Along the Conwy Valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog

The scenery of North Wales can be dramatic and nowhere more so than along the Conwy Valley Line through Betws-y-Coed to Blaenau Ffestiniog. After picking up passengers from Barrow we make our way around Morecambe Bay calling at stations detailed to Preston. We then continue through Crewe and head West running along the North Wales Coast Line which offers sweeping sea views as we sprint along to Llandudno Junction. Here the train reverses, before making its assault on the Conway Valley Line. The first section of the line to Blaenau is relatively gentle as we follow the route of the River Conwy towards Betws-y-Coed. Continuing we climb steeply, before twisting and tuning as we gain height. The views across to the mountains are quite spectacular and the line becomes even more tortuous, particularly as we near our destination, Blaenau Ffestiniog, where the huge deposits of discarded slate give the feel of a Lunar landscape.

You can break your journey at either the pretty mountain village of Betws-y-Coed, or Blaenau, terminus of the famous Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway. For those who wish to experience a ride on this railway we have arranged a special short return journey along the higher section to Tan-y-Bwlch and back. This is a return journey of around 90 minutes but please note: bookings for the trip on the Ffestiniog must be paid for in advance as we have limited availability.

After our break in Blaenau we re-trace our route back to Barrow arriving late evening.