My love of steam trains stems from my childhood in the 70s where I undertook many overnight journeys to visit family in different parts of South Africa. So when I found myself near the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways location I knew it had to be visited!
There is just something about steam engines
I used to love my overnight journeys on steam trains. The sound of the horn going off, the clickety clack sound of the wheels on the track never failed to lull me to sleep.
In hindsight, it may well be the reason why to this day I need some background noise to fall asleep at night! I’m sure if I could be bothered there would be some psychological reason behind preferring to have background noise on when I go to bed but that is not for this post!
There is just something special about an old steam engine and I am so glad that I made the point of visiting Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways when I found myself in Wales in February 2022.
Travel Back in Time: Exploring Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
In the heart of North Wales, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways stand as a living museum of British railway history. For travellers seeking a connection with the past, these railways provide a rare opportunity to experience the age of steam while journeying through some of Wales’ most stunning landscapes.
Ffestiniog Railway
- Founded in 1832: The Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway, with a history dating back to 1832. It was initially built to transport slate from the quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog to the coastal town of Porthmadog, where it was then shipped worldwide.
- Innovative Engineering: This railway was the first to use narrow gauge steam locomotives from the 1860s. The use of narrow gauge was a pioneering approach to handle the sharp curves and steep gradients of the region.
- Preservation Era: By the mid-20th century, the decline of the slate industry led to the railway’s closure. However, enthusiasts revived it in the 1950s, marking one of the earliest railway preservation efforts in the world.
Welsh Highland Railway
- Origins: The Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) has a more complex history, originally developed from several smaller railways dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Reconstruction and Reopening: The WHR was reconstructed and reopened in stages from the late 1990s to 2011, creating the UK’s longest heritage railway, running from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.
- Impressive Scenery: The WHR is renowned for its breathtaking route, passing through the heart of Snowdonia National Park, offering views of Snowdon and the picturesque Aberglaslyn Pass.
Choosing Your Steam Train Adventure at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways cater to various travel preferences, offering journeys that range from short excursions to full-day explorations.
- The Ffestiniog Railway: This 13.5-mile trip from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog offers a perfect half-day exploration, showcasing the region’s industrial heritage amid stunning mountain views.
- The Welsh Highland Railway: Spanning over 25 miles, this route connects Caernarfon and Porthmadog, offering a full day of travel through the majestic Snowdonia National Park and the picturesque Aberglaslyn Pass.
The Locomotives: Heart of Steam Train Travel
The steam locomotives of Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are not just modes of transport; they are historical treasures with stories to tell.
- ‘Prince’ and ‘Palmerston’: Dating from the 1860s, these locomotives are among the world’s oldest operational narrow-gauge steam engines, once used for slate transport and now beautifully restored.
- The Garratt Locomotives: The Welsh Highland Railway’s Garratt engines, like ‘NGG16’, are engineering masterpieces originally from South Africa, ideal for navigating the challenging Welsh terrain.
I can’t explain how delighted I was to see NGG16 and the plague attached to it indicated it was a South African Railways locomotive and couldn’t help but wonder if it was ever the engine towing the coaches on any of my overnight journeys around South Africa.
I hadn’t really done any research into the history of the railways or indeed the engines that were there so it really was such a cool surprise to find a train from South Africa. Sadly, I hadn’t booked on that particular trip so I will return in due course to take a trip behind the ZAR engine!
A Traveler’s Guide to Steam Train Adventures at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
For those embarking on this steam train journey, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Timetable Planning: Align your travel schedule with the train timetables and check for van parking availability at the stations.
- Hiking Opportunities: Combine your train journey with hiking. Trails like the Lon Gwyrfai Path offer scenic routes connecting the railway stations.
- Capturing Memories: The railways provide exceptional photography opportunities, capturing the essence of both travel and steam train heritage.
Beyond the Rails: Cultural Significance of Steam Trains
The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are more than just transportation; they are cultural icons, playing a pivotal role in preserving steam train heritage and contributing to the local community and economy.
Check out the video of my journey
If you’d like to get an idea of the scenery on offer through the Welsh country side then check out the video below and please do consider subscribing to my channel where I endeavour to bring you sites and sounds from my travels around the UK and further abroad.
The trains I spotted / captured at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
NG/G16 No. 87
NG/G16 No. 87 is a notable example of the NG/G16 class of 2-6-2+2-6-2T Beyer-Garratt locomotives, renowned for their power and adaptability on narrow-gauge railways.
Construction and Early Service
Built in 1936 by John Cockerill of Seraing, Belgium, No. 87 was among the first batch of NG/G16 locomotives. It was delivered to Port Shepstone, South Africa, in 1937 and primarily operated on the Natal branch lines. In 1972, while in service at Donnybrook, the locomotive was involved in a derailment on a sharp curve, resulting in it lying on its side. Following this incident, No. 87 received a new boiler in 1977, originally from NG58, the pioneer NG/G13. The locomotive continued to serve until the closure of the line in 1986.
Transition to the United Kingdom
After its withdrawal, No. 87 was brought to the UK for the Robin Hood’s Bay railway project. When this initiative did not proceed, the locomotive moved to the Exmoor Steam Centre alongside other NG/G16s. Eventually, it became part of the Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) fleet, contributing to the line’s operations.
Service on the Welsh Highland Railway
On the WHR, No. 87 has been instrumental in hauling passenger services through the challenging terrains of Snowdonia. Its robust design allows it to manage steep gradients and sharp curves, making it well-suited for the line’s demands. The locomotive has undergone various overhauls to maintain its operational status, including a significant refurbishment completed in early 2020. During this overhaul, No. 87 was repainted in South African Railways black livery, complete with SAR and SAS lettering on the rear bunker, reflecting its heritage.
Blanche
“Blanche” is a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive with a rich heritage in Welsh railway history.
Construction and Early Service
Built in 1893 by the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds, “Blanche” was one of three locomotives designed for the Penrhyn Quarry Railway in North Wales. These locomotives were intended to transport slate from the quarries near Bethesda to Port Penrhyn for shipment. “Blanche” was named after Blanche Georgina FitzRoy, the wife of the 3rd Baron Penrhyn.
Transition to the Ffestiniog Railway
In 1963, after the decline of the slate industry, “Blanche” was acquired by the Ffestiniog Railway. Upon arrival, it underwent modifications to suit the railway’s requirements, including the addition of a leading pony truck, transforming it into a 2-4-0ST+T (saddle tank with tender) configuration. This adaptation improved stability and allowed for longer journeys.
Service and Modifications
Throughout its service on the Ffestiniog Railway, “Blanche” has been a reliable workhorse, hauling passenger and freight trains through the challenging terrains of Snowdonia. The locomotive has undergone several overhauls and modifications to maintain its operational status, including a significant refurbishment completed in December 2017.
Merddin Emrys
“Merddin Emrys” is a double Fairlie steam locomotive that has been a cornerstone of the Ffestiniog Railway in North Wales for over a century. Renowned for its unique design and enduring service, it offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of narrow-gauge railways.
Design and Construction
Built in 1879 at the Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge Works, “Merddin Emrys” was the first locomotive constructed in-house by the railway company. Designed by George Percival Spooner, it features the distinctive double Fairlie configuration, characterized by two sets of driving wheels and a central boiler, allowing for efficient operation on the steep gradients of the Ffestiniog line.
Operational History
“Merddin Emrys” has spent its entire working life on the Ffestiniog Railway, serving both passenger and freight services. Its robust design and adaptability have made it a favorite among railway enthusiasts and a symbol of the railway’s heritage. Over the years, it has undergone several overhauls to maintain its operational status, including a significant refurbishment completed in 2015.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Journey in Steam Train Travel at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
For those passionate about travel and steam trains, a trip on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways is not just a journey; it’s an immersive experience into Welsh culture, history, and the enchanting world of steam. It’s an ideal blend of exploration, heritage, and scenic beauty, ensuring memories that will endure.
I found the staff extremely friendly and more than willing to share their knowledge of the railways and each of the engines.
Embark on this unique travel experience, where the romance of steam trains and the joy of discovery unite, leading to an adventure like no other. All aboard for a journey through time!
