◄ Nowadays it is rather easier and our trains are far more comfortable with corridors, loos for little Effie and proper refreshments (including one of the best beers in Wales). The journey takes from 1000 (10 a.m.) until 1700 (5 p.m.) or 1800 (6 p.m.) so you can be back in time for your evening meal. Llandudno Station has been refurbished under the supervision of the Railway Heritage Trust; three platforms have been given over to car parking. You can buy a through ticket to Porthmadog Harbour but not yet to Caernarfon; you may need to buy another at Porthmadog (We would like one day to arrange with Arriva Trains and Arriva Buses for you to buy a single ticket at Llandudno for the trip).
[departs1008] The Arriva Class 150 twin-car train trundles three times a day from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog, dropping off masses of climbers with their gear at Betws y Coed. [arrives 1136] At Blaenau station the standard gauge slides in at one side, and on the other is the FR station with a respectable rainproof roof.
[d.1145]The Ffestiniog train is commonly three times the length of the Class 150, and every seat has a view of the scenery. The train has refreshments served by charming young folk, many of them volunteers. [a.1255] At Porthmadog Harbour Station, in Spooners Café, you may have either a snack or a proper meal. If you need another ticket for the journey to Caernarfon, buy it here.
Now make your way to the Welsh Highland train on the opposite side of the platform. This is a rather bigger train with a much larger steam engine that quite dwarfs the FR locomotive, but it runs on the Otherwise take the Arriva 5C bus to Bangor (every same gauge of rails – two feet apart. Again, there 30 minutes, takes half an hour). At Bangor the bus are refreshments, this time from a trolley. changes its number and continues directly to [d.1315 or 1400] According to the time of year, you Llandudno. may travel either on the 1315 or the 1400 in some [5C>5X d. Caernarfon 1612; a. Bangor 1640, a. comfort through the Aberglaslyn Pass, Beddgelert, Llandudno 1739] over Y Copa (the Summit) and downhill not just to [5C>5 d. Caernarfon 1642; a. Bangor 1710, a. Dinas, but right to Caernarfon, arriving only a few Llandudno 1815] hundred yards from the famous Castle. Trains are little quicker from Bangor to Llandudno [a. 1535 or 1620 according to the time of year]. because of the time waiting en route. Unfortunately the railway from Caernarfon to d. Bangor 1623, a. 1702 (change Llandudno Bangor shut forty years ago and while we would Junction) using taxi from Caernarfon to Bangor. like to have it back, that day is not yet. So make your way 600 yards to the bus station on the other d. 1718, a. 1802 (change Llandudno Junction) side of Y Maes, the Castle Square. This is awkward using 5C bus. for wheelchairs, but our station staff will summon a taxi to take you to Bangor Station.
d. 1809 a. 1853( ditto).
Peter Jarvis