Steam locomotives were a common sight throughout Britain until the mid-20th century, when they were gradually replaced by engines powered by diesel and electricity. But diesel and electric engines, while faster than steam locomotives, don’t have quite the same charm and romance as a chuffing, chugging plume of steam zig-zagging across the open countryside, through mountain-hewn tunnels and over picturesque bridges.
The remaining steam locomotives in Britain are used almost exclusively for sightseeing these days. And nowhere is this truer, perhaps, than in the Snowdonia region of North Wales, where a trip on a narrow gauge steam railway is one of the nicest ways to enjoy the mountains, coast, lakes and lush countryside of Snowdonia, whatever the weather.Snowdonia is home to a number of narrow gauge, miniature and model railways, and the following are ten of the best of these.1. Fairbourne Steam RailwayBeginning its life at 2ft gauge in 1895, The Fairbourne Steam Railway was converted to 15-gauge in 1916 and played an important role the development of 15-gauge railways in the UK. The little station at Fairbourne, with its museum, gift shop and cafe, marks the start of a journey that follows the coast to the Mawddach Estuary and ends at Barmouth Ferry, where passengers can travel across the estuary by ferry to the pretty seaside resort of Barmouth.2. Talyllyn RailwayThe Talyllyn Railway is the world’s first preserved narrow-gauge steam railway, which takes bathroom safety bar passengers on an awe-inspiring journey through the beautiful Snowdonia countryside. Running from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, the line passes the breathtaking Dolgoch Falls and waits for passengers while they explore the forest at Nant Gwernol.
3. Bala Lake RailwayAs its name suggests, the Bala Lake Railway takes passengers on a delightful 9-mile journey along the shores of Llyn Tegid, or Bala Lake, in the southern end of Snowdonia. On this 2ft narrow gauge railway you’ll have excellent views of the lake, the mountains and the woodlands of Bala, and at the line’s starting point – Llanuwchllyn Station – there’s a buffet, souvenir shop and picnic area.4. Llanberis Lake RailwayThe Llanberis Lake Railway is one of the best ways to see the countryside around the village of Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon. On this trip you’ll pass the twin lakes of Llanberis, the 13th-century Dolbadarn Castle, and enjoy the beautiful countryside and woodlands of Padarn Country Park. On the return leg of the journey you can stop for a lakeside picnic.5. Snowdon Mountain RailwayAnother railway beginning at Llanberis, the Snowdon Mountain Railway takes you on an exciting climb to the summit of Snowdon and the Hafod Eryri visitor centre, where you’ll have time to enjoy refreshments.
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