Things to do in Snowdonia

The most famous is Snowdon Mountain Railway which takes an almost vertical route to the summit.

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways were both created originally to serve slate quarries, but are now firm favourites with Snowdonia holidaymakers.

The Ffestiniog goes from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, and, as you chuff chuff your way through 20 kms of Snowdonian sumptuousness, you can raise a glass of Purple Moose local ale or Welsh cider from the bar. It deserves a toast too, climbing from sea to summit through fields and forests, clinging on to the mountainside like an old mountain goat.

Equally delightful, Welsh Highland Railways run alongside the foot of Snowdon and the village of Beddgelert and on to Porthmadog. There is limited room for bikes on this service - book in advance.

And for anyone nostalgic for the musings of Reverend Wilbert Awdry, Talyllyn Railway is the narrow gauge that inspired the author to write about Skarloey Railway when he worked there as a guard in the 1950s. Try to resist the temptation to sing the head wrecking Thomas the Tank Engine theme tune.

There are gaiters and Gore-tex a plenty in Snowdonia. However, there are many other options to the six trails that go up Snowdon. The most popular is the Llanberis Path with the Pyg and Miner’s tracks stretching your muscles a bit more. Other climbs include Y Carneddau, Y Glyderau, Y Rhinogau and Cader Idris. All wilder and just as wonderful. If you are doing Snowdon, check out the Sherpa Shuttle bus which connects all six trails and nearby villages.