We meet at Llandudno Junction and the holiday commences 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 views as far as Betws Y Coed. Over the footbridge is the Conwy Valley Railway Museum which has a miniature railway, a model shop and a collection of working model layouts. 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 take In the atmosphere at harbour station as our train is prepared. Then, 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 backside 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 we make the return journey either on the train or on the 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 in Porthmadog to join the other line that leaves here - the world famous Ffestiniog Railway. Stunning views again today as we chug over the cob, through Penryn, and up the vale to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here our coach meets us, and we drive through the mountains, passing Cadair Idris to Tywyn. Here is the oldest preserved railway in Britain (amicably disputed by the Middleton Railway in Leeds). The Talyllyn Railway has an interesting museum to visit before taking the train up the valley on the original slate route. Back in Tywyn we transfer to the station and board a train along the northern part of Cardigan Bay, hugging the sea, to Porthmadog. Twenty minutes later we are back in Beddgelert - what a day!

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 that steams alongside the lake (surprisingly!). But surely today’s highlight is a literal one as we ascend Snowdon, the highest point in Wales, on the legendary mountain railway.

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