Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Snowdon Mountain railway is about an hours drive from our holiday cottages here on the Lleyn, and is an excellent way of exploring Snowdonia National Park.

Running from Llanberis Station to Snowdon Summit - its four and three-quarter mile journey climbs over 3000ft offering picturesque views of Snowdonia. Passing a spectacular waterfall cascading through an ancient oak forest, the train tours have an in-carriage commentator to give you an insight into Snowdonia's history and rich wildlife landscape before stopping 66ft below the summit of Snowdonia.

Built at the end of the 19th Century, and a typical example of a rack and pinion system, it first opened to passengers in1896. Being named as The Railway of the Year & Wales Family Attraction on the Year in the Good Britain Guide - the trains can get very crowded in summer - so be prepared for an early start.

A single or return ticket is available - the Llanberis path offers an alternative to the train journey with wonderfull views of steam and diesel trains puffing their way up and down the summit.

A new Visitor's Cantre called Hafod Eryri will open at the Snowdon summit in 2009 offering refreshements, shelter, important weather information and advice on descent routes.

Click here to view the Snowdon Summit Blog on the new cafe

Train Information and Travel information

Dates open: Mid March - 1st week of Nov (Daily Weather Permitting)
Opening Times: 9:00am to Mid/Late Afternoon (Dependent on demand)

Fares, ticket and timetable enquiries - 0870 4580033

Before Mid May and after Mid October, the upper section of line and summit facilities are usually closed and trains terminate lower on the mountain. Trains may be either steam or diesel operated.

(Click here for outside link to www.snowdonrailway.co.uk)

Directions:
9 miles from Caernarfon, 12 miles from Bangor, 17 miles from Betws-y-Coed.

Other attractions in Llanberis are the Hydro Electric Mountain and the Lake Railway.