New loco promised!

The General Manager will reveal a new loco project in the September|WHRSoc. AGM. Members will have their own aspirations but in the past the F&WHR has aspired to have a new rescue loco and also to experiment with other types of power than diesel (eg hydrogen/reprocessed vegetable fat/battery). A re-engined/regauged ex-SAR GM Class 91 might do it.

No.140 parts exist around Dinas works and under other members of the working fleet. Puttting it all togther might reduce availability of the other NG16s.

F&WHR 7/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 7/5/25 was for a day of sunshine with temperatures of 8-17C due to a cold NE wind and sunset at 20:53. Temperatures might rise from 15 to 19C over the weekend. The Aberglaslyn ran today and was steam hauled in contrast to the FR which is still suffering from excessive fire risk.

This southerly view (5/25) shows Harlech Castle working with the drench train to reduce the chance of lineside fires. Click on the image to enlarge, Click again to enlarge fully. This image is copyright Chris Hughes courtesy F&WHR and taken on a digital camera.

F&WHR 6/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 6/5/25 was for a day of sunshine with temperatures of 7-17C due to a cold NE wind and sunset at 20:55. Temperatures might rise to 21C over the Bank Holiday weekend. Small blue ex-Mines Hunslet Moel-yr-hydd was first today, passing through the WHR loop at 09:45 hauling a short S&T rake. At 09:55 a Garratt arrived with the ECS for the Harbourmaster into the WHR platform. Five minutes later Merddin Emrys hauled the ECS 10:40 Mountain Spirit rake in the FR platform and promptly ran round. At 10:30 Upnor Castle hauled the ECS for the Victorian into the WHR platform and ran round a minute later. The replica curly roofed van No.1 was on the rear.

F&WHR 6/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 6/5/25 was for a day of sunshine with temperatures of 8-17C due to a cold NE wind and sunset at 20:53. Temperatures might rise from 15 to 19C over the Bank Holiday week. Small blue ex-Mines Hunslet Moel-yr-hydd was first today, passing through the WHR loop at 09:45 hauling a short S&T rake. At 09:55 a Garratt arrived with the ECS for the Harbourmaster into the WHR platform. Five minutes later Merddin Emrys hauled the ECS 10:40 Mountain Spirit rake in the FR platform and promptly ran round. At 10:30 Upnor Castle hauled the ECS for the Victorian into the WHR platform and ran round a minute later. The replica curly roofed van No.1 was on the rear.

At 12:00 Moel-yr-Hydd returned through the WHR platform propelling the weed killer rake/greasers train. It ran round and departed by 12:10.

No.130 was present in the WHR platform at 13:30. Criccieth Castle departed the yard with an ECS rake heading east. The greasers seemed to be working on the points in the station yard.

The Funkey returned from the East at 13:55 into the FR platform followed by Upnor Castle light engine. The loco took the Obs from the rear of the rake and collected two saloons from the seawall. The three coaches were added to the rear.

At the end of the afternoon Criccieth Castle returned to Porthmadog with its 4 coach rake Woodland Wanderer at 17:04 into the FR platform. Run round came 2 minutes later and the loco shunted the seawall siding to assemble a rake of four modern saloons stored there. Finally the ECS was removed to the depot at 17:35.

Boston Lodge Completion celebration 1/5/25

Click on the YouTube box to watch 16 minutes 05seconds of video of showing NLHF staff and F&WHR staff celebrating the completion of the Boston Lodge Interpretation Project completion.on 1/5/25, This video was published on 2/5/25. This video is copyright F&WHR and was taken by John Wooden on a professional betamax 4K camcorder.

Guests were taken by Victorian train to Rhiw Goch hauled by James Spooner where a gravity train rolled by. Criccieth Castle had joined at the other end of the special rake after taking the gravity train to Tan-y-bwlch. Speaking to the assembled guests at Boston Lodge Small Loco Shed FR Co. Chairman Dr. John Prideaux mentioned several achievements.

The project started 5 years ago. See ITV report. Click here for a full account of the procedings.

Interim Report on Talerddig Accident 30/4/25

There is no mention of protective trap points being installed for westbound trains in this interrim report.

More diesel substitutions

While many are enjoying this marvellous spell of unseasonably warm weather, it is creating difficulties for the F&WHR.
Due to the increased fire risk staff have made the decision to substitute diesel locomotives in place of steam on the Ffestiniog Railway services for the next few days.
On the Welsh Highland Railway, services will (at the moment) continue to be steam hauled, but train lengths have been reduced and we are also running a special train ahead of and between services spraying the lineside with water to reduce fire risk.
Staff hope that you understand the reasons behind this - and reassure you that as the trains will still be running through the beautiful scenery of North Wales, the view from your carriage window will be as breath-taking as ever. So, please come and enjoy the Spring sunshine with us over the Bank Holiday. There will certainly be a warm Welsh welcome waiting for you!

The blue S&T diesel MOEL-YR-HYDD was out shunting wagons in the new Dduallt siding on 2/5/25. See festrailinsider webpage for images of diesel turns on 2/5/25.

F&WHR 1/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 1/5/25 was for a day of solid sunshine with temperatures of 8-23C and sunset at 20:45. Temperatures might drop to 13 by Monday. There are special trains todayvo on the FR for the celebration of completion of the Boston Lodge Interpretation Project. At 0925 James Spooner turned up with a heritage rake with 3 bugboxes on the rear of 3 bogies and the curly roofed van in the FR platform. At 09:35 a Garratt turned up in the WHR plaform with the ECS for the 10 Harbourmaster. The loco ran round at 09:40 and departed at 10:09, a few minutes late. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch Criccieth Castle arrive with the Gravity Train at 9:30 and promptly ran round departing at 09:47

F&WHR 30/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 30/4/25 was for a day of solid sunshine with temperatures of 10-23C and sunset at 20:43. Temperatures might reach 24C by tomorrow before falling to 13-18C next week. There are 5 trains today on the FR with one Mountain Spirit and two Woodland Wanderer and one The Quarryman and two Aberglaslyn trains on the WHR. At 09:25 Harlech Castle was shunting with coal wagons in the yard.

At around 12:30 Taliesin was noted shunting the station yard. At 13:30 The Aberglaslyn returned behind No.143. Departure came at 13:40. There will be special trains for the Boston Lodge Ceremony on Thursday. At 14:45 Vale of Ffestiniog arrived on the return working of Mountain Spirit back into the FR platform and then headed back to the depot light engine at 14.55 followed by the 14:50 Woodland Wanderer behind Upnor Castle. At 15:20 the top and tailed rake left for the depot ECS.

YouTube The Snowdonian 26/4/25

Click on the YouTube box to watch 50 minutes 58 seconds of video of the The Snowdonian on 26/4/25, This video was published on 29/4/25. This video is copyright F&WHR and was taken by John Wooden on a professional betamax 4K camcorder.

The Completion of the Boston Lodge Project

This Thursday 1/5/25 will be a special occasion at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways as staff celebrate the completion of a £5m project, thanks to funding from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund in a ceremony at Boston Lodge Engineering works. The project included major works to revive historic buildings at Boston Lodge, the oldest railway works in the world still fulfilling their original function, having built locomotives in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
This multi-faceted project also enabled the F&WHR to completely refresh the way the railway is interpreted for the 200,000 visitors that come in to contact with the railways each year. The upcoming ceremony will be an opportunity to celebrate these achievements and thank everyone who has played a role in making it all possible. #Heritage Fund #National Lottery.

F&WHR 29/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 29/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 12-23C and sunset at 20:41. Temperatures might reach 24C by next Thursday before falling to 15C next Monday. There are 5 trains today on the FR with two Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer and one The Quarryman and two through trains on the WHR. At 10:45 James Spooner arrived in the WHR platform with a short train from Boston Lodge. Five minutes later the Fairlie removed two coaches to the seawall siding. The train departed at 11:10 for Tan-y-bwlch.

During the afternoon the Quarryman was expected to arrive and also the second workings of the Mountain Spirit at 14.20 and the Woodland Wanderer at 14:40.

Auction Update 4/5/25

The F&WHR's Special ‘Railway 200 - FR Platinum jubilee weekend’ Auction, taking place on Sunday, 4/5/25 at Ysgol Eifionydd (Porthmadog), is fast approaching! The auction is set to start at 10:00 and will run for approx. 2 hours, providing enough time for each item to be sold to the highest bidder. In the latest video, Matt (the Operations Manager), talks us through what to expect at the auction. Funds raised from the auction will go towards the restoration of Blanche. Further details and a full item list are available on the website: https://www.festrail.co.uk/special-railway-200-fr.../
Click on this facebook video link to see 5 minutes coverage of the items.

F&WHR 28/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 28/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 11-18C and sunset at 20:39. Temperatures might reach 24C by next Thursday before falling to 19C next Monday. There are 3 trains today with one Mountain Spirit, one Woodland Wanderer and one Gelert Explorer at 12:22 Taliesin arrived in the FR platform with a 2 coach train from Boston Lodge. These operate TThSX at 10:10-12:25 £27 adult/£13:50 child inclusive of shuttle ride acrossv The Cob to Boston Lodge Halt (currently extended to Minffordd). Taliesin ran round at 12:35 and departed at 12:40 for the depot with the ECS.

At 13:31 Harlech Castle crossed The Cob and continued up the WHR hauling one small wagon on a PW job. Merddin Emrys turned up at13:50 with the ECS for the 14:50 Woodland Wanderer. Run round was immediate and Taliesin was next to arrive with the Woodland Wanderer set and after running round, departure came at 14:50. Vale of Ffestiniog appeared to be shunting at Boston Lodge.

F&WHR 27/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 27/4/25 was for an overcast day with temperatures of 10-15C and sunset at 20:36. Temperatures might reach 23C by next Friday before falling to 19C on Sunday. An early moning Gravity Run saw James Spooner rostered to take the wagons from Pen Cob Junction to Dduallt.Taliesin arrived in the WHR platform at Harbour Station with two coaches in the WHR platorm at 09:50 and the loco rapidly ran round. At 10:00 Merddin Emrys arrived with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit and ran round at 10:12 just after the first Boston Lodge Works Visit Shuttle departed. These were running via Minffordd where they ran round before dropping off paticipants at Boston Lodge Halt. At 10:10 James Spooner was on its way down to Porthmadog light engine and stuck with the afternoon gravity run. Merddin Emrys departed at 10:40 as booked. Taliesin propelled the gravity train across The Cob at 11:10 before departing light for the depot at 11:20.

James Spooner arrived light engine and shunted the yard from 11:50. Taliesin arrived back with the Works Shuttle into the WHR platform at 12:12 as James Spooner ran round its rake. At 12:17 the rake departed for its second gravity run. The Works Shuttle departed at 12:40. Merddin Emrys arrived back at 13:50 with the return working of the Mountain Spirit. Five minutes later the Fairlie ran to the yard to coal and water. The Fairlie was back at 14:10 after the The Quarryman ran into the FR platform hauled by Lyd. The ECS departed at 14:15. Lyd ran round at 14:30 and Taliesin arrived back with the Works Shuttle at 14:52. Minutes later Lyd departed with the return working of the The Quarryman and Taliesin ran to the yard to coal and water. Taliesin returned at 15:15 and rejoined its train for the ECS, departing at 15:20 for the depot to close the day's activities.

Ruston at Glyn Ceiriog

As well as the 3 Glyn Valley Tramway locos, the GVT had a Ruston and Hornsby loco for shunting the quarry branches and, post WW1, a war surplus loco similar to the WHHR's No.590. The Museum at Glyn Ceiriog is a separate organisation to the group who are rebuilding the trackbed between Chirk station and Pont Faen fish hatchery. The museum is developing the sidings at the former Glyn Ceiriog station and the Ruston has been useful for this purpose.

This westerly view (24/4/25) shows the Ruston being trialled through pointwork at Glyn Ceiriog station on the GVT. The original platform can be seen behind the loco. Click in the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Meryl Lloyd.

F&WHR 26/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 26/4/25 was for a day of sunny periods but overcast this afternoon with temperatures of 8-13C, followed by sunset at 20:34. The temperatures are likely to rise to 23C by the end of next week before droppingto 20C for the weekend. Unfortnately, today was forecast to be overcast with drizzle. Today the Special train The Snowdonian will operate over the full length of the line. At 08:15 the first two locos were noted running round the rake in the FR platform. These appeared to be two Fairlies with Taliesin leading James Spooner. The small loco in steam alongside them was coffeepot Chaloner fom the Richmond Light Railway. Sybil (also from the RLR) was first seen on the way up to Tan-y-bwlch with a "works train". The public services today were reduced to just 5 train with the Mountain Spirit being cancelled. At 09:30 No.143 removed three coaches from the Harbourmaster in order to match rake length to bookings and optimise fuel consumption. At 10:15 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting the yard at Boston Lodge as well as the steam loco for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer. Merddin Emrys brought in the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer at 10:30, departing on time at 11:10.

This easterly view (26/4/25) shows K1 leading The Snowdonian onto the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge, Click again to enlarge fully. This image is copyright F&WHR and taken on a digital camera.

Sybil and Chaloner teamed up in the seawall siding at 11:25, coupling to the rake stabled there. James Spooner led Taliesin back from Blaenau passing through Tan-y-bwlch at 11:30 and arriving Minffordd at 11:57 having passed the Woodland Wanderer at Hafod-y-llyn. The loco swop took place at 12:00 at Boston Lodge with the locos retreating inside Boston Lodge to allow the non-stop special to pass. The Special took the WHR through line but had to come to a stop with K1 at the tramway section starter ground signal. No.130 turned up at 12:25 with a late running The Snowdonia Star, surrendering the token to K1 and No.87 which set off for Caernarfon at 12:29. No.130 shunted to the yard to fuel and water at 12:38. At 12:45 Sybil was used as yard pilot to remove the rear coach from the Snowdonia Star to the station sidings. This allowed Chaloner to shunt a coach from the seawall siding to the rake. Linda arrived with The Quarryman from Blaenau at 12:53 and Sybil shunted its coach to the rake. Linda ran round in the FR platform at 13:05.

K1 was left at Beddgelert and No.87 soldiered on alone to Rhyd Ddu where it was joined by NG15 No.134 for the journey to Caernarfon and back. No.134 was on the front from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu on the return journey. The Snowdonian was due back in Porthmadog by 18:00 and was only 10 minutes late.

Three Garratts

Today's running of The Snowdonian special had some slight 'timing' issues which meant its run through Porthmadog onto the Welsh Highland Railway was somewhat delayed. The train was held in the WHR Loop line alongside the main road, waiting for the incoming Snowdonia Star service from Caernarfon to arrive and clear the section ahead. The unusual sight of three Garratts 'side by side' was an added bonus for visitors to Harbour Station. Once NG/G16 No.130 had arrived 'on-time' with the train from Caernarfon, pioneer Garratt K1 and NG/G16 No.87 were able to get underway and head The Snowdonian special on its way north along the Welsh Highland Railway...
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Watch out for the video report on the day's activities, which will be uploaded around the middle of next week. Click on the images to see today's special train in various locations and NG15 No.134 images too!

F&WHR 25/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 25/4/25 was for a day of sunny periods but overcast this afternoon with temperatwas frommRichmond Light Railway.ures of 9-16C, followed by sunset at 20:34. The temperatures are likely to rise to 23C by the next Friday with long sunny periods forecast. Today there are morning and afternoon services on the Woodland Wanderer and the Mountain Spirit on the FR but just one departure from Caernarfon. Now that there are more regular steam trains, deliveries of fuel to the Caernarfon refuelling point are likely to become more regular.

A small 0-4-0 steam loco, probably Sybil from the Richmond Light Railway, arrived in the FR platform (similar to Britomart) with a short works train at 11:00 and ran around. The loco was spotted taking a long trip to Blaenau Ffestiniog.James Spooner departed at 11:13 for Tan-y-bwlch.

F&WHR 24/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 24/4/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 9-16C, followed by sunset at 20:32. The temperatures are likely to rise to 21C by the next Thursday with improving weather. Today there are morning and afternoon services on the Woodland Wanderer and the Mountain Spirit but other trains will have a single run.

James Spooner arrived at 10:09 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit as No.143 departed on the Harbourmaster. The Fairlie ran round a few minutes later and shunted the rear three coaches into the seawall siding. Merddin Emrys arrived with the 5 coach ECS Woodland Wanderer at about 10:30 and promptly ran round, departing on time at 10:40. Meanwhile another steam loco was being prepared in Boston Lodge Carriage Shed. The Fairlie departed with the Woodland Wanderer at 11:10. No.130 was on the Snowdonia Star passing at Beddgelert. Robert Purcell has taken over 30 images of this journey. Click here to view Facebook images.

F&WHR 23/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 23/4/25 was for a day of showers with temperatures of 9-16C, followed by sunset at 20:30. The temperatures are likely to rise to 20C by the next Wednesday with improving weather. Today there are morning and afternoon services on the Woodland Wanderer, the Mountain Spirit and The Aberglaslyn.

At the end of the afternoon the Mountain Spirit returned at about 17:30 and the loco ran to the yard to coal and water. After about an hour the loco shunted 3 coaches from the seawall siding onto the front and the rake left ECS at 18:26. There was a treat in stall for the passengers on the Gelert Explorer as the ECS was double headed back to Dinas by No.134. This was probably in preparation for The Snowdonian next Saturday when the loco is set to double head a Garratt from Rhyd Ddu to Caernarfon.

Locals Discount scheme reintroduced from 24/4/25

Now that Easter is over there is considerable shunting every day to reduce train formations to suitable lengths for the traffic on offer and to avoid wasting fuel.

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

Between the 24/4/25 and 22/5/25 inclusive - (excluding 2-5/5/25) - the F&WHR will be offering a 50% discount for the whole family to local residents with their primary address in the postcode areas: LL22 - LL78 inclusive.

The area covered is west of Abergele (inclusive) and Bala (inclusive) to Aberdovey (inclusive) but excluding the Vale of Clwyd and Corwen. The Counties of Gwynedd and Anglesey are all included.

The voucher code is: SPRING50
This code will work for Standard Class tickets on all train services during the period stated above.
ℹ Discount offer is for tickets only and does not include Guidebooks or Food & Drink.
This code can be used to apply the discount when making bookings online, on the phone, at our Booking Office counters or on the trains, via the Guard.
PLEASE NOTE: Customers must bring proof of residency (e.g. Driver’s Licence) on the day of travel to show at the check-in desk.
More details and online tickets @www.festrail.co.uk/trains - the F&WHR looks forward to welcoming you here!

F&WHR 22/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday22/4/25 was for a day of showers with temperatures of 7-14C, followed by sunset at 20:29. The temperatures are likely to rise to 19C by the next Monday with improving weather. Today Lyd was noted on the morning Woodland Wanderer.

F&WHR 21/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 21/4/25 was for a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 5-14C, followed by sunset at 20:27. The temperatures are likely to rise to 18C by the next Monday with mixed weather. Passenger numbers are likely to be high until Bank Holiday Monday but trains will be duplicated to cope with two Woodland Wanderers and twoMountain Spirits running daily over the Bank Holiday Weekend but just one Aberglaslyn running on today.

First up was Criccieth Castle with a short 2 coach rake which arrived at 09:59. The loco ran round the rake in the WHR platform. Lilla arrived next with Merddin Emrys on the ECS Mountain Spirit in the FR platform. Criccieth Castle ran round and extracted At 10:15 Lilla shunted the Observation coach off the rear to the seawall siding. James Spooner arrived in the WHR platform at 10:31 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer.  Merddin Emrys then ran round at 10:28. The loco departed at 10:41 followed by the Woodland Wanderer at 1110.

VISIT THE AWARD-WINNING FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS!

Easter weekend may be drawing to a close but there is still plenty to look forward to this April and beyond as we continue to steam into a new season here at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways!
If you are lucky enough to still be on your holidays, why not book your tickets on a steam train adventure from one of our principal stations at Caernarfon, Porthmadog or Blaenau Ffestiniog?
Visitors have a selection of different journey options they can choose from including the F&WHR's family friendly Woodland Wanderer with a layover at our charming Tan-y-Bwlch station, The Quarryman experience which sets off from Blaenau Ffestiniog (“the town that roofed the world”) or the momentous Snowdonia Star, departing from Caernarfon and offering a full day out along the entirety of the Welsh Highland Railway!
These journey options vary in price, journey length and interval layover location so there is something to suit everyone and the F&WHR is sure you will have a journey to remember.
Do not just take the Company's word for it. Last month the F&WHR was awarded the ‘Best Attraction’ prize at the National Tourism Awards for Wales!

F&WHR 20/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 20/4/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8-16C, followed by sunset at 20:25. The temperatures are likely to rise to 17C by the next weekend with mixed weather. Passenger numbers are likely to be high until Bank Holiday Monday but trains will be duplicated to cope with twoWoodland WanderersMountain Spirits running daily over the Bank Holiday Weekend and even two The Aberglaslyns running on Sunday.

There have been occasions recently where the Porthmadog webcam was discovered to be pointing at the ground i.e. WHR loop junction point mechanism, rather than giving a panoramic view of the station. Sunday at 08:30 was such an occasion. Staff usually correct the view as soon as they notice the problem. At 10:40m Merddin Emrys was noted running round in the WHR platform with the 11:10 Woodland Wandererwhile minutes later James Spooner pulled into the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:40 dMountain Spirit running a little late. The Aberglaslyn returned about 16:20 and was noted departing ECS for the depot at 16:32.

F&WHR 19/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 19/4/25 was for an overcast day of drizzle with temperatures of 7-14C, followed by sunset at 20:23. The temperatures are likely to rise to 17C by the next weekend with mixed weather. Passenger numbers are likely to be high until Bank Holiday Monday. On the WHHR Russell was offering a final day of train rides before its boiler ticket expired.

Criccieth Castle arrived at 09:59 on footplate rides.

Phil Tugwell's Russell photos

Click on the link to see Phil Tugwell's excellent photos of Russell taken on 19/4/25 on its trip to Caernarfon.

F&WHR 18/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 18/4/25 was for an overcast day of drizzle with temperatures of 8-14C, followed by sunset at 20:22. The temperatures are likely to rise to 17C by the next weekend with mixed weather. Russell is out on a special Heritage train from Porthmadog to Caernarfon today. being the Easter Weekend starting with Good Friday today traffic is likely to be busier on the roads and railways. Friday was a bit of a washout and passenger numbers probably below expectations.

Despite the at times poor weather Russell's train was full and a small group of hardy linesiders tried to keep pace with the train from Porthmadog to Caernarfon. The passengers in the open coaches must have had a wet ride! The train set off on time and passed the Llyn Bach transfer siding at 11:14 in Porthmadog's main car park (No.590 returned to the WHHR by way Minffordd a few weeks ago). This siding has not been used for a while as there seems to be a preference for road/rail unloadings at Minffordd Yard. A possee followed the loco along at Aberglaslyn/Bryn-y-felin and even the rarely photoed Mynwent Beddgelert Cemetery level crossing. There was a short stop at Beddgelert and then the loco made a spirited attack on the 1 in 40 S curves and gradients of the Beddgelert Forest passing Pont Cae'r Gors at 11:14 and pulling into Rhyd Ddu at 11:20. The possee caught up again at Plas-y-nant, Waunfawr and Caernarfon where Taliesin was shunting offering cab rides.

Easter Weekend - Porthmadog/Blaenau Ffestiniog

This northerly archive view (24?) shows Lilla with a shuttle train at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright F&WHR and taken on a digital camera.

With trains to and from Caernarfon, Tan-y-Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog over the Easter weekend there is going to be plenty of activity around Harbour Station. The F&WHR is looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors - whether to travel on the trains, to visit Spooner's Café-Bar, watch trains or all three!
The café opens at 09:00 for breakfasts - with lunches, snacks and evening meals served daily. The real-ale bar opens from 12:00 serving local award-winning ales. You can relax inside Spooner's or enjoy the views across the estuary, and watch the trains coming and going, from the popular outdoor terrace (showers allowing!).
Over the Easter weekend, footplate rides will be available on Quarry Hunslet LILLA. This popular loco carries the bright green livery of the Cilgwyn Quarry, which was located just a few miles away in the Nantlle Valley.
LILLA will be in action between 10:00 and 16:00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Footplate rides do not need to be booked in advance and are free (although donations towards the cost of coal etc. are always welcome). You do not even have to have a ticket for one of our passenger trains - just turn up at Harbour Station and take your turn, it is fun for all the family.
While you are here, do not forget to visit the Gift Shop with its wide range of souvenirs, gifts, books, toys, models and railway related items - many only available from the F&WHR.
Come along and spend some time with us this Easter weekend - there is plenty for all to enjoy!

GOOD FRIDAY - Blaenau Ffestiniog
Passengers on the 10:40 Mountain Spirit service are invited to join members of St David's Church in Central Square in Blaenau Ffestiniog at 12 Noon for their Passion Pageant - A re-telling of the Good Friday story, the Crucifixion of Christ - with community singing. This is followed by free Hot Cross Buns. Central Square is just off the end of the station platform. The train arrives at 11:55 and passengers are very welcome to join in this important outdoor community service.

Come along to 'Y Stesion', here in Caernarfon, over the Easter weekend and enjoy a footplate ride on TALIESIN - one of the beautiful Fairlie locomotives. Unlike its larger 'relatives', TALIESIN is not a 'push-me/pull-you' double-ended locomotive, but is a Single Fairlie with just one chimney and one set of powered wheels. However, it does have a large cab with plenty of room for visitors to ride inand the power bogie swivels. TALIESIN will be in action between 10:00 and 16:00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Footplate rides do not need to be booked in advance and are free (although donations towards the cost of coal etc are always welcome). You do not even have to have a ticket for one of our passenger trains - just turn up at 'Y Stesion' and take your turn, it is fun for all the family.
Caffi De Winton will be open all weekend, of course - so you can relax with refreshing drinks and tasty treats outside on the platform or while enjoying the view of Caernarfon Castle from our mezzanine floor. There is a gift shop, model railway layout and interesting information panels about our railway to investigate as well. So come and spend some time with the F&WHR this Easter!

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F&WHR 17/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 17/4/25 was for a day of bright periods with temperatures of 7-13C, followed by sunset at 20:20. The temperatures are likely to rise to 16C by the next midweek.

Moving PicturesNo.106 17/4/25

Click on the YouTube link to watch 37 minutes 18 seconds of video covering the start of the new season including Russell's special trains. This video is copyright F&WHR and was taken by John Wooden on a professional betamx 4K camcorder.

 

F&WHR 16/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 16/4/25 was for a colder wetter day of continuous heavy showers all day long with temperatures of 6-11C, followed by sunset at 20:16. Snow fell on the summit of some of the higher peaks and is likely to wash away. The temperatures are likely to rise to 16C by the next midweek.

 

F&WHR 15/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 15/4/25 was for a colder day of heavy showers all day long with temperatures of 6-11C, followed by sunset at 20:16. Snow fell on the summit of some of the higher peaks and is likely again tomorrow. The temperatures are likely to rise to 16C by the next midweek. Normal steam operations resumed on Tuesday.

Today your webmaster went on the Harbourmaster. Arriving at Harbour Station before 09:30 there was plenty of space in the car park. We collected our hamper but it turned out the Gluten free option my wife had ordered had not been actioned so she had to go back to Spooners and asked again and they rapidly made a sandwichbefore she hurried back to the car. The train left on time with a light shower underway with No.130 performing well. At Pont Croesor we passed Harlech Castle with the drench wagon but no water tank. Passing Hafod-y-llyn later we discovered the water tank wagon on its own in the loop there.

 

This easterly view (14/4/25) shows No.130 at Porthmadog about to start on the Harbourmaster. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and taken on an iPhone camera.

 

The train slowed down to 10mph on the 1 in 40 from Hafod-y-llyn, a speed it maintained for the rest of the journey including the falling gradients. The guard opined that the F&WHR had run out of coal and was running on ovoids. A large party joined at Beddgelert and bought hop on-hop off single tickets to Rhyd Ddu. A further small group joined at Meillionen. We passed the Snowdonia Star at Rhyd Ddu hauled by No.143.

Passing Dinas shed depot pilot Bill was visible in green, along with No.87 and new loco No.134. The pointwork for the new connection to the new Carrage Shed had not advanced beyond fitting the new points for the South Junction and the headshunt point as the works had hit a sewer. The lack of progress may mean there is some ability to have events at Dinas this year. Arriving around 13:00 at Caernarfon, there was 1.5 hours until departure and the shop kindly asked if we wanted to leave our part eaten hamper with them. Coach parties left the train to join the bus tours of North Wales. We departed on time and proceded at 10 mph to the summit. Several small construction vehicles had arrived at Dinas by the afternoon which may have been to do with the new Carriage Shed.

We passed Vale of Ffestiniog at Dinas and stopped to pick up hop on-hop off passengers at Snowdon Ranger. No.143 was waiting for us at Rhyd Ddu and we picked up speed on the return journey on the downhill leg. Several passengers got off at Meillionen and Beddgelert. The train arrived back at Portmadog just after 17:00 as Merddin Emrys arrived on the Mountain Spirit.

  

Tornado's second night of testing on the Cambrian

See YouTube video. We must be grateful to these videographers who staked out the Cambrian line in the early hours of the morning! Click here for 8 minutes of video from H18-PDW Photography.

 

Tan-y-bwlch tearoom NOW OPEN 10:00 - 17:00 EVERY DAY *

The F&WHR have a great range of tasty treats and refreshing drinks for you to enjoy, plus our popular children’s playground has been resurfaced and extended...
Come along and enjoy some time with us - the railway looks forward to seeing you here!
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* PLEASE NOTE:
The tea room will be closing at 13:00 on Thursday 17/4/25, as there will be a Private Function taking place in the Tea Room.

 

New season news

It’s official… the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are back up and running for another season of steam trains here in the North-Western corner of North Wales!

At the start of this new season, we’ve got a spring in our step having picked up the ‘Best Attraction’ prize at the recent National Tourism Awards for Wales! The highly anticipated National Tourism Awards for Wales took place on the 27/3/25 at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. The ceremony was hosted by Visit Wales and celebrated the best of the tourism industry throughout the country.In November 2024, we were awarded the ‘Go Attraction of the Year’ award at the Regional Go North Wales Tourism Awards and as a result, qualified for these National Wales Awards. Our General Manager, Paul Lewin and Stephen Greig, our Visitor Experience Manager, attended the awards ceremony in March and were both delighted to pick up the prestigious prize. “Receiving this award is a huge honour and is testament to the hard work of all our staff and volunteers, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work.” - Paul Lewin.“This is a fantastic achievement, and we are very proud that we can display both our ‘Go Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Best Attraction’ awards at our stations for our visitors to see. Now, the challenge is to build on these achievements during the upcoming season, continuing to provide our passengers with an unforgettable experience; there’s no time for complacency.” - Stephen Greig Since winning the award, our attention has now turned to the start of the new season

• Woodland Wanderer : Porthmadog - Tan-y-Bwlch

• The Victorian : Porthmadog - Tan-y-Bwlch with heritage rolling stock

• Mountain Spirit : Porthmadog - Blaenau Ffestiniog

• The Quarryman : Blaenau Ffestiniog - Porthmadog

• Gelert Explorer : Caernarfon - Beddgelert

• The Aberglaslyn : Porthmadog - Beddgelert• Snowdonia Star :

• The Cwellyn : Caernarfon - Rhyd Ddu

Bookings are open all the way up until late October so there is plenty of time to book in your steam-themed visit to North Wales! In addition to our journey options, there are plenty more reasons to visit us here in North Wales.

Easter Activities We are bringing you some extra family activities this Easter (Friday April 18th - Monday April 21st) making a visit to our stations even more fun… you don’t even have to travel on a train to get involved! Caernarfon Station (Friday - Monday) Enjoy a footplate ride on one of our smaller locomotives, Lilla’, at our modern station situated near the castle car park in St Helen’s Road. Take a coffee out on to the platform or sit on the mezzanine floor and enjoy the view and have a look in the display space at the various interpretation panels. Caffi De Winton open from 09:00-15:30 for breakfast, lunches and snacks. Shop, event and display space and toilets open 09:00-16:30 Caernarfon station also welcomes prearranged small groups to use its facilities. For more information, contact Eleri, the station manager on 01286 677018 or email enquiries@ffwhr.com Porthmadog Harbour Station (Friday - Monday) Footplate rides on one of our Ffestiniog locos will be operating in Harbour Station. Enjoy the view and the trains coming and going from the terrace outside Spooner’s café bar or browse the gifts and souvenirs in the shop. Spooner’s café/bar open from 09:00 for breakfasts, lunches, snacks and evening meals daily and the real ale bar has a wide selection of drinks including a range of local award-winning ales.Grab a seat inside or outside and finish your day with a drink on the terrace or book a table in our family friendly bar for an evening meal.

Tan y Bwlch Station (Friday - MondayOver the Easter weekend, there will be family craft activities at the station and the newly extended play area allows the kids to ‘let off steam’. We are pleased to be working with Winning Moves, who have produced a bilingual Snowdonia/Eryri Monopoly as well as a Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways Top Trumps game. They have helped us with a bilingual quiz sheet, produced especially for the stat Come along and have a go! Tearooms at Tan y Bwlch will be open between 10:00-17:00 with hot food served between 10:45-15:00 and activities taking place betThere is free parking at the station, beside lake and in other local forest car parks. It is a great place for a woodland walk and there are numerous trails in the area. The tearoom offers a chance to relax over tea and cake, grab an ice cream or enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Prearranged groups are welcome. For enquiries, please send us a message to @Tearoom at Tan-y-Bwlch station, email tearoom@ffwhr.com or telephone: 01766 506996 Blaenau Ffestiniog Station (Friday) Travel on the 10:40 Mountain Spirit service on Good Friday and join members of St David’s Church in Central Square in Blaenau Ffestiniog at 12 noon for "A re-telling of the Good Friday story, The Crucifixion of Christ - with community singingThis will be followed by free Hot Cross buns! The Mountain Spirit service will arrive at 11:55 and you are very welcome to join in this important outdoor community service in the town before your return journey to Porthmadog departs at 12:45. Plenty to keep you busy here at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways over the Easter weekend!

Volunteering at the FFWHR in 2025

We are delighted that steam trains are back up and running here at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and we owe a big thanks to the staff and volunteers who worked so hard during the Winter ‘break’ on the extensive Winter Works programme. One of the main accomplishments within this programme is the new Booking Office at Porthmadog Harbour Station which has had a major refurbishment and extension allowing for a quicker and more effective experience for our customers beginning and the southern end of the Welsh Highland Railway. Thanks to all those involved in making this possible, the finished product was well worth the wait. So, following the extensive Winter Works programme, the start of the season brings the need for more volunteers and we have new and exciting roles in which we would like to welcome more members and supporters to try. Caernarfon Station Hosts: Meeting and greeting customers, checking passengers in before their journey and promoting the station and railway by talking to passers-by by use of a transportable Visitor Information Desk.On Train Hosts: The F&WHR would also like some more On Train Hosts to help our on-board teams provide excellent customer service by way of stories, fact giving and talking to our customers on board, allowing our Buffet Stewards to concentrate more on serving R. If anybody would like to trial either of these roles, please contact Stephen on sgreig@ffwhr.com ‘Railway 200 - FR Platinum Jubilee Weekend’: The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways event of the year is fast approaching and “Your Railway Needs You”! The Railway 200 – FR Platinum Jubilee Weekend is an extremely special event taking place between the 19th – 22nd of June, celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of the preservation era of the FR and 200 years of passenger railways in the UK. This will be a landmark event with extremely popular activities happening all over the railways, therefore we are calling upon the help of our Volunteers, Members and Supporters. This could be your opportunity to be involved in this special weekend for a day or two and be able to help the railway and its customers at the same time. We are largely looking for help with hosting, which largely consists of being around to ensure everybody is where they should be, safely, and with the correct tickets. Maybe it has been a while since you last volunteered, or you or your partner have not yet volunteered, if so this could be the role for you; no qualifications needed apart from professionalism and passion for the railway! If you would like more information about this, or to book to volunteer as an Event Host, please email Stephen Greig direct sgreig@ffwhr.com If you’re interested in finding out more, take a look at our new ‘Volunteering’ page on the Festrail website. There’s no need to be a Member in order to volunteer, so come along and get involved, all help is gratefully received!

Boston Lodge Works by shuttle train on Sunday.

Friends of the Ffestiniog/The Ffestiniog Railway Society AGM weekend 3-4/5/25 will soon be upon us - with additional attractions and activities for Society Members.

Caernarfon Food Festival(gwylfwydcaernarfon.cymru)/ Caernarfon Food Fair 10/5/25

The popular Caernarfon Food Fair will return this year with a variety of stalls across the city, so come along and soak up the atmosphere!

Model Railway Workshop17-18/5/25

A selection of small layouts of different gauges and some model making demonstrations to wet your appetite or help you with your own modelling plans. Come and chat about model making and pick up some tips, staged at the Gweithdy, Minffordd Station, LL48 6HF Further details available soon on the Festrail website.

Cwrw ar y Cledrau/Rail Ale Festival 6-8/6/25

Come along We are excited about the Welsh Highland Railway’s 17th Beer festival based at Dinas station near Caernarfon. Real ales and ciders, live music, catering vans. Note: this is a limited ticket event. Tickets will be available soon. Note back at Dinas!

Railway 200 – FR Platinum Jubilee Weekend 20-22/6/25 Join us as we celebrate two momentous landmarks – the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and the 70th anniversary of passenger trains on the preserved Ffestiniog Railway.

Super-Power 2025 14-15/9/25 An exciting weekend as Super Power returns with an intensive timetable including some heavy freight as we celebrate the successful restoration of the NG15 locomotive as it joins the NG/G16s. Note back at Dinas.

Trailffest September 27/9/25 The Trailffest Half Marathon is one of the most scenic you could hope to run, with dramatic changes of scenery and terrain the whole way to the finish line.

Bygones Weekend 3-5/10/25 This end of the season flagship event celebrates the best of Ffestiniog with heritage carriages, gravity trains, unusual stock formations and much more. A great atmosphere is guaranteed. A must for your calendar! That is all for now! The F&WHR hope this newsletter will entice you to start planning a visit to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways very soon!

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Harbour Station

Porthmadog

Gwynedd

LL49 9NF

UK 01766 516024

enquiries@ffwhr.com

 

Gowrie progress YouTube 16/4/25

Gowrie, the short lived Hunslet Single Fairlie PBSSR loco, is being recreated for Statfold will regularly visit the WHR. See YouTube with coverage of Gowrie replica. The loco was reputed to be a poor steamer and was sold to be Government in the late 1920s before being cut up by them in the early 1930s. The power bogie is coming together and the loco is about half complete. It will soon be time to order a boiler. Cute as Gowrie is, many supporters think Moel Tryfan would have been a better Single Fairlie to recreate as it hauled WHR and FR trains until 1936 near the closure of the line unlike Gowrie.

 

F&WHR 14/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 14/4/25 was for a colder day of heavy showers all day long (but your webmaster witnessed sunny periods too) with temperatures of 6-12C, followed by sunset at 20:14. The F&WHR diesel substutions look like being phased out due to the change in weather. Strong winds will fade out by Monday afternoon. Following the temperature dropping to 12C on Monday it is forecast to rise again to 14C by Easter Weekend and sunshine and showers will predominate from Wednesday. The weather improved to a warm sunny afternoon but with a cold windchill and light showers in the mountains.

 

Weather Warning issued for Tuesday 15/4/25

The Met Office issued a weather warning for the whole of Wales with heavy persistent rain likely to lead to flooding from midday Tuesday to midday Wednesday. Travel services may experience disruption.

 

Russell YouTube 14/4/25

After a bright day out on the WHR to Pont Croesor, an evening photoshoot was held at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway featuring the sole surviving original Welsh Highland Railway locomotive with the rest having been scrapped.
The evening started at Pen-y-Mount before working up the line towards Gelert's Farm where a stop would be made to pose Russell with Baldwin No.590 after the latter had been pulled out of the shed. The evening finished back at Pen-y-Mount with floodlights illuminating Russell before one final run by to finish the evening.

 

Click on the YouTube link to watch 19minutes 47 seconds of video covering Russell's cut back trip to Pont Croesor on 12/4/25. This video is copyright '30742 Charters' (Thomas Ellis) and was taken on a camcorder.

 

FULL STEAM AHEAD!

The F&WHR is very happy to confirm that their services should be back to normal from Tuesday morning 15/4/25 following 24 hours of heavy rainfall. All trains will be running as scheduled - and steam-hauled once again. Come along and see for yourselves - full details of our train services are on the website @ festrail.co.uk/trains

 

SPECIAL ‘RAILWAY 200 - FR PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND’ AUCTION - SUNDAY, 4/5/25!

It is time for another exciting announcement regarding our highly anticipated Railway 200 - FR Platinum Jubilee Weekend, taking place between the 19-22/6/25.
On Sunday, 4/5/25, the F&WHR will be hosting a Special Auction alongside Dafydd Hardy at Ysgol Eifionydd with 30 items set to go under the hammer!
These items will include footplate passes for the 200 Wheels on the Cob cavalcade, headboards, a Ffestiniog Railway carriage mirror, Linda’s old front coupling and a tin of green paint used for Merddin Emrys!
The auction is set to start at 10:00 and will run for approx. 2 hours, providing enough time for each item to be sold to the highest bidder.
Funds raised from the auction will go towards the restoration of Blanche.
Further details and a full item list are available on our website: https://www.festrail.co.uk/special-railway-200-fr.../
The F&WHR look forward to welcoming you all to their auction!

 

F&WHR 13/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 13/4/25 was for a colder day of sunny periods with temperatures of 6-12C and followed by sunset at 20:13. The F&WHR diesel substutions continued but the railway took a chance with James Spooner on the Works Shuttle at 10:00. Following the temperature dropping to 12C on Sunday it is forecast to rise again to 14C by Easter Weekend. The weather improved to a warm sunny afternoon but with a cold windchill and light showers in the mountains.

 

This northerly image (13/4/25) shows Vale of Ffestiniog arriving at Beddgelert with the Gelert ExplorerClick on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size if available. Image copyright Barrie Hughes taken on a iPhone camera.

 

Today Upnor Castle hauled the Woodland Wanderer to Tan-y-bwlch and Vale of Ffestiniog was on the Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon to Bedgelert. Staff felt the rain all last night may not have been enough to reinstate steam haulage for all services on Monday.

 

Steam partially restored Monday 14/4/25

Following the break in the weather and the ongoing forecast for the week ahead, the F&WHR are resuming the use of steam locomotives on most of their main services. The plan for tomorrow (Monday 14/5/25) is as follows:

FFESTINIOG RAILWAY: Double Fairlies will work the Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit services.

• JAMES SPOONER ▫ 10:40 - Mountain Spirit - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog return ▫ 14:50 - Woodland Wanderer - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return

• MERDDIN EMRYS -▫ 11:10 - Woodland Wanderer- Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return ▫ 14:20 - Mountain Spirit - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog return

(The Boston Lodge Tour shuttles will be worked by UPNOR CASTLE)

WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY: The 11:30 Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon to Beddgelert return will be diesel-hauled by VALE OF FFESTINIOG.

 

The F&WHR will continue to monitor the weather and ground conditions over the days ahead and adjust haulage plans accordingly. The railway will, of course, keep passengers and enthusiasts as up to date as possible!

 

Tornado will be followed by a Deltic!

Tornado, soon to finish nightime testing on the Cambrian on 17/5/25, will be followed by a period of testing a preserved Deltic No.55022 Royal Scots Grey, See Rail UK story.

 

Snowdonia Parc Brewpub Beerfest Advert 6-8/6/25

The Snowdonia Parc Brewpub is the unusual centre of this year's Beer Festival being that Dinas Yard is a construction site for the new Carriage Shed. The Snowdonia Parc has limited parking and so visitors are recommended to use the regular shuttle trains from Caernarfon. Click here for the Snowdonia Parc advert.

 

F&WHR 12/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 12/4/25 was for a mostly sunny day with temperatures of 6-18C becoming overcast and rainy in the afternoon and followed by sunset at 20:11. The change to rain showers in the afternoon will ease the jobs of the controllers who are currently juggling diesel substutions. Following the temperature dropping to 12C on Sunday it is forecast to rise again to 16C by the end of next week, a week of sunny periods. There was lots of shunting today to reduce train lengths and save money hauling 'air'.

With a minimum of rain expected overnight the F&WHR feel that tomorrow is best run with diesels again so another Diesel Gala Day! A goodly number of images of the pairings that hauled trains today have emerged alongside images of Russell on its shortened journeys to Pont Croesor. See F&WHR Facebook page.

One remarkable haulage was the unadvertised No.9 yellow PW shunter. This accounts for the light engine movement of Caernarfon Castle in the afternoon.

 

This easterly image (12/4/25) shows No.9 taking the Snowdonia Star back to Dinas releasing Caernarfon Castle light engine to return to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size if available. Image copyright Phil Brown (F&WHR) taken on a phone camera.

 

The GM responds:  It was a complicated move. Caernarfon Castle had lost the ability to make vacuum due to hydraulic hose bursting. So Harlech Castle provided vacuum for swapping the set from Down line to Up line at Beddgelert. The diesels departed together with Harlech Castle going to Hafod-y-Llyn and Caernarfon Castle going on from there to Boston Lodge for repair. Vale of Ffestiniog was moved to Dinas to cover Caernarfon Castle's duties this morning.

 

Loco roster 12-18/4/25

Following a gentle start to the season, the number of trains running on the F&WHR is building up - resulting in a corresponding increase in the number of locos in use. In fact, there will be a total of NINE steam locos in action this week. On the Ffestiniog Railway:

• Double Fairlies MERDDIN EMRYS and JAMES SPOONER will mainly be sharing duties on Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer services - although LYD will also make an appearance on Thursday.

• Single Fairlie TALIESIN makes a welcome return to the active fleet this week - working Saturday's Woodland Wanderer services and then most of the week's Boston Lodge Tour shuttles.

• Penrhyn Lady LINDA will be based in Blaenau Ffestiniog, working The Quarryman service from there.

• On Friday, WELSH PONY will be on Boston Lodge Tours duty, while LILLA will be busy providing footplate rides in Harbour Station.

 

Over on the Welsh Highland Railway, NG/G16s Nos. 130 /143 will be covering the passenger services:

• No.130 will start the week working from Caernarfon.

• No.143 will start the week working from Porthmadog.

• The two locos will swap trains at Beddgelert on Wednesday, working from the opposite end of the line for the remainder of the week.

• In addition, Single Fairlie TALIESIN will be in Caernarfon from Friday - providing footplate rides over the Easter weekend. Check the captions on each loco portrait for further details of their individual workings.

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⚠ NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time in the light of operational difficulties or exceptional circumstances.

 

 

'DIESEL-FFEST' 2025

In the light of Saturday's announcement regarding changes to Sunday's services, the F&WHR are delighted to encourage enthusiaststo join them for their impromptu DIESEL-FFEST - something enthusiasts have been requesting for some time!
The following diesels have been rostered for F&WHR trains on Saturday 12/5/25:

▪ VALE OF FFESTINIOG

▪ CASTELL CAERNARFON

▪ CRICCIETH CASTLE

▪ UPNOR CASTLE

Check the captions on each loco portrait for details of their individual workings...
Seats are currently available on all our trains tomorrow, so if diesels are your 'thing' come and enjoy a festival of internal-combustion traction on the F&WHR. Clicl on this picture link to see the roster.
Of course, all these trains will be running in the beautiful scenery of North Wales, so the view from your carriage window will be just as breath-taking as ever - irrespective of what is pulling the train! There are 10 images on the Festrail Insider Facebook page if you missed it.

‘RAILWAY 200’ – FR PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND’ – ‘200 WHEELS ON THE COB’ UPDATE!

The build up to the F&WHR's highly anticipated ‘RAILWAY 200’: FR PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND feat. ‘200 Wheels on the Cob’ (20-22/5/25) continues with an update from the F&WHR's Operations Manager; Matt Ellis!

In the Facebook video. Matt provides details on the Special Optional Extras that are available during the event… these are limited in numbers, so they’ll be sold to rover ticket holders only, on a first come, first served basis.
Further details regarding these Special Optional Extras along with all other event information are available here: https://www.festrail.co.uk/fr70/

For more information about 'Railway 200', visit the official website.

 

F&WHR 11/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 11/4/25 was for a chilly sunny day with temperatures of 6-19C and sunset at 20:09. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 17C down to 13C MAX from Sunday and with some frosty mornings from mid week this week. Two trains ran on Friday, namely the morning Mountain Spirit and the moning's Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon. The hillside above Tan-y-bwlch seemed to be alight with a widespread wildfire and the dry conditions are affecting Saturday's planned services. Vale of Ffestiniog substituted for the expected Fairlie on today's Mountain Spirit which turned back at Tan-y-bwlch, running as the Woodland Wanderer.

 

Russell Heritage special cut back to Pont Croesor 12/4/25

In a move that will bring disappointment to passengers and photographers, Saturday's Russell Farewell Heritage Specials to Beddgelert have been cut back to Pont Croesor because the fire risk that has seen the F&WHR use diesel loco substitutes on all its trains. It is unknown if the WHHR will be offering partial refunds for this journey which is now about 1/4 of the original advertised length. Some enthusiasts are wondering why the train could not go to Hafod-y-llyn and run round there as tthat is rhe 1 in 40 where Russell might exert itself and cause spark problemweres starts just beyond this little used loop. Trains run at 10:55 and 13:30 from Porthmadog Harbour Station.

 

Russell stabled at Porthmadog between duties as the cut back journey took just 30 mins. Click to enlarge and click again to enlarge fully if available. Iphone photo by Barrie Hughes

Journey times to Pont Croesor are about 10 minutes and it was unknown if the train will immediately return to Porthmadog or wait its path for well over an hour. The original round trips were quoted as 2 hours 5 minutes (including a layover of approximately an hour at Beddgelert for watering, run round and photography). The final opportunity to ride behind Russell on the WHR occurs on 18/4/25 when Russell makes an epic journey from Porthmadog Harbour to Caernarfon and back. Photographers missing the opportunity of catching the loco at Beddgelert today can make use of this opportunity as this will be the last chance for several years with the loco in Gelert's Farm Loco Works for its 10 year's boiler overhaul. This train is already fully booked.

There are 8 'Farewell to Russell ' photographs on the Festrail Facebook page.

 

Dry conditions cause diesel substitutions

All F&WHR trains on Saturday 12/4/25 will see diesel substitution because of unseasonably dry conditions and the risk of fires breaking out.

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
SATURDAY 12th APRIL
Due to the unseasonably dry weather conditions and various hillside fires in the region, the F&WHR has made the decision to amend the planned train services for Saturday 12/5/25.
The following changes will apply:
The Quarryman service from Blaenau Ffestiniog has been CANCELLED.
The Mountain Spirit will run as a Woodland Wanderer service to Tan-y-Bwlch.
The Woodland Wanderer, The Harbourmaster and the Snowdonia Star services will be running as scheduled.
ALL TRAINS WILL BE DIESEL HAULED...
The Booking Office staff are in the process of contacting all pre-booked customers with relevant information and processing refunds as appropriate.
The F&WHRwill provide updates on further developments or alterations to the planned services as soon as possible.

 

Tan-y-bwlch wildfire as seen from Black Rock Sands (11/4/25). Iphone photo by Sylvia Glanville-Hughes

 

F&WHR 10/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 10/4/25 was for a chilly sunny day with temperatures of 1-15C and sunset at 20:07. he forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 18C down to 13C MAX from Sunday and with some frosty mornings from mid week this week. With the anticipation of more tourists and school holidays a number of services have been duplicated for the next days, namely the Mountain Spirit which has additional afternoon run at 14:20. No.130 was the haulage for the Harbourmast6er at 10.05 as James Spooner arrived with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit into the FR platform for the 10:40.

 

General Manager's Spring Update 10/4/25

Click on the YouTube to watch 24 minutes 57 seconds of video mostly with Paul Lewin (General Manager F&WHR). This video was published on 10/4/25. Video taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a 4K professional betamax camcorder.

 

F&WHR 9/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 9/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 4-18C and sunset at 20:06. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 18 down to 13C MAX from Sunday and with some frosty mornings from mid week this week. With the anticipation of more tourists and school holidays a number of services have been duplicated for the next two days, namely the Mountain Spirit which has additional afternoon run at 14:20 and, on today only, an afternoon run of The Aberglaslyn at 13:40.

On 9/4/25 the Garratt on The Aberglaslyn was again substituted by a double header, this time James Spooner and Vale of Ffestiniog (see Oliver Dove's image on Facebook). Youngster Cynan Hughes (no relation) has also added some images and video to the Friends of F&WHR Facebook page of the new pairing presumably dated 9/4/25.

 

F&WHR 8/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 8/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 5-16C and sunset at 20:04. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 18 down to 13C MAX from Sunday and with some frosty mornings from mid week this week. The 10:05 Harbourmaster and 10:40 Mountain Spirit are diagrammed to run today. With the anticipation of more tourists and school holidays a number of services have been duplicated for the next three days, namely the Mountain Spirit which has additional afternoon run at 14:20 and, on Wednesday Only, an afternoon run of The Aberglaslyn at 13:40.

A problem with a Garratt or perhaps concern about the recent dry spell and possibility of lineside fires let to the ECS for the Harbourmaster being hauled in by Vale of Ffestiniog at about 09:30. At 09:50 Merddin Emrys arrived in the WHR through line, light engine and shunted onto the front of the Funkey in the WHR platform with its 10 coach rake a few minutes later. Fairlies are limited to 6 bogies on the 1 in 40 so the addition of the Funkey was essential. The train left on time unusually doubled headed and with the unlikely haulage of a Double Fairlie all the way to Caernarfon. James Spooner arrived in the FR platform with its 10 coach rake at 10:15 and ran round promptly ready for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit.

 

This easterly image (8/4/25) shows Merddin Emrys running round the Harbourmaster before piloting Vale of Ffestiniog over the mountains. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size if available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a web camera.

 

This easterly image (8/4/25) shows Merddin Emrys departing with Vale of Ffestiniog on the Harbourmaster - a very unusual occurence! In the background James Spooner approaches with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size if available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a web camera.

 

This easterly image (8/4/25) shows Caernarfon Castle running round the Snowdonia Star whose Garratt was also substituted by a Funkey, possibly because of wildfire worries at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size if available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a web camera.

 

Caernarfon Castle arrived at 12:33 on the reduced length formation 6 coach Snowdonia Star and run round came minutes later. With both Funkeys in action this suggests the Garratt substitutions are because of fire risk after last Saturday's incident at Summit Cutting. The return working of the Mountain Spirit arrived just before 14:00 giving about 10 minutes overlap with the Snowdonia Star for anyone attempting the Round Robin of the whole F&WHR from Llandudno Junction. The afternoon working of the Mountain Spirit departed just after 14:20. There are a large number of photos of these two workings on the Friends of F&WHR Facebook page today e.g. this one by Oliver Dove. Harlech Castle was noted refilling the large tank wagon (possibly the one normally stabled at Tan-y-bwlch) at Rhyd Ddu water tower. It may have been utilised in a pre-emptive drenching run through through Summit Cutting.

 

Tornado Cambrian ERTMS trials 8/4/25

Tornado's major overhaul incuded fitting of a test unit for the in-cab European Train Control System being fitted to the ECML south of Peterborough. It had been intended to test this on the Old Dalby Test Track but a serious landslip has curtailed those plans. As the system is compatible with ERTMS, Tornado has been fitted with receivers for those balises and was sent to Coleham TMD (Shrewsbury) on 2/4/25 from Carnforth. The loco will remain here for about a month depending on test results. Testing takes place on overnight possessions between Sutton Bridge Junction and Newtown on MTWO. Graeme Paddison took a series of nightime shots and video in the early hours of 8/4/25. The next day it reached Newtown as shown by Paul Williams photos.

 

F&WHR 7/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 7/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 6-16C and sunset at 20:02. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 18-13C MAX by the end of next week but with some frosty mornings from mid week this week. The 10:40 Mountain Spirit and 11:30 Gelert Explorer are diagrammed to run on Monday. Merddin Emrys arrived in the FR platform with its 10 coach rake at 10:00 and ran round 15 minutes later. Linda arrived in the FR platform at 11:00 with a 6 coach rake and ran round at 11:10 presumably on a staff training train. The train departed at 11:46 to the east passing Minffordd at 11:55. Linda returned through Minffordd at 12:25 suggesting it had been no futher than Tan-y-bwlch.

 

F&WHR 6/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 6/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 6-18C and sunset at 20:00. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 17-19C MAX by the end of next week but with some frosty mornings from mid week. The Mountain Spirit and Gelert Explorer are diagrammed to run on Sunday and Monday.

Several people have contributed photos to Friends of the F&WHR Facebook page. eg. Ann Simcock: Andrew Simmonds:Taz Runner Knopler : David Lusby. Some photographers also included a few shots of James Spooner and Lyd on their unadvertised trip up the WHR around noon.

A fire was reported at Summit Cutting with several fire engines in attendance. This was suprising as the FR had apparently operated a drench train through there twice earlier in a pre-emptive move to avoid sparks setting fire to this location which has been prone to fires in the past. Russell was certainly NOT to blame as the loco operated between Porthmadog and Beddgelert on Saturday only.

 

F&WHR 5/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 5/4/25 was for an improving day of sunny periods with temperatures of 5-19C and sunset at 19:58. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 18-19C MAX by the end of next week but with some frosty mornings from next weekend. No passenger services were planned to be operated today as the WHHR has use of the line to run two Russell specials from Porthmadog Harbour station to Beddgelert.

At 09:00 steam was being raised at Boston Lodge following which a Garratt pulled a 7 coach ECS rake of modern stock into the WHR plaform at 09:25.The train departed towards Beddgelert at 09:42.

Considering the blank F&WHR timetable it is surprising there was so much ECS activity in the morning. A second steam loco was noted shunting Boston Lodge at 10:05 and arrived with an ECS rake in the FR platform at 10:14. The three rear coaches were shunted to the seawall sidings at 10:23. The Fairlie departed with the short rake at 10:40 towards the east. Merddin Emrys passed through Tan-y-bwlch with the ECS at  11:22. James Spooner and Lyd double headed another unadvertised train to at least Beddgelert.

Meanwhile down at Porthmadog, Russell arrived with its 4 coach heritage rake (less the open coach promised). Run round came five minutes later and departure towards Beddgelert at 11:27 with a gallery of photographers recording the unusual sight of the loco in Porthmadog.Towards the end of the afternoon Merddin Emrys hauled its ECS rake back into the WHR platform and ran to the refuelling point, emerging at 17:00 to couple to the rear of the train. Lyd was shunting light engine in the FR platform at 17:03. Lyd joined the Fairlie on the front of the ECS. The ECS departed at 17:07 leaving the WHR platform clear for Russell's return.

Russell returned from Beddgelert at 18:00 and uncoupled to coal and water. After some hesitancy by the king point the loco set of for Boston Lodge presumably not passed for the Harbour Station Yard sidings. The loco was back after half an hour and ran through the WHR through road before coupling up to take the ECS back to Pen-y-Mount. The train departed at 18.57.

 

This easterly image (5/4/25) shows Russell in brilliant evening sunshine returning the ECS to the WHHR at the end of a successful day of specials between Porthmadog Harbour and Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size if available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a web camera.

 

Minutes later Merddin Emrys departed the FR platform with the ECS from what appeared to be the Mountain Spirit. Considering there were no advertised F&WHR trains today it was a pretty interesting day at Porthmadog!

 

Russell video 5/4/25

Mark Herbert (WHHR) has kindly provided a video of Saturday's Russell Specials. It seems that Lyd and Merddin Emrys took an unadvertised trip to Beddgelert and back around midday between the two Russell Specials.

 

Click on the YouTube to watch 4 minutes 45 seconds of video mostly covering the Russell's Special trains between Porthmadog Harbour and Beddgelert on 5/4/25. This video was published on 6/4/25. Video taken by Mark Herbert (WHHR) on a camcorder.

 

UK Railtours operated two specials on Saturday, one in the clockwise direction from Blaenau Ffestiniog and the other anticlockwise from Caernarfon. Both involved MERDDIN EMRYS on the FR. The one starting at Caernarfon was Garratt-hauled (No.130). The one from Blaenau Ffestiniog was taken over by James Spooner and Lyd from Porthmadog running north.

Both trains were very full.

The morning Russell Special ran to time in both directions and Russell was serviced in the yard at Harbour Station. Things unravelled early afternoon on account of the wildfire at Summit Cutting which led to the northbound double-headed charter being held at Beddgelert, and consequently, the afternoon Russell Special was held at Porthmadog until about 16.00. Soon after it reached Beddgelert Harlech Castle passed through from the north with a tank wagon (presumably from Tan-y-bwlch and involved in firefighting). Russell set off once the diesel reached Porthmadog, still about one hour late.

Baldwin No.590 is stored at the back of Gelert’s Farm workshop. The VoR’s recent work did not involve fixing the air brake problem which manifested itself during the launch weekend 2 years ago leading to the FR lending the Col. Stephens set then. The Baldwin may not run for a while until it is fixed due to the lack of suitable rolling stock.

 

James Waite's WHR trip 5/4/25

This Gelert's Farm Workshop view (5/4/25) shows No.590 at the back of the Gelert's Farm loco shed. The loco is still sidelined with air compressor problems which were not attempted at the VoR. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on an digital  camera.

 

This westerly view (5/4/25) shows Merddin Emrys heading out of Porthmadog on the UK Railtours set which was due to pick up the excursion in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This westerly view (5/4/25) shows Russell running round at Porthmadog Harbour station after arriving with its ECS train of Heritage stock heading Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This northerly view (5/4/25) shows Russell climbing the 1 in 40 Nantmor Incline. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This westerly view (5/4/25) shows Russell propelling its train back into the yard after returning from the first trip to Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This easterly view (5/4/25) shows James Spooner and Lyd hauling the ECS to Caernarfon,entering the tramway over Britannia Bridge to pick up the UK Railtours excursion from there. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This northerly view (5/4/25) shows Russell propelling the ECS out of the station ready for the afternoon run to Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This easterly view (5/4/25) shows Russell hauling the afternoon working to Beddgelert crossing Pawb (Cambrian Crossing) Portmadog. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This southerly view (5/4/25) shows Harlech Castle hauling the water tank wagon and drench car into Beddgelert from dealing with the lineside fire at Summit Cutting. The clouds in the background are due to the fire! Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This easterly view (5/4/25) shows Russell watering at the heritage tank Beddgelert. As No.590 is sidelined with air brake issues some of us in our 70s are wondering whether we will live to see the historical tableaux replayed at Beddgelert as it was in Frontier days with Russell on its train from Dinas meeting the Baldwin from Porthmadog! Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital camera.

 

This easterly view (5/4/25) shows Russell on the return working of the afternoon train to Beddgelert crossing Bryn-y-felin bridge. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This northerly view (5/4/25) shows Russell approaching Ynysfor level crossing with the returning afternoon train fromBeddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

This easterly view (5/4/25) shows Russell taking the ECS back to Pen-y-Mount at the end of the day crossing Britannia Bridge. Click on the image to enlarge, This image is copyright James Waite and taken on a digital  camera.

 

F&WHR 4/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 4/4/25 was for an improving day of sunny periods with temperatures of 7-20C and sunset at 19:57. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 16-18C MAX by the end of next week but with some frosty mornings from next weekend. No passenger services were planned to be operated today though it did appear that Vale of Ffestiniog was shunting Boston Lodge at around 08:30.

At 11:33 Upnor Castle arrived at Tan-y-Bwlch from Minffordd with BZ2004 and FR Mess car No.1111. After lunch the PW team headed east at 12:10. At 14:51 Taliesin turned up with a short ECS consisting of 6 heritage bogie coaches on what was probably a steam test for the Woodland Wanderer/The Victorian. The loco ran round shortly after arriving and departed for the depot at 15:16.

 

This westerly image (4/4/25) shows Taliesin on a likely steam test running round at Tan-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size if available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a web camera.

 

There are no F&WHR trains on Saturday 5/4/25 as the line is being given over to the WHHR to run their Porthmadog Harbour-Beddgelert service with Russell. This will involve ECS trains from Pen-y-Mount Junction to Porthmadog Harbour, 5 coach heritage trains to Bedgelert in the morning and afternoon and ECS trains back from Harbour Station to Pen-y-Mount Junction at the end of the day. Any photos would be welcome for publication as your webmaster cannot be there this weekend. Trains depart Porthmadog Harbour at 11:25 and 15:00.

 

F&WHR 3/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 3/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 11-19C and sunset at 19:55. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 17-21C MAX by the end of next week but with some frosty mornings from next weekend. At 09:00 steam was being raised at Boston Lodge for the two departures today, the 10:05 The Harbourmaster and the 10:40 The Mountain Spirit.

 

F&WHR 2/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 2/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 7-18C and sunset at 19:54. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 16-21C MAX by the end of next week but with some frosty mornings from next weekend.

No.143 was on the ECS today for the two The Aberglaslyn services. After arriving at 09:22, the loco ran round and removed 3 coaches from the rear and shunted them to the seawall siding. Matching the load to the nmber of passengers carried saves money on fuel but left the rake containing one lower profile heritage coach on this occasion. The loco returned light engine to the rake in the WHR platform at 10:05 in plenty of time for its 10:20 departure. The ECS for the Mountain Spirit arrived at about 10:15 behind Merddin Emrys. The Garratt departed at 10:20 on time and the Fairlie ran round at 10:30 ready for its 10:40 departure.Two coaches appeared reserved for passengers joining at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Upnor Castle hauled a cherry picker past Bryn Gloch caravan site towards Beddgelert today. Maybe there is still clearance work to be done from Storm Darragh. Click on Gary Spicer's Facebook video to watch.

 

F&WHR 1/4/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 1/4/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 4-17C and sunset at 19:51. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 16-21C MAX by the end of next week but with some frosty mornings. First up today was the ECS for The Harbourmaster which arrived behind No.143 at 09:22. The ECS for the Mountain Spirit arrived at about 09:40 behind Merddin Emrys. The Fairlie ran round at 10:05 as the Garratt departed. No.130 arrived on the Snowdonia Star at 12:30. The loco uncoupled immediately and ran to the station yard to refuel and water. The Garratt returned to its short 5 coach train at 13:30 as Merddin Emrys passed through Tan-y-bwlch with the return working of the Mountain Spirit. The Garratt returned from Caernarfon at 16:25 but it initially appeared that the track ahead was blocked by Vale of Ffestiniog, presumably on PW duties at Pen Cob Junction. Whatever the problem was seemed to be resolved quickly and the ECS departed for the depot.

 

Easter at the F&WHR 18-21/4/25

There will be traditional Easter activities at the F&WHR with Lilla giving footplate rides at Caernarfon. Porthmadog Harbour Station will also have a small loco offering footplate rides. There will be family craft activities at Tan-y-bwlch and a religious service and hot cross buns at Blaenau Ffestiniog. For full details see F&WHR Easter.

 

Trackwork Volunteering 2024

Volunteering is currently organised differently due to the Covid-19 outbreak. We have a mix of weekend and weekday working parties. The Black Hand, Tuesday Gang and Rest of the World Gangs will be very glad to accept your help. Contact the relevant organiser to let him know when you plan to join us. Please do not just turn up as that makes it difficult for us to plan ahead.

The programme for 2024 is fortnightly for the North Wales Track Gang in RED but details are still awaited for the ROWG in BLACK:

January		13-14/1/24
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Bank Holiday weekend

! Subject to confirmation when the Winter Major Works Programme is available

WW-Working week Saturday-Thursday

The Tuesday Gang expects to be operating most Tuesdays.

Arrangements may change so contact the working party organiser before you commit yourself to joining us just to make sure.

Contacts

If you intend to join one of the weekend or Tuesday gangs, please contact the appropriate organiser. If you are interested in weekday working or have any queries about track work volunteering, please contact Phil Nock.

Tuesday Gang:

North Wales Black Hand Gang (BHG): Dafydd Thomas Phone: 01248 681019 Email: dthomas@ffw

Rest of The World Gang (ROWG): Phil Nock Email: pnock@ffwhr.com

If you intend to join one of the weekend or Tuesday Gang days, please contact the appropriate organiser. If you are interested in weekday working or have any queries about track work volunteering, please contact Paul Bradshaw. See Contacts page.

 

Gradient graph

John Hopkins has contributed this image of the gradient profile of the WHR. It makes clear how much of a mountain we have climbed and how steep the drop through Beddgelert is. Maybe most of all, it reveals the challenge facing northbound trains after they stop at Beddgelert!

This image is courtesy/copyright John Hopkins and is derived from data courtesy John Sreeves with additional work by Michael Bentley. Click on the image to enlarge.

Site development

If you have suggestions for development of this site, please contact me by email at the address at the top of the page.

 

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Maps & Plans and links

Click here for Steve Harris' /WHRS' full list of Historical Maps and Gradient Profiles

DVD material can be purchased from Jon Marsh who is the WHRS' (DVD Only) Mail Order officer. All other materials are now sold in the F&WHRS shop.

Click here for the Mail Order web page

Click here for the Official WHR website

Click here for Official WHHR site

Click here for FR Company websites

Click here for Welsh Highland Heritage Group

 

V4.5213 updated 11/5/25