We meet at Llandudno Junction and the holiday starts with a Victorian tram ride up the Great Orme for far reaching views – the Isle of Man if it is clear! Later, we catch a train up the Conwy Valley for riverside and castle scenery as far as Betws-Y-Coed. From here it’s a delightful drive into the heart of Snowdonia to Beddgelert and the Royal Goat - we may even see some wild ones from the coach.

A huge day out on the longest and most scenic narrow-gauge railway in Britain. We drive to Porthmadog and it’s all aboard the Welsh Highland Railway for the tremendous journey to Caernarfon. The line travels down the Aberglaslyn Pass, following the river to Beddgelert, runs behind our hotel, and heads along the western side of Snowdon. If it’s a fine day there are summit and lake views to enjoy, and then the Menai Straits come into view as we descend into Caernarfon. A little time here to forage for lunch before the return journey either by train or coach (your choice) from which we can get some super photographic opportunities. You could alight at Beddgelert for an early finish or continue back to Porthmadog for a specially arranged after hours visit to the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. A further train ride and excellent museum explaining the history of the line we have devoted the day to.

Back to Harbour Station, Porthmadog, for the world famous Ffestiniog Railway. Stunning views again today as we chug over the cob, through Penryn, and up the vale to Blaenau Ffestiniog. We return as far as Minffordd and transfer to Portmeirion where time is allowed to explore this remarkable private village and its Italianate architecture.

A local day starts with a drive over Llanberis Pass, through the “moonscape” countryside to Llanberis. We have a number of interesting things to do during our time here including the fascinating National Slate Museum. Marvel at the belt-driven machinery, period cottages, and slate splitting demonstrations. There’s also the Llanberis Lake Railway, but surely today’s highlight is a literal one as we ascend Snowdon, the highest point in Wales, on the legendary rack railway.

Transfer day is a cracker! By coach to Pwllheli to join the Cambrian coast-line for the scenic coast-hugging ride to Fairbourne. Here we steam on the Fairbourne Miniature Railway to the beach and cross by ferry to Barmouth. We meet at the station in time to continue over the Barmouth Bridge and on to Tywyn. A short walk delivers us to the country’s oldest preserved railway, The Talyllyn, for a glorious journey by steam train up the valley to Abergynolwyn and back. We could just jump on the coach, but why not stroll back to the station and catch a train to Aberystwyth via remote Dovey Junction.

A local day to Aberystwyth is in store as we include a stunning journey to Devils Bridge on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, but not before we visit their impressive new (ish) museum. Then, we head up the Dulas Valley for a private charter, and slate heritage, at the remote Corris Railway. Later in the day, we view the town and seafront of Aberystwyth from above having ascended the Victorian cliff railway.

Time to head for home but we want to give you more and there is another heritage railway between here and England. We are off to the Welshpool & Llanfair, a really enjoyable rural journey aboard carriages with balconies. Homeward bound journeys will commence from Welshpool Station early afternoon.