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, it’s a train up the gorgeous Conwy Valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Then it’s a drive down the vale to Porthmadog.

A huge day out on the longest and most scenic narrow-gauge railway in Britain, the Welsh Highland. The line travels down the Aberglaslyn Pass following the river to Beddgelert and then heads along the backside of Snowdon. The Menai Straits then come into view as we descend into Caernarfon. A little time here to forage for lunch before we make the return journey either on the train or on the coach (your choice) from which we can get some super photographic opportunities.

Back to Harbour Station for the world famous Ffestiniog Railway. Stunning views again as we chug over the cob, through Penryn, and up the vale to Blaenau Ffestiniog. On our return we alight at Minfordd and our coach transfers us to the Italianate village of Portmerion, made famous by The Prisoner television series – eye-opening and unique. Later, it’s the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. A train ride and excellent museum explaining the history of the line we devoted yesterday to.

A local day starts with a drive over Llanberis Pass, through the “moonscape” countryside to Llanberis. Lots of interesting things to do including the fascinating National Slate Museum with belt-driven machinery, period cottages, and slate splitting demonstrations. The Llanberis Lake Railway steams alongside the lake (surprisingly!) but surely today’s highlight is a literal one as we ascend Snowdon, on the legendary mountain railway.

On our last morning we are simply heading for home. On the way we pop into Penrhyn Castle for a couple of hours. This was a stately home of quarry owners and so in addition to the period rooms and lovely grounds, there is a small quarrying museum with railway interest. By lunchtime we will have arrived at Llandudno Junction for homeward bound trains.