Book in advance online to avoid disappointment at www.snowdonrailway.co.uk
A GROUP EXPERIENCE ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE
From the first views of the waterfall plunging into the gorge below at the start of the journey, to the breath-taking sights over the sheer edge of the Rocky Valley ridge, every moment is memorable
One of the world’s greatest panoramas is revealed as the train reaches the Summit. On arrival, explore the architectural feat – Hafod Eryri, enjoy a hot snack from the café and venture to the cairn, where on clear days the views stretch out as far as Ireland. From above the clouds, standing at the Summit of the highest Mountain in Wales and England, both young and old can embrace the invigorating atmosphere of Eryri – the Land of the Eagles.
Heritage Steam Service
Journey to the summit of Snowdon on one of our award winning carriages, pushed by an original 1896 Swiss steam locomotive. Both The Snowdon Lily and The Snowdon Mountain Goat visit Hafod Eryri at the Summit of Snowdon daily May to October and the Heritage Steam experience is exactly as it was back in 1896. (For passengers who prefer a more spacious carriage we advise them to book the Heritage Steam Service).
The Traditional Diesel Service
Partnering tradition with technical know-how, our diesel carriages (introduced 2012) have ensured the longevity of Snowdon Mountain Railway. Pushed by one of our handsome Hunslet Engine Company diesel locomotives, these carriages seat up to 74 passengers – 10 per compartment.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
A warm Welsh welcome awaits you at Snowdon Mountain Railway, where a host of facilities allows for a full day of fun.
Gift Shop
Authentic Welsh products including locally crafted ales and spirits, as well as unique Snowdon Mountain Railway souvenirs, clothing and Celtic jewellery.
Refreshments
You’ll be spoilt for choice with refreshments available from our fully licenced Station Buffet, Platform Grill and Summit Café eateries.
Film Theatre
Showing a shor t film depicting the history of Snowdon Mountain Railway as well as all of the original ‘Ivor the Engine’ cartoons.
Relax
The spacious flower lined forecour t also provides an ideal spot to meet up and relax – soaking up the sights and sounds of billowing steam in the heart of Snowdonia.
OVER 120 YEARS OF STEAM
Established in 1896 as Snowdon Mountain Tramroad and Hotels Company Limited, the Snowdon Mountain Railway has operated almost uninterrupted since its inception as a commercial tourist railway. It is the only ABT rack and pinion railway of its kind in the UK with all of the original Swiss steam locomotives still in our treasured possession.
Celebrities such as Katherine Jenkins OBE, Sir Bryn Terfel CBE and Sir David Brailsford CBE have all visited in recent years. Each has a Diesel carriage named in their honour.
The Railway has not only proven popular with celebrities, including Bear Grylls and Dame Penelope Keith, but has also been a prominent feature in many TV shows including ITV’s ‘Don’t Tell The Bride’ and Michael Portillo’s ‘Great Railway Journeys.’
By protecting the unique heritage identity of Snowdon Mountain Railway, we hope you will be as charmed with the awe-inspiring journey as our visitors were centuries ago.
Hafod Eryri – The UK’s highest visitor centre
No trip to the Summit of Snowdon is complete without a visit to Hafod Eryri – the UK’s highest visitor centre. This architectural feat, constructed in 2009, is a lofty Welsh gem. The building itself is clad in Welsh oak and locally sourced granite, tales of local myths and legends adorn the floor and tables plus the panoramic views of Snowdonia that surround the centre are unparalleled.
On your 30 minute Summit stopover you can venture to the cairn where, at 1085m, the views can stretch out as far as Ireland. The café offers the perfect medley of bites for a picnic on the mountainside – from warming soups to fresh cream cakes. You can also take a moment to browse the gift shop and even send a postcard from our very own Summit post box!
When can I travel?
Subject to weather and passenger demand, trains run every day from mid-March until the beginning of November.
Departure times
The first train of the day departs at 9:00am and then at regular intervals thereafter.
Where do we go?
Leaving from our station in the village of Llanberis, our trains travel to the peak of Snowdon, 1085m above sea level. Travel to the Summit is between May and November – weather permitting. It is expected that trains will run to Clogwyn (3/4 distance up the mountain) in the early season (March and April).
Journey duration
All Summit services last approximately 2.5 hours, this includes a 30 minute stop at the Summit. All Clogwyn services last approximately 2 hours, this includes a 30 minute stop at the unsheltered mountainside Clogwyn station. Please be aware that there are no facilities at this location.
Further information at www.snowdonrailway.co.uk