking office. There is level access into the Ladies’ and the Gentlemen’s toilets. The accessible toilet has level access and contains nappy changing facilities. Please note that should this facility be unavailable, there is an accessible toilet in the main Diffwys car park across the road from the station.
Refreshments on the train
Take away refreshments are available to take with you from Porthmadog, Tan y Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog stations There is a refreshment waiter service in all 1st class carriages.
Travelling on the Welsh Highland Railway
Refreshments on the train
Welsh Highland Railway operates a refreshment trolley on the Snowdonia Star, The Harbourmaster and the Gelert Explorer services. Pre-booked picnic hampers and afternoon teas are also available, as well as a takeaway service from Caernarfon and Porthmadog stations. There is a small kiosk at Beddgelert offering drinks, confectionery and ice creams on most days. Card payments are accepted on board but due to sporadic signal coverage, cash is preferred.
Caernarfon Station
This is our main terminus station situated close to the castle. We recommend that you start your journey from here. We have a new building with features to modern standards and flat access across the ground floor.
Parking is in the car park on the slate quay below the castle. This is a pay & display car park. Blue Badge spaces are in the car park in an area directly across the road from the station building.
Location of carpark
The red box shows the accessible parking.
Please arrive at Caernarfon station approximately 30 minutes before departure time. Upon arrival a member of staff will “check you in” and provide useful information pertinent to your journey. Access to the station building and all its facilities are level.
Caffi de Winton has its counter on the main floor and is accessible for wheelchairs. The station also has an accessible gift shop with a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs. There is also a large event space with extra seating. The station toilets are accessed from the event space. There is a Changing Places room with ceiling hoist, Baby changing facilities, Ambulant cubicles and a separate Accessible toilet.
Bontnewydd Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is accessible from the adjacent Lôn Eifion cycle path. The path is tarmac and level in most places. There is no road access.
Dinas (Request Stop only)
In 2026, Dinas Station will be a working building site, it is advised that accessible routes and facilities will not be available.
Waunfawr
The station is at the south end of the village on the A4085 adjacent to the Snowdonia Parc Brewpub. The car park belongs to the pub but may be used by visitors travelling on the railway. It has a deep gravel surface, making it difficult for people with restricted mobility or to manoeuvre a wheelchair over. Access to the platform is normally by a footbridge but there is a rough, gently sloping path through the pub’s campsite with a crossing to take you onto the platform.
Our station building on the platform has accessible toilets on the far end.
The pub itself is wheelchair friendly and when open, has accessible toilets.
Plas y Nant Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is only accessible via a narrow footpath and there is no level access.
Snowdon Ranger Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is only accessible via a steep narrow and uneven footpath and there is no level access. This Halt is not accessible to vehicles.
Rhyd Ddu
The station is to the south of the village beside the A4085. The Pay and Display car park here belongs to Parc Genedlaethol Eryri, Snowdonia National Park Authority. Parc Genedlaethol Eryri have an accessible toilet in the car park for RADAR key holders.
The platform is accessed via a tarmac ramp and level foot crossing to take you over the train track. There is a waiting shelter. The station is not usually manned.
Meillionen (Forest campsite) (Request Stop only)
This halt is situated within the Beddgelert Forest Campsite, primarily for the use of campers. There is level access to the platform through a small gate. This is a short platform and only certain carriages on the train will be accessible from it. It is possible to book tickets in advance for Caernarfon bound trains by phoning, or emailing the booking office on 01766 516024 or [email protected]. Please give as much information as possible about your requirements so that we can best accommodate your needs.
Beddgelert
This station is situated above the village with access through the public car park near the Royal Goat Hotel. This car park belongs to Parc Genedlaethol Eryri, Snowdonia National Park Authority and there is limited parking available. Between the car park and the station there are two access routes, one is up flights of concrete stairs and the other is a tarmac ‘zig-zag’ sloping path which is relatively steep but usable by motorised scooters or wheelchairs with assistance.
There is level access on and off the platform. It is worth noting that it is a long, ramped path down to the car park and village. You may need to factor this into your plans.
There is a seating area at the station for those unable or not wishing to visit the village. Our Station refreshment kiosk is open most days selling tickets, drinks and local ice cream, so you won’t miss out! There is information on our electronic screens about our train services and how to book tickets There are toilets including an accessible toilet with ramped access close to the gate on to the platform.
Once in the car park, the main village street is only a short distance away. Pavements are quite narrow, but it is possible to use a wheelchair. There is a pleasant, tarmacked and level walk beside the river.
Nantmor (Request Stop only)
The halt is accessed from the minor road through the village. There is no parking facility at the halt and the road slopes steeply at this point. The nearest car park is owned by the National Trust approximately a quarter of a mile away. There are toilets in this car park. Passengers wishing to alight at Nantmor should do so by prior request to the Guard. Although the platform itself is accessible, there are no facilities other than a small shelter at or near to this location.
Pont Croesor (Request Stop only)
This halt is situated on the B4410 between Prenteg and Llanfrothen villages. The car park and toilets here are under the control of the Glaslyn Wildlife Centre. The car park may close before the last train of the day returns. There is level pedestrian access only from beside the road bridge over the river. However, due to the restricted width of the platforms it may be difficult to access the train using a ramp. We recommend that you consider joining the train at Porthmadog.
Porthmadog Harbour Station
Our main station is adjacent to the A487 at the southern end of the town. We have a small tarmac car park dedicated to Blue Badge holders which usually has a car park host as well as a dedicated “dropping off” point. Customer “check-in” ticket purchase and ticket collection for trains is through the main entrance to our Booking Office. Our volunteer hosts will be able there to advise you. Car parking for other passengers is available free of charge in our fenced area at the top end of the nearby Llyn Bach car park, a short walk away from Porthmadog Harbour Station.
Our main entrance has a ramp direct into the Booking Hall. From here there is level access through the building to the Shop, Café and Bar. There is level access onto the platform from the shop. The toilets are found at the far-right hand end of the platform when leaving the building. There is a small step into the Ladies’ and the Gentlemen’s toilets. The accessible toilet has level access and also contains nappy changing facilities.
The Booking Office counter is 1040mm / 41″ in height – if this presents any difficulty to you, please ask and someone will come and assist you.
The Shop counter is 940mm / 37″ in height. Shelving is both on the walls and along a central isle. If you need any help with your shopping, our staff will be happy to assist.
The Café counter is 890mm / 35″ in height and the bar is 1010mm / 40″ in height. Food and beverages can be brought to your table if requested.