If you go to http://www.extasybooks.com/eb. php3?ebookid=18853 you can have a look at my latest wor...
If you go to http://www.extasybooks.com/eb. php3?ebookid=18853 you can have a look at my latest work.
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Where can you find clean trains that run on time, with plenty of friendly staff? Answer - anywhere there's steam, but most especially on the Ffestiniog railway.
The Ffestiniog railway runs from Ffestiniog in North Wales, to Porthmadoc, also in Wales, in the 'armpit' of the Lyn peninsula. It's within reasonable striking distance for anyone on a north Wales holiday - anywhere in the Snowdonia National Park in fact. You can board at either end, there are also stops along the way, but I think there are advantages to going from one of the 'ends'. I have ridden both ways, but I'll describe it in terms of the most recent.
Arriving at Blaneau Ffestiniog on a wet morning (this is a good thing to do on a rainy day). It took some finding, there are a few places with 'Ffestiniog'
in the name round here, but the road signs were good and we didn't get lost once, despite how talentless a navigator I am. Normal trains also run from the station, but after hunting about we spotted a shop to one side of the carpark, and bought tickets here (at time of writing, fourteen pounds for an adult return, children go free with paying adults). You will have to pay for car parking.
First piece of advice, go to the car park on the other side of the road and have a pee afore you depart - the carriages are narrow and you don't want to miss views to answer calls of nature. If you've got some time, look around Ffestiniog, it's an interesting place, very grey, with slate mines, and lots of shops selling slate. You can get a tour of the slate mines - if you catch the 10.20 from Porthmadoc, you can get a deal on train tickets and mine tickets (this may vary but is true at time of writing.)
It's worth getting to the platform early, so you can watch the train come in - a good photo opportunity as they shunt the train round to what will become the front, and move third class down the back. It's also worth grabbing seats early, this attraction is very popular. If you can, sit on the left (or on the right if you start at the other end)this affords the best views.
Now, about class - the default is second class, which includes the buffet car and other cariages. At time of writing, an additional five pounds will buy you a first class seat - larger, more comfy chairs and more leg room basically. For a discount, you can go third class, and I have to say, I regret not having done this. Third class has a roof and wooden seats, but is open on the sides so you are a bit exposed - take waterproofs is you mean to try this. However, the views are going to be even better without glass in the way, it tends to be less crowded and it looks like a lot of fun. Being at the back, you see the train on the corners, of which there are a fair few.
The train starts by hauling you up a considerable slope into the hills, from which you can see a huge spectrum of landscapes. Along the thirteen ish miles, you'll see mountains and mines, estuaries, a resevoir, power station, majestic oak woods, gloomy larch woods, marshland, mud flats, waterfalls, streams and finally the sea. The views are just amazing, if you are the sort of person who enjoys landscape, this is a truly wonderful expereince. There are numerous stops along the way, some by request only - some in villages, some in places where there's lots of scope for walking and picknicking.
Porthmadoc has shops, a harbour and of course the sea, as well as a hug wetand area ideal for birdwatchers. Typically you get an hour between trains, which you can use to wander around a bit, or to get yourself an even better seat.
The train staff are lovely, helpful, friendly people who will do their best to make your journey a pleasant one. The carriages are a bit cramped, but you can put bulky items in the guard's van, and it is possible to get wheelchairs on. There is a buffet service.
All in all, it takes at last three horus, although there are trains throughout the day, so you can start earlier and add in something along the way if you fancy.
I think it makes for an excellent day out. Particularly recommended for steam enthusiasts and people who enjoy landscape. It's not going to suit veryone, but if you've enjoyed this op, it's probably for you.
Now, why can't all rail travel be that good?
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As one of the 'very helpful on train staff' working on the Ffestiniog this summer, I'd like to add that the combined slate mines and train ticket is still available, but midweek only.
We actually only have two second class compartments, in some of our historic carriages used only for special trains. Unless you request otherwise all tickets are third class. You are able to choose your seats from a variety of different carriages, including our open carriages, buffet car, corridor coaches (with buffet service at your seat), or our older compartment carriages.
First class upgrades are £2.50 per seat occupied, per journey, so that you can travel one way first class, and one way third class if you choose. Upgrades are available from the guard on the train subject to availability.
duskmaiden 22.09.2003 14:34
sounds lovely. My dad would love this
snooky2 22.09.2003 14:20
One of the very best parts of the country, although I haven't been on the railway. Sounds wonderful!
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