The Quarryman / Y Chwarelwr

History on the Move: Starting amidst the slate tips that signal its historic industrial past; the Quarryman follows the path of the old slate trains as they transported their loaded wagons to the harbour at Porthmadog. We believe that highlighting our heritage and providing visitors with an insight into our rich history is particularly important, and we are proud to be part of the UNESCO Slate Landscape of North Wales World Heritage Site.  

Your Locomotive: Beloved Quarry Hunslet ‘Linda’ is the main engine for the Quarryman in 2024 though occasionally she may take a break or be needed elsewhere. Fresh from a major overhaul, her shiny paintwork belies her age (built 1893) and her years of hard work for the Penrhyn slate quarries. 

What will you see: On your outward journey, you leave Blaenau Ffestiniog passing through its tiny rows of houses and slate walls to reach Tanygrisiau station at the head of the reservoir, Llyn Ystradau. Here, you leave the original route of the line and to join ‘the deviation’, steaming along beside the reservoir, through a long tunnel and around a spiral at Dduallt, one of the primary engineering feats of the railway. Back on the old track again, the train continues down the valley, through Tan y Bwlch and the village stations of Penrhyn and Minffordd. Finally, the train crosses the Cob embankment to its destination at the coastal town of Porthmadog. Here, the slate was transferred to sailing ships in the once busy harbour and transported all over the world. There is plenty of time for passengers to explore the harbour area, visit the maritime museum to find out about its past, and enjoy some lunch before the journey back up to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Each section has its fascinating story, and your journey is much enhanced by the 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 windows and a little of the fascinating history of the line. They will also be selling guide books and may have a small range of snacks on board.

Tickets: Your pre-booked ticket is for a return journey. One way tickets are available on the day, subject to availability. Passengers using Transport for Wales services and making through journeys may book their seats in advance with the Booking Office (01766 516024). Please note, due to limited capacity on board our trains, you will not be able to return on a different service, unless you have booked two separate single journey tickets.

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