Ever dreamt of having your head in the clouds and taking in spectacular views? Then get ready for an unforgettable journey to Mount Snowdon’s Summit to witness the wonder of Wales like never before!
If you want to climb a mountain, there really is no better place to do it than Snowdonia in North Wales. Whilst most opt for the traditional route of walking to the Summit, some need an alternative and more accessible way to enjoy the breath-taking landscape of Snowdonia National Park, which is where The Snowdon Mountain Railway comes in.
Since 1896, the Snowdon Mountain Railway has scaled the highest mountains in England and Wales. Running from Llanberis to the Summit of Snowdon at 3,560ft, the Snowdon Mountain Railway is a unique rail journey right in the heart of Snowdonia National Park and has been rated one of the best things to do. From the first views of the waterfalls splashing into the gorge below, to the awe-inspiring sights over the edge of Rocky Valley, every moment on this trip is one to remember (be aware that the experience you will have naturally depends on the weather, which unfortunately can be very difficult to plan).
You even get the choice of what type of train you’d like to travel on – the Traditional Diesel Service or the Heritage Steam Experience. Whilst the Traditional Diesel Service is the newer form of transport, the Heritage Steam Experience uses accurate re-constructions of the original 1896 carriages. The route is the same for both types of trains though, with a return journey time of around 2 and a half hours with a 30-minute stopover of free time at the peak.
So, where do you go? Your journey begins in the village of Llanberis. Soon after you leave the station the train crosses the first two viaducts across the Afon Hwch river, where you’ll experience your first encounter with the natural beauty on offer here - the Ceunant Mawr waterfall.
Your train will then emerge into open countryside where you’ll get the first glimpse of the Summit. Continuing your journey, you’ll see lots of abandoned huts and dwellings that were once a home to local families.
You’ll then pass Hebron Station, which is named after the nearby Hebron Chapel. Did you know that in 1833 the poor families in the valley joined to build the chapel? Unfortunately, the chapel is uninhabitable, but its name lives on. Next up on the journey is the ruined farm of Helfa at the bottom of Cwm Brwynog, also known as the Valley of Reeds. Whilst it’s unclear exactly what this farm was for, people think it could have been a hunting lodge with wild boar hunting once common in the area.
With the ascent becoming steeper and steeper, you’ll then reach Halfway Station. Halfway Station is where the steam engines stop to refill their water tanks, in preparation for the final leg of the journey. As the train leaves Halfway Station and the gorgeous green valley, the train approaches a very dramatic edge of Rocky Valley – a rock-littered landscape with incredible views of the valleys below. Be sure to look out for the cars down below, they look like small ants down on the Llanberis Pass!
Now it’s time to reach Clogwyn Station, which offers spectacular views of the Llanberis Pass and Clogywn Du’r Arddu cliffs. This is as high as the trains can go in early Spring when ice prevents trains from reaching the Summit.
On arrival at the Summit, one of the world’s greatest panoramas is revealed. Hafod Eryri, the UK’s highest visitor centre, has the most spectacular views to the valleys below. On a clear day the views can stretch as far as Ireland!
For those of you that fancy a quick bite to eat or a drink whilst at the top, you’ll find the Summit Café. And, for those on the hunt for souvenirs unique to Snowdon there is even a Summit gift shop. You can even purchase a postcard from the Summit and send it from their very own Summit post box!
Here’s a fun fact for you. Did you know that the Railway’s carriages have been given their own names? Make sure you look closely when you visit as the steam carriages are named after some significant and beautiful natural sights of Snowdonia, while the newer carriages are named after famous people from Wales, including Dame Shirley Bassey DBE, Katherine Jenkins OBE and Tour De France cycling chief Sir David Brailsford.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and the coronavirus restrictions, guests will be unable to visit the Summit for the remainder of 2020. The destination for the remaining 2020 season will be Clogwyn Station but visitors should be aware that there are not any facilities at Clogwyn, or on-board the train. The journey time to Clogwyn is approximately 45 minutes, with a 30-minute stop-over at the station. The decision has also been made to not operate the Heritage Steam Service for 2020 with a focus on the Traditional Diesel Service.
However, if you’re heading to North Wales this year and looking for somewhere to stay, we’d love to welcome you here at Twin Rivers! Not only are we a 49-minute drive away from Snowdon, we are also surrounded by Welsh countryside and are central to beauty spots such as Lake Vyrnwy and Barmouth.