THE CAMBRIAN COAST EXPRESS – THURSDAY 16 MAY 2024

FOR LOVERS OF STUNNING SCENERY, THE SINGLE TRACK RAILWAY THAT CLIMBS THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS OF

MID-WALES, THEN HUGS THE CAMBRIAN COAST BY WAY OF TYWYN, BARMOUTH, AND PORTHMADOG TO PWLLHELI IS HARD TO BEAT. 

This rail excursion offers a wide variety of joining points, whilst travelling in comfort on a through train to one of the most spectacular railway lines in Britain. 

From Shrewsbury the train will set-off for Mid-Wales, over easy ground and along the valley of the River Severn, which is close by through Welshpool to Newtown, soon after which we enter the valley of the Afon Garno, followed almost to the summit and deep rock cutting at Talerddig.

Helter-skelter downhill then to Machynlleth and to Dovey Junction, where we take the north side of the Dyfi Estuary, running on a seawall towards Aberdyfi, then turn north to Tywyn, onto the cliffs at Friog and down to cross the Morfa Mawddach estuary on the half mile viaduct to Barmouth/Abermaw. 

On then past the great fortress at Harlech to Minffordd and across the Glaslyn Estuary, with views (weather permitting to Y Wyddfa/Snowdon) before Porthmadog.  A final run, much of it close to the shoreline, leads past Criccieth to the end of the line at Pwllheli.

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING DESTINATIONS FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM:

Option A – BARMOUTH (1300/1750):

A compact resort and start of a circular trip, featuring a river ferry and a walk over the historic half mile long Barmouth Bridge and the Fiarbourne Railway.

Option B – MINFFORDD & PORTMEIRION (1350/1700):

Why not walk a mile along the driveway (each way) and visit the Italianate village of Portmeirion,
made famous by the Prisoner TV series of the 1960s (Pay admission charge on the day).

Option C – PORTHMADOG (1400/1645):

A very pleasant port and town, home to several narrow gauge railways.

Option D – PWLLHELI (1435/1620):

Market town of the Llŷn Peninsula with an extensive marina. Journeys end of course!

ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and four course evening dining
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

ESTIMATED TIMINGS

* Please Note: Premier Dining is not available from Shrewsbury.

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £45 per person in First Class and Premier Dining.

Motive power is expected to be a DB Cargo class 67 locomotive to Shrewsbury and return & Network Rail class 97/3s thereafter.

Passengers will be able to enjoy the comfort of travelling in 1970’s BR MK2 carriages.

Photograph by Chris Morrison