The Aberglaslyn / Yr Aberglaslyn

Steaming through the famous Aberglaslyn Pass on its way to the charming village of Beddgelert, this wonderfully scenic journey includes a mix of classic Snowdonia scenery with harbour views, farmland, wide vistas of the mountains and an unrivalled view of the pass itself. 

This service is offered with three options: 

1). As a part day, morning or afternoon return with up to an hour and a quarter break in the village  
2). As a full day out with approximately 4.5 hours in Beddgelert giving ample time for a leisurely lunch and a walk.
3).It is also possible to use this service for return journeys from Beddgelert to Porthmadog with a short break of up to 40 minutes at Porthmadog before the return journey.

Your locomotive and carriages: Hauled by one of our impressive Beyer Garratt NG/G16s; the largest engines at this gauge, and modern carriages with large windows giving panoramic views on both sides of the train. There is a mix of two and four seat bays with tables in each carriage. These may be combined for larger groups. There is also a first class Pullman carriage at one end of the train. 

What will you see: The journey begins at Porthmadog Harbour Station, where Spooner’s café will be open, offering a selection of refreshments before joining the train. As it leaves the station, the train steams along the main road and crosses a bridge over the Glaslyn river, flowing out into the historic harbour below. Be ready to wave – there are always people waiting to watch this spectacle! The journey across the flatlands of the ‘Traeth Mawr’ (the great estuary) offers wide vistas of the mountains of Snowdonia before the train leaves the wide valley, passes Nantmor Halt and enters a tunnel, reappearing high on a ledge above the river in the famous Aberglaslyn Pass on route to Beddgelert village. Each section has a fascinating story and your journey is much enhanced by a Traveller’s Guide with its open out map and line guide to enable you to follow the route.  

On Train Stewards: Our friendly staff will pass through the train telling you information about what you can see from the carriage windows and places to visit in Beddgelert. Guide books will also be for sale.  

Beddgelert: If you have chosen option one, you have up to 75 minutes to explore the village, walk beside the river and learn more about the legend of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llewellyn. There are a number of eateries in Beddgelert including the famous Glaslyn Ices. For those unable to walk to the village, there is a small selection of this award winning ice cream, as well as drinks and snacks for sale in the station kiosk. Option two gives time for further exploration and a nice meal, or whatever takes your fancy.

Gold service also available on these trains – Go here for details.