Sunsetter / Y Machludwr

Step aboard ‘The Sunsetter’ on the Welsh Highland Railway for a relaxed evening journey from Harbour Station, crossing the Glaslyn estuary in warm golden light as the mountains of Eryri / Snowdonia National Park rise ahead towards Hafod y Llyn.

‘The Sunsetter’ is a new early evening journey along the southern end of the Welsh Highland Railway, running on Thursday evenings during the summer holidays. Departing Porthmadog Harbour Station, the train is timed perfectly for the golden hour as it glides across the Glaslyn estuary, with sweeping coastal views and the mountains of Eryri glowing in the evening light. Onboard, Gold Class guests are welcomed with a complimentary cocktail and nibbles as they enjoy the relaxed lounge-style service during the journey.

Standard Class passengers can bring along food and drinks from Spooner’s for an easy summer evening escape. Choose from our standard takeaway food and drink options or treat yourself to a Spooner's graze box containing cheddar crackers, mini pretzels, pickles, rosemary and garlic olives, and cheddar cheese.

Both Gold class and Standard class passengers can complete their evening with a meal at Spooner's Restaurant, where ‘The Sunsetter’ passengers will enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on evening meals, valid on the day of travel only (show ticket to apply discount).

Your Locomotive and Carriages: This service will normally be hauled by one of our charming Little England locomotives. Built between 1863 and 1867 for the Ffestiniog Railway, these remarkable engines have been faithfully restored and continue to demonstrate the ingenuity of Victorian engineering as they tackle the line's steep gradients and sharp curves more than 160 years after they first entered service. Full of character and history, these locomotives offer a unique opportunity to experience the railway much as generations of passengers have before.

Your train will be formed of two First Class and two Standard Class carriages, built at our historic Boston Lodge Works, these beautifully appointed carriages combine traditional style with modern comfort, providing an elegant setting from which to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Ffestiniog Railway.

Journey Times: The Sunsetter service will depart Porthmadog Harbour Station at 17:15 on its journey to Hafod y Llyn station. Arrival at Hafod y Llyn is scheduled at 17:45 where there will be a 10 minute layover (please note passengers will not be able to disembark during the layover). Departure from Hafod y Llyn is scheduled at 17:55 for the return journey, with arrival back at Porthmadog at approx. 18:25.

What will you see: The journey begins at Porthmadog Harbour Station, where Spooner’s café will be open, offering a selection of refreshments before joining the train. As it leaves the station, the train steams along the main road and crosses a bridge over the Glaslyn river, flowing out into the historic harbour below. Be ready to wave – there are always people waiting to watch this spectacle! The journey sweeps out across the Glaslyn estuary, where wide-open views stretch towards the towering mountains of Eryri / Snowdonia National Park and the light reflects off the river in shifting golds and silvers. The run around takes place in Hafyd y Llyn, where the engine swaps ends before embarking on the return journey towards the harbour at Porthmadog.

On Train Stewards: On Train Stewards will be in the First-Class carriages serving passengers with a complimentary drink and attentive steward service, with additional cocktails and beverages available throughout the journey.

Refreshments:
First Class – At your seat refreshment service.

Standard class – Buy your refreshments from Spooner’s in Porthmadog Harbour Station and bring them on board.

Tickets: Your pre-booked ticket is for a return journey.