Snowdon Railway: catching a train up a mountain

Snowdon Railway catching a train up a mountain – While we were staying in North Wales in the treehouse we decided to ticket something else off of our bucket list. The Snowdon Mountain railway which was our first time on a true mountain railway. And allows you to take the train up Snowdonia. This time of year the train doesn’t go all the way to the summit of Snowdon. Or Hafod Eryri which is the summit building, and visitor centre. Instead, it stopped at Clogwyn which is about two-thirds of the way up at 2256 feet above sea level. But we were excited to visit the heritage steam experience and we were really lucky to get a bright clear day. To go up the only public rack and pinion railway in the United Kingdom.

Snowdon Railway catching a train up a mountain

To get to the Llanberis station where we catch the train from. We drove through the beautiful countryside several times it took my breath away. The scenery is really beautiful and it’s an area we hope to visit again to explore further. There are two car parks one opposite the station itself and another car park around the corner. There is also a small station gift shop. I booked our tickets online a few days earlier. The train itself was full so I would definitely suggest booking in advance as it is a popular tourist attraction. Especially in the off-season when fewer trains are running.

Arrival – Railway Snowdonia

We arrived half an hour before the train was to leave at the train station. Although in hindsight I would have arrived earlier if I had realised they had a station buffet and a little interactive video room. People started to queue around fifteen minutes before the train was due to set off near the ticket office. Not that it really mattered as your tickets will have a compartment letter on them. We were in E which is in the middle. This is a great idea as it means everyone is spaced out. Although you do get squeezed in a bit. As we had the boys with us we did take up less room so it wasn’t uncomfortable. Although with eight large adults I can see how it could be.

The journey up by train Snowdonia

On each side of the compartment, there are large windows which means you can get a good view. As well as pictures of the landscape of Snowdonia national park. Although beware of the glass reflection! The window of the door opens at the top but since you are meant to stay sitting down for the journey I am not sure how much use it is. You will want to get pictures as we saw a spectacular waterfall on the way up as well as the simply inspiring views.

Both sides of the heritage carriages offer different perspectives on the journey up to the summit of the highest mountain in Wales. On the left – rock, sheep, waterfalls and as you near the top a sheer drop. The valley rolls away beneath you with a backdrop of the slate mine. On the right other hills and mountains with the path and rivers snaking between them. Hopefully, the other people in your carriage will allow you to swap seats on the way back down so you can see both easily. We passed through the halfway station but did not stop. Normally this is where the steam locomotives fill up with water on their ascent of Snowdon.

Stopping at Clogwyn on the train up Snowdonia

Where we stopped at Clogwyn there are no facilities at all. So it is best to grab drinks and a loo break at the bottom before boarding. You only stop for a half hour at the top. Which was enough for the boys since although bright it was very windy and bitterly cold. Harry was quite impressed that he could breathe smoke! Shouting I’m smoking mummy! It would have been nice to sit and have a picnic looking down the mountain at the panoramic views in the warmer weather. There was a small turquoise lake off to one side, a splash of colour in a dramatic landscape and breathtaking scenery.

It also gave the boys a chance to look at the engine which you didn’t get a chance to do at boarding. It wasn’t long until we were on our way back down to the bottom again. On the website, it does say that unless you purchase a return ticket there is no guarantee of being able to get on the return journey. We did see this as one family had walked up and then wanted to catch the train back but there was no room for them, unfortunately.

Conclusions – railway of Snowdonia

The unique journey is about two hours in total with each journey up and down taking about 45 minutes. It was a lovely part of a great day out. A return adult ticket is £24 and child £15 so it’s not the cheapest train journey. Yet how often can you say I’ve been up a mountain peak on a train? As Harry was under the age of 3 he was free on the understanding he would sit on an adult’s lap.

Travelling on the railway of Snowdonia was a great experience and train ride we hope to try again if we are ever local when the whole track is open. Or when the kids are older walk up to the top of Snowdon, preferably when it hasn’t got any snow on the top. Although Charlie wanted to find some this time!

You can find out more and book your tickets on The Snowdon Railway Since our trip we have been on another part of the Ffestiniog Railway which was also equally stunning through the welsh highland.

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