Snowdonia Star / Seren Eryri

Treat yourself to a full-day steam experience from Castle to Harbour along the entirity of the renowned Welsh Highland Railway!

Treat yourself to a full-day steam adventure aboard the Snowdonia Star, travelling the entire Welsh Highland Railway on an epic, coast to coast journey from Caernarfon Castle to Porthmadog Harbour Station and back! Hauled by one of our mighty Beyer Garratt NG/G16 locomotives, the train winds through farmland, forest and the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), before descending through Beddgelert and the breathtaking Aberglaslyn Pass on its approach to Porthmadog. Our modern carriages offer comfort for passengers so they can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views. The interval break offers an opportunity to explore Porthmadog with its wide range of local shops and cafes. Our friendly on-train stewards will be there to provide assistance throughout the journey, assuring a grand day-out for all passengers.

Your locomotive and carriages: Hauled by one of our impressive Beyer Garratt NG/G16s; the largest engines at this gauge, the long train snakes along, sometimes climbing, sometimes descending on its journey across the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Modern carriages with large windows give panoramic views on both sides of the train. There is a mix of two and four seat bays with tables in each carriage. These may be combined for larger groups. A gold service in our delightful Pullman observation carriage is also available.

What will you see: This ‘grand day-out’ celebrates the dedication of ‘Cymdeithas Rheilffordd Eryri’ (Welsh Highland Railway Society) – and the hard work and support of its members, our ‘stars’ – in the rebuilding of this railway back to Porthmadog, which enables you to make this journey today. From the opening of the first section of track to Dinas in 1997, embankments have been rebuilt, bridges replaced, stations constructed and track laid. Such is their love for this very special railway, supporters have paid towards buildings and bridges, carriages and even locomotive restoration. We hope you love it too! Your train steams through farmland and forest, crossing the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) before descending a steep hillside to pass the village of Beddgelert, through the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass and across the Traeth Mawr (Great Estuary) to reach Porthmadog. As you cross the harbour bridge into the station, spare a thought for the moment in early 2009 when the final piece of track was laid and fitted with ‘Golden Bolts’ to connect the link with the Ffestiniog Railway. . Each section has a fascinating story and your journey is much enhanced by a Traveller’s Guide with its open out map and line guide to enable you to follow the route.

On Train Stewards: Our friendly staff will pass through the train telling you information about what you can see from the carriage windows and selling light refreshments from the catering trolley. Guide books will also be for sale.

Porthmadog: On arrival at Porthmadog, there is time to explore the town or enjoy a meal and a drink on the terrace of Spooner’s café-bar at the station during the approximately 1hour 45 minute break before the train heads back to Caernarfon. The place where both railways meet, lunchtime is a great time for watching trains coming and going. The railway’s main is a well-stocked gift and model shop is here too.

Tickets: your pre-booked ticket is for a return journey. One way tickets are available on this service and may be booked by calling our Booking Office or on the day, subject to availability. An optional pre-book picnic basket service is available to enhance your trip.

NB: On line bookings are also available to join this train at Waunfawr station.

Gold service also available on these trains – Go here for details.