Llanberis Lake Railway

Starting at Gilfach Ddu, the journey takes you past the 13th-century Dolbadarn Castle, crossing the Afon y Bala, possibly Britain's shortest river, and passing between Llanberis’ twin lakes as the train negotiates the extension (opened in 2003) to Llanberis village. From here the train runs non–stop through Padarn Country Park, joining the 1845 slate railway route to run along the shores of Lake Padarn to Penllyn, and giving stunning views of Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales.

Mid-way along the lake there’s a short stop at Cei Llydan, a beautifully tranquil lakeside picnic area. Visit Wales chose this spot as one of the country’s Top 10 places for a picnic, combining “the fun of a good old-fashioned picnic with the romance of a ride on a vintage train”.

The train returns to Gilfach Ddu, where slate was transhipped from the quarry system to the slate railway. Here you can watch the driver as he fills the tanks with water and stokes the fire ready for the return journey. At Gilfach Ddu you can visit the station café for refreshments, or browse the souvenir and gift shop.

All trains are scheduled to be hauled by "Elidir", "Thomas Bach" or "Dolbadarn", our ex-quarry Hunslet steam engines, that spent the earlier part of their career working the nearby Dinorwic Quarries.

There is level access to the trains at Llanberis and Gilfach Ddu stations; every train has a coach that has been specially adapted for wheelchair users.