Ffestiniog Railway - Behind the Scenes

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Saturday 19 May to Wednesday 23 May 2012 & Saturday 6th October to Wednesday 10th October 2012

As a part of the Ffestiniog Railway family we are in a unique position to offer a truly 'Behind the Scenes' view of Britain's premier independent railway. With a rich history going back 175 years and now with the newly completed Welsh Highland Railway, you have nearly 40 miles of railway to explore. This new and exciting tour goes where no tour has gone before and promises a unique insight into the world's oldest independent railway.

Day 1   Arrive Porthmadog

Arrive in Porthmadog in time for our group welcome dinner.

Day 2   Ffestiniog Railway

See work being carried out on the engines at the FR's Boston Lodge works - © Bob CableBlanche and Lilla in Boston lodge works - © Bob CableWe take a ‘Behind the Scenes’ morning tour of Boston Lodge Workshop - the world’s oldest railway workshop complex. The tour includes access to many areas that are not usually open to the public, even on guided tours. View loco preparation and take a tour of the Erecting Shop, Drawing Office, Stores, Running Shed, Old Loco Shed, and Carriage Works. There will be time for lunch (included) before we board the train for the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog and back. Evening at leisure.

Day 3   Welsh Highland Railway

A WHR train crosses the bridge in the Aberglaslyn PassToday we board the Welsh Highland Railway at Porthmadog and travel the full length of the line to Caernarfon, including the highlights of the line – crossing Britannia Bridge, the Aberglaslyn Pass and the daunting climb through Beddgelert Forest. On arrival at Caernarfon you have the choice of returning to Dinas for a guided tour of the workshops with lunch included or spend time exploring Caernarfon town. We board the afternoon train back to Porthmadog. Evening at leisure.

Day 4   Behind the Scenes – Special Train

Merddin Emrys in steam at Harbour Station, PorthmadogToday we take a rare, in-depth tour of the Ffestiniog Railway on a 'Mini' Special Train - an event never done before and one that offers a unique insight into the line. The journey includes stops at Minffordd Yard and Slate sheds, lonely Rhiw Goch signalbox and loop, the original 'Dinas' branch at Blaenau Ffestiniog and the Glan y Pwll Sheds, Dduallt with its spiral and we go behind the scenes at Tan y Bwlch. There will be several photo opportunities not usually available en route at Rhiw Goch and Dduallt. We then continue from Porthmadog over the 'Crosstown link' to Pont Croesor, stopping at Snowdon Mill, the former junction of the Gorseddau Tramway. A sandwich lunch will be provided. Return to Porthmadog in time for our farewell dinner.

Day 5   Farewell

Travel home independently.

Includes:

  • Four nights B&B at a Porthmadog Hotel
  • Guided tours as stated
  • Full return journeys on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
  • ‘Mini’ Special Train as detailed
  • Three sandwich lunches and two dinners
  • Services of a tour leader throughout the tour
 
PRICE:
Escorted holiday: £580
Single room supplement: £140
Deposit for this holiday: £100

IMPORTANT NOTE - Operational difficulties or requirements and other restrictions may limit or curtail some of the places to be visited but we do undertake to provide a unique insight unavailable to normal passengers or Society members. The special on Day 3 is expected to be hauled by Moelwyn, the railways WW1 diesel engine dating from 1917. However steam haulage may be possible in certain circumstances or other diesels may be used if Moelwyn is unavailable for any reason.

To request a copy of the latest Rail Holidays of the World Brochure click here

Tel: 01766 772030

Email: info@ffestiniogtravel.co.uk

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