The Ffestiniog Railway and Portmeirion

Please be warned, this is likely to be a long post, and fairly photo heavy!

Wednesday dawned grey and misty, but the forecast was for improvement during the day, so we set off for Blaenau Ffestiniog. The town itself was surrounded on all sides by steep cliff faces with misty tops, and didn't, I have to say, seem particularly pleasant. Its history is firmly linked to the slate industry, as you can read here.

But we had come here for a ride on a steam train on the Ffestiniog Railway.

We journeyed through some quite magnificent scenery down the valley towards the coast, but were sat on the wrong side of the train for many photographs on the outbound journey. We had bought our lunch with us, so as it was around midday we ate sandwiches on the train.

By the time we alighted at Minfford, the weather had improved and we walked the mile or so to Portmeirion in bright sunshine.

We spent a good couple of hours just wandering around, had a beer or two and some icecream, and generally just marvelled at the whole place. I took upwards of 50 photos, but I've just selected a few to give you a general idea.

Then it was back to Minfford for the return train ride. As the track was mostly single line, the trains were obliged to pass at the station - our up train was delayed at Portmadog so we, and the down train, had to wait a while.

We managed to sit on the other side of the train for the up journey, so I was able to take a few pics of the views.

Thankyou drivers.

This was our last day in North Wales, and the most enjoyable. So it was back to the digs to pack ready for our return journey, and to enjoy a nice bottle of the red stuff with tea.