Railtrail Annual Brochure 2021

to C oast

Great Orme Tramway

© Ffestioniog & WHR © BMR © Shutterstock

Snowdon Mountain Railway

© SMR

12 DAYS

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) **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.

Bala Lake Railway

DEPARTS

Thursday 30 September 2021

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 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 STANDARD

London Paddington (Return Euston) Greater London South of England

£1,855

£1,769

£1,879 £1,905 £1,915 £1,945 £1,805 £1,755

£1,779 £1,799 £1,799 £1,779 £1,745 £1,719 £1,775 £1,815 £1,739 £1,729 £1,725

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

N/A N/A

£1,825

N/A N/A

The Empire Hotel, Llandudno Faithful to its Victorian character, all rooms are furnished with antiques and beds with down bedding - and have private bathroom, TV, DVD player, safe, refrigerator, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi 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 and small outdoor heated pool. Scotland ******* £20 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £1665 Single Room Supplement £250 *******Customers in Scotland – please call us for advice. Carmarthen is difficult to reach in a day from some parts of Scotland. We would rather look into this in detail for you before accepting a booking that the UK rail system cannot facilitate. But please do call us! 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 and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager *******

Gwilli Steam Railway

HOTELS

The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen 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 & 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.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway

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

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