Railtrail Main Brochure 2024

W ales C oast to C oast

Great Orme Tramway

© Shutterstock

12 DAYS

Snowdon Mountain Railway

© SMR

DEPARTS Thursday 26 September 2024

Bala Lake Railway

© BMR

the early 1950s. A team of pioneering enthusiasts took over the running of the line and built the world’s first preserved railway. (B,D) DAY 7 Our adventure continues to Pant for a journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway. Formerly part of the Brecon & Merthyr Railway, the line passes the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir on its way to Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons. (B,D) DAY 8 Crossing Wales northwards by coach, we call in at the Bala Lake Railway and the Llangollen Railway on our way to Llandudno where we stay for four nights at the superbly traditional Empire Hotel. (B,D) DAY 9 Our leisurely first day on the North Wales Coast includes a ride on the vintage tramcar to the summit of the Great Orme , offering magnificent views across the Irish Sea. We can enjoy free time to visit the pier, shops, beautiful beach, and attractions. (B,D) DAY 10 Take traditional Great Railway Journeys as we head along the beautiful Conwy Valley Line to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here we board our narrow-gauge steam train on the world famous Ffestiniog Railway to travel to Porthmadog . After some free time, our journey continues on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarvon from where we transfer back to Llandudno. (B,D)

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST* £2315 £2365 £2409 £2439 £2359 £2249 £2145 £2329 £2409 £2219 £2365 £2085 £2349

STANDARD

Llandudno

London: Out - Paddington, Rtn - Euston

£2185 £2199 £2235 £2249 £2199 £2149 £2109 £2205 £2249 £2135 £2189 £2065

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Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

HOTELS The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen **Please note that we have based this itinerary on this year’s timetables for the many heritage railways featured. Where possible the excursions will be steam, although occasionally we may book diesel trains instead if steam trains are not in operation. We may have to juggle one or two of the days to make the itinerary work with the heritage railways once their timetables are announced. DAY 11 Heading into Snowdonia, we take a steam train ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway followed, after a relaxing break, by a journey on the amazing Snowdon Mountain Railway. After enjoying this kaleidoscope of vistas, we return through the National Park and Conwy Valley to Llandudno. (B,D) DAY 12 A reluctant farewell to Llandudno and the lovely Empire Hotel sees us make our way to the station for our journeys homeward. (B)

Scotland £2209 £20 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £2055 Single Room Supplement £250 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 11 nights’ bed, breakfast & table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

This traditional 3-star hotel is located on the outskirts of Carmarthen, just a short walk from the railway station, castle, and town centre.The comfortable bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a light and spacious restaurant, traditional pub-style bar, lounge, and outside terrace.There is also a sauna and small gymnasium. The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells Situated in the spa town of Llandrindod Wells, the 4-star Metropole Hotel is a great base for exploring the varied attractions of the Heart of Wales.The hotel is also a great place to relax, as its Victorian style conservatory houses an 18-metre pool, thermal suites, Jacuzzi, and gymnasium. The Empire Hotel, Llandudno Faithful to its Victorian character, the stylish 4-star Empire Hotel offers bedrooms furnished with antiques combined with modern comforts including free Wi-Fi,TV with freeview & DVD (a large library of free films available), safe, refrigerator, and tea/coffee making facilities.The award-winning Watkins and Co. restaurant offers the finest local produce; a creative chef, elegant surroundings, and friendly service all combine to ensure a memorable experience. The hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, and small outdoor heated pool.

Welsh Highland Railway

© Anthony47 - shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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