The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are historic narrow gauge railways that welcome customers of all abilities.
Our Carriages – Although we have a fleet of historic carriages, most of our normal service trains use modern comfortable carriages with seating at tables and many have space available for customers with mobility impairments including some wheelchair spaces. A step and wheelchair ramp are carried on all normal trains and these are available to help you to access the trains – please ask a member of staff.
Booking your space – As space is inevitably limited, we strongly recommend that people who are mobility impaired contact us by telephone (01766 516024) to make their bookings in advance so we can make suitable arrangements. This will help us to make your visit a pleasurable one. For those unable to transfer to a carriage seat, it is possible to book a wheelchair designated space, subject to availability and if booked before the day of travel. This service is only available to those joining at Porthmadog, Caernarfon or Blaenau Ffestiniog. Most wheelchairs that are of a width 24″ / 600mm or less may be accommodated in the trains. Travellers with larger chairs should state this when booking.
Wheelchair users please note: our ramps have a weight limit of 250kg. They will take an ordinary wheelchair, plus user, plus pusher or a small battery operated chair. However, they are not suitable for motorized scooters or buggies. We do have ordinary wheelchairs at Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Beddgelert and Caernarfon that may be borrowed for the duration of your visit. It is also worth noting that although we can accommodate wheelchairs in the trains we do not have turning spaces in the train due to the narrowness of our carriages, and the space for wheelchairs in the carriages is constrained below what one would expect on a main line train for the same reason.
Please note that our staff and volunteers are not qualified to help you to board or alight from the train, they can only provide you with a ramp or step as requested.
Toilets -There is a small toilet compartment on most trains which is regrettably not accessible to wheelchairs and we recommend that this is seen as being for emergency use only as the facilities at our stations are far superior. Information on specific station facilities can be seen below. Certain special services operate entirely with vintage carriages and we regret that, at this stage, they are not suitable for customers who need to remain in their wheelchairs, and have no toilet facilities.
Assistance Dogs – We welcome assistance dogs in all our carriages and station buildings.
Blind and partially sighted customers – Staff are happy to give assistance with reading menus and delivering food to your seat both on the trains and in the cafes.
If you have any questions as to how we can help you further, please do not hesitate to contact us (01766 516024) and we will do our best to help you to plan your visit.
Using our Stations:
We have many different stations and halts along both railways. Some are easy to access whilst others are remote and away from all facilities. We recommend that if you are mobility impaired you use our principal stations. The facilities are better and the dwell time is longer making getting on and off the train less stressful. It is possible to use other stations but please check carefully from the list as to which are suitable.
Travelling on the Ffestiniog Railway
Porthmadog Harbour Station (Principal station)
Our main station is adjacent to the A487 at the southern end of the town. We have a small tarmac car park which usually has a car park host. There are five allocated “Disabled” spaces close to the main entrance as well as a dedicated “dropping off” point. The ‘Check-In desk’ for trains is in the car park beside the main entrance and our volunteer hosts will be able to advise of special arrangements.
Our main entrance has a ramp direct into the Booking Hall. From here there is level access through the building to the Shop, Café and Bar. There is level access onto the platform. The toilets are situated at the far right hand end of the platform when leaving the building. There is a small step into the Ladies’ and the Gentlemen’s toilets. The accessible toilet has level access and also contains nappy changing facilities.
The Booking Office counter is 1040mm / 41″ in height – if this presents any difficulty to you, please ask and someone will come and assist you.
The Shop counter is 940mm / 37″ in height. Shelving is both on the walls and free standing. If you need any help with your shopping, our staff will be happy to help.
The Café counter is 890mm / 35″ in height and the bar is 1010mm / 40″ in height. Food and beverages can be brought to your table if requested.
Boston Lodge Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is approached by a steep and rough track and is not suitable for anyone with mobility impairments, or some types of vehicles. There is no car parking at this station.
Minffordd
The station is adjacent to the main A487 with a small gravel car park from which there is ramped access to the platform for Blaenau Ffestiniog bound trains. Access to the Porthmadog bound platform is via a concrete foot crossing at the left hand end when arriving from the road.
There are no facilities at the station, although there is covered seating and a small waiting shelter.
There is steep ramped access to the Cambrian Coast Line station below.
Penrhyn (Request Stop only)
The station is adjacent to the A4085. There is no car parking and access from the road is via a steep and uneven ramp. Trains in either direction use the same platform. Although there is covered seating, there are no other facilities.
Plas Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is in the middle of the woods and is only accessible by rough woodland footpaths. There is no road access.
Tan y Bwlch
Situated off a minor road and having a rough gravel car park, this station has an island platform which is mainly accessed by means of a footbridge. However, there is a flat crossing with a gate into the car park situated half way along the platform. Please note this facility is not available when there is a train in the platform so please arrive early if you wish to join here. A section of car park has been tarmacked to give an easy surface for wheelchair users.
There is a small café which is open between Mid March and the end of October. There is ramped access into the café and a designated table for wheelchair users close to the door. There are also tables and seating outside, some of which are under cover. The toilets are outside and to the left of the café. There is a small step into the Ladies’ and the Gentlemen’s toilets. The accessible toilet has level access and also contains nappy changing facilities.
Dduallt (Request Stop only)
This remote halt is accessible only by mountain footpaths and stiles. There is no road access.
Tanygrisiau (Request Stop only)
This halt has a rough gravel car park and a small slate waste ramp to the island platform. There is a small shelter but no other facilities.
Blaenau Ffestiniog
The station is in the centre of the town on the main A470 and easily accessed from council owned car parks. Please note that there is no dedicated railway car park. The nearest car park is on your right when approaching from the north behind the Gwesty Queens Hotel and serves both the Ffestiniog and Conwy Valley Line stations.
There are designated “Disabled” parking spaces beside the entrance to the platforms.
Access to the Ffestiniog platform is via a gentle ramp and a level crossing. Please note – there is a walk of approximately 155m (170 yds) from the nearest parking to the station building. Our booking office / shop is situated on the platform and can be accessed via a ramp.
The toilets are situated in the main station building beyond the booking office. There is level access into the Ladies’ and the Gentlemen’s toilets. The accessible toilet has level access and also contains nappy changing facilities. Please note that should this facility be unavailable, there is an accessible toilet in the main Diffwys car park across the road from the station.
Refreshments on the train
Trains on the Ffestiniog Railway do not have refreshments on the trains. Take away refreshments are available to take with you from Porthmadog, Tan y Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog stations.
Travelling on the Welsh Highland Railway
Caernarfon
This is our main terminus station situated close to the castle. We recommend that you start your journey from here. We have a new building with features to modern standards
Parking is in the car park on the slate quay below the castle. This is a pay & display car park. Disabled spaces are in the car park in an area directly across the road from the station building.
Please arrive at Caernarfon station approximately 30 minutes before departure time. Upon arrival our station host will check you in and give you any useful information pertinent to your journey. There is ramped access to the station building with all ground flooring on one level.
Caffi de Winton has its counter on the main floor and is accessible for wheelchairs. The station also has an accessible gift shop with a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs. There is also a large event space with extra seating. The station toilets are accessed from the event space. There is a Changing Places room, Baby changing facilities, Ambulant cubicles and a separate Accessible toilet.
If you have any difficulties, please ask one of our helpful staff.
Bontnewydd Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is accessible from the adjacent Lôn Eifion cycle path. The path is tarmac and level in most places. There is no road access.
Dinas (Request Stop only)
There is a small tarmac car park. A ramp provides access to the station. The rest of the area including access to both platforms is level. There are toilets on site including an accessible one.
Waunfawr
The station is at the south end of the village on the A4085 adjacent to the Snowdonia Parc Brewpub. The car park belongs to the pub but may be used by visitors travelling on the railway. It has a deep gravel surface, making it difficult for people with restricted mobility or to manoeuvre a wheelchair over. Access to the platform is normally by a footbridge but there is a rough, gently sloping path through the pub’s campsite. There is a building on the platform that has accessible toilets which are accessed off the platform.
The pub itself is wheelchair friendly and when open, has accessible toilets.
Plas y Nant Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is only accessible via a narrow footpath and there is no level access.
Snowdon Ranger Halt (Request Stop only)
This halt is only accessible via a narrow footpath and there is no level access.
Rhyd Ddu
The station is to the south of the village beside the A4085. The car park here belongs to the Snowdonia National Park Authority and there is only very limited parking available. The National Park Authority has an accessible toilet in the car park for RADAR key holders.
The platform is accessed via a tarmac ramp and level foot crossing. There is a waiting shelter. The station is not usually manned.
Meillionen (Forest campsite) (Request Stop only)
This halt is situated within the Beddgelert Forest Campsite, primarily for the use of campers. There is level access to the platform through a small gate. This is a short platform and only certain carriages on the train will be accessible from it. It is possible to book tickets in advance for Caernarfon bound trains by phoning the booking office (01766 516024). Please give as much information as possible about your disability so that the train crew are aware of your needs.
Beddgelert
This station is situated above the village with access through the public car park near the Royal Goat Hotel. This car park belongs to the Snowdonia National Park Authority and there is only very limited parking available. Between the car park and the station there is a long tarmac ‘zig-zag’ sloping path which is relatively steep but usable by motorised scooters or wheelchairs with assistance.. There is level access on/off the platform. It is worth noting that it is a long ramped path down to the car park and village. You may need to factor this in to your plans. There is a small kiosk and seating area at the station for those unable or not wishing to visit the village. The local ice cream is also available here so you won’t miss out! There are temporary toilets including an accessible toilet with ramped access close to the gate on to the platform.
Once in the car park, the main village street is only a short distance away. Pavements are quite narrow but it is possible to use a wheelchair. There is a pleasant wheelchair friendly walk beside the river.
Nantmor (Request Stop only)
The halt is accessed from the minor road through the village. There is no parking facility at the halt and the road slopes steeply at this point. The nearest car park is owned by the National Trust approximately a quarter of a mile away. There are toilets in this car park. Passengers wishing to alight at Nantmor should do so by prior request to the guard. Although the platform itself is accessible, there are no facilities other than a small shelter at or near to this location so it is recommended for use by able-bodied walkers only.
Pont Croesor (Request Stop only)
This unstaffed station is situated on the B4410 between Prenteg and Llanfrothen villages. The car park and toilets here are under the control of the Glaslyn Wildlife Centre. The car park may close before the last train of the day returns. There is level pedestrian access only from beside the road bridge over the river. However, due to the restricted width of the platforms it may be difficult to access the train using a ramp. We recommend that you consider joining the train at Porthmadog.
Porthmadog Harbour Station (Principal Station)
Our main station is adjacent to the A487 at the southern end of the town. We have a small tarmac car park which usually has a car park host. There are five allocated “Disabled” spaces close to the main entrance as well as a dedicated “dropping off” point. The ‘Check-In desk’ for trains is in the car park beside the main entrance and our volunteer hosts will be able to advise of special arrangements.
Our main entrance has a ramp direct into the Booking Hall. From here there is level access through the building to the Shop, Café and Bar. There is level access onto the platform from the shop. The toilets are found at the far right hand end of the platform when leaving the building. There is a small step into the Ladies’ and the Gentlemen’s toilets. The accessible toilet has level access and also contains nappy changing facilities.
The Booking Office counter is 1040mm / 41″ in height – if this presents any difficulty to you, please ask and someone will come and assist you.
The Shop counter is 940mm / 37″ in height. Shelving is both on the walls and along a central isle. If you need any help with your shopping, our staff will be happy to assist.
The Café counter is 890mm / 35″ in height and the bar is 1010mm / 40″ in height. Food and beverages can be brought to your table if requested.
Mobile Phone Coverage
Coverage is generally good over most of the Ffestiniog Railway, with occasional areas of no signal.
Coverage on the Welsh Highland Railways is generally available between Caernarfon and Waunfawr, becoming poorer further along with no coverage at Rhyd Ddu. Between Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert, coverage is very poor although the EE and BT network is available in Beddgelert. There is no coverage at Nantmor station but coverage resumes on most networks at Pont Croesor and onwards towards Porthmadog.
Refreshments on the train
Welsh Highland Railway operates a refreshment trolley on the Snowdonia Star, The Harbourmaster and the Glaslyn Venturer services and pre-booked picnic hampers are also available, as well as a takeaway service from Caernarfon and Porthmadog stations. There is a small kiosk at Beddgelert offering drinks, confectionery and ice creams.