TRAIN: Conwy Valley Railway, Conwy
Snowdonia sojourn
Travel by a single-track scenic railway line from the North Wales coast, past castles, valley towns and great mountain peaks, to Betws-y-Coed and its Railway Museum, says Dorothy Hamilton
Starting at Llandudno, the Conwy Valley Railway traces the River Conwy along its estuary and passes through lush pastures framed by wooded hillsides and mountains to reach the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Never far from the river, there’s much birdlife.
Now operated by Transport for Wales, the line was originally part of the London and North Western Railway, which arrived at Betws-y-Coed in 1868.
WINDOW WITH A VIEW
For the best views, sit on the right side of the carriage, facing the direction of travel.
Leaving the town, enjoy views of the coastline, Puffin Island off Anglesey and, further on, Conwy Castle. The train stops at Llandudno Junction, where passengers travelling on the North Wales Line join the Conwy Valley Railway.
The train now becomes single track as it glides into the Conwy Valley to pass the Conwy RSPB reserve. It runs close to the river where, at low tide, shelducks and oystercatchers probe for molluscs. Herons stand gaunt in the shallows and cormorants may be spotted drying their wings.
Snowdonia’s most northerly mountain, Tal y Fan, straddles the long ridge above the valley.
Further on, the white houses of Dolgarrog fringe the forested hillside, leading to the village of Trefriw, where paddle steamers called until 1939.
MINIATURE RAILWAY
Just before Llanrwst North station, the train stops at a signal box for the exchange of tokens. After a few more miles, you’ll cross the rivers Conwy and Llugwy to arrive at Betws-y-Coed. Cross the bridge over the railway if you would like to visit the Conwy Valley Railway Museum. Here you will find intricate model railway layouts, some with Victorian street scenes and stations, others with tunnels and mountains. The many artefacts on display include signalling equipment, lanterns, station masters’ hats, an early booking office, posters and signs. There is also a mini railway offering short rides.
Betws-y-Coed is a great walking centre with level and hillside trails. One of the easiest is to the confluence of the Conwy and Llugwy rivers, starting near the Tourist Information Centre.
ROUTE DETAILS
There are four trains a day from Llandudno to Betws-y-Coed. The cheapest return ticket is £6.60. tfw.wales
Dorothy Hamilton enjoys watching wildlife and taking long walks in the countryside.