North Wales Steam Railways
You can’t go far in Wales without hearing the distant sound of an impressive steam locomotive making its way across the beautiful Welsh landscape. Many of the narrow gauge steam railways in Wales have a history spanning well over 100 years. Children especially enjoy taking a ride on the railways and seeing the locomotives close up.
You can also buy the ‘Great little Trains of Wales Discount card’, which enables you to money off all of the narrow gauge steam railways listed below.
North Wales Steam Railways
The Welsh Highland Railway takes you on a steam train through the heart of Snowdonia past streams, woodlands and lakes to the foothills of Mount Snowdon itself. The train then heads through the Aberglaslyn Pass, recently voted the ‘most scenic view in Britain’. See Caernarfon
The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the World today. Originally built to serve the slate industry, steam locomotives were introduced in the 1860s and some of those same little engines haul carriages of holidaymakers through the stunning scenery of the Snowdonia Park today. Caernarfon
The Victorian built Snowdon Mountain Railway is the only rack and pinion railway in the country. For over a hundred years the railway has taken visitors to the 3,560ft (1085m) summit of Snowdon, while they enjoy the spectacular views provided by the dramatic landscape and scenery all around them. See Snowdonia 
The Llanberis Lake Railway starts its 5 mile return trip at Gilfach Ddu, taking you past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, crosses the river and passes Llanberis' twin lakes before reaching Llanberis village. From here the train joins the 1845 slate railway route giving stunning views of Snowdon. See Snowdonia
The Talyllyn Railway starts from Tywyn on the Mid-Wales coast. Opened in 1865, the narrow gauge line powered by steam engines was built to carry slate from quarries in the hills. When the quarries closed in 1946 the daily passenger train carried on. The original two steam locomotives and passenger coaches are still in regular use. 
At Tywyn Wharf Station there is also The Narrow Gauge Steam Museum and cafe. There are a number of walks starting from all of the stations and halts along the line, including the majestic Dolgoch Falls. See Cardigan Bay
The Vale of Rheidol Railway which opened in 1902, was originally built to serve the lead mines in the Rheidol Valley. Today steam trains run for 11¾ miles from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge. The famous Mynach Falls, Jacob's Ladder and Devil's Punchbowl are within walking distance of the station. See Cardigan Bay
