Our journey on the fantastic Welsh Highland
Railway takes us on a 13-mile route from Caernarfon to
Beddgelert, passing through some of the most outstanding - and
varied - scenery in northern Wales.
The narrow-gauge train departs from the coastal town of
Caernarfon, overlooked by its incredible UNESCO-protected castle.
From here it heads southwards, quickly leaving the town behind as
it continues into relatively flat farmland. Dry stone walls line
the trackside as the surrounding scenery gets steadily more rugged;
before long meadows dotted with wild flowers come into view,
overlooked by the mountains in the distance. After passing through
Waunfawr Station, the railway curves inland and enters the
spectacular Snowdonia National Park. At this stage along the route,
the landscape becomes yet more dramatic, and the line utilises a
series of wide curves and switchback loops to overcome the adverse
terrain.
Our journey continues through Plas y Nanat station, before the
preserved train skirts the edge of Llyn Cwellyn Lake, with the
beautiful mountain scenery reflected in its crystal-clear waters.
Passing under the looming bulk of the rocky peaks, our train twists
and turns through the undulating countryside before finally
arriving in the idyllic town of Beddgelert, watched over by the
Aberglaslyn Pass.