We’re very lucky here in Wales. While many places have allowed their industrial heritage to fade into history, we’ve lovingly preserved it – and nowhere is that more evident than in the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. These narrow-gauge lines are more than just transport – they’re moving museums, offering unforgettable journeys through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK.
Of all the routes they run, the Woodland Wanderer stands out as the perfect experience for young families or anyone looking for a gentle taste of steam-powered adventure.
Setting Off from Porthmadog
The journey starts in Porthmadog, at a wonderfully preserved old station that instantly sets the tone. The station is bustling with character, featuring Spooner’s café, a friendly hub where you can sip a hot drink or enjoy a quick bite as the train prepares for departure. We enjoyed watching the crew make final checks on the engine while nibbling away.
Inside the station is a treasure trove of a gift shop – full of railway memorabilia, books, toys, and even some Harry Potter merchandise. That’s where the magic really began for our children, who were quick to compare our train to the Hogwarts Express. And they’re not wrong – steam billowing through the station, the smell of coal in the air, and the sight of a majestic locomotive waiting to depart all lend a real sense of wonder.
And let’s be honest – while the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland is rightly famous, it’s also a long journey north and comes at a premium. Having this kind of experience right here in North Wales? A total win.
A Scenic Slice of Snowdonia
Once aboard, the train begins its climb into the hills. The Woodland Wanderer isn’t an epic all-day journey – it takes around an hour each way, which is ideal for families with younger children. The route offers stunning views across the valleys, rolling countryside, and tree-lined tracks. You even pass the railway’s own workshops and sheds, with the chance to catch a glimpse of other engines and carriages – something that delighted my train-obsessed nephew.
You also travel past traditional stone houses and up steep gradients, with the narrow gauge line hugging the contours of the hillside. From this elevated vantage point, you see parts of Snowdonia you’d never catch from the road – remote woodlands, hidden streams, and quiet corners of countryside that seem untouched by time.
Tan-y-Bwlch: The Perfect Pause
The train stops at Tan-y-Bwlch station for a leisurely 45-minute break – just the right amount of time to refuel and explore. The station’s café serves up homemade cakes, and I have to say, the Victoria sponge was exceptional. Washed down with a coffee while surrounded by lush greenery and the occasional whistle from a passing train, it made for a moment of peaceful contentment.
The play area nearby was a real hit with our children – well-designed and spacious, it gave them the chance to burn off some energy before the return journey. There’s also a footbridge which offers fantastic views for photography lovers – the perfect spot for snapping that iconic steam train image.
Nostalgia and New Memories
For me, steam trains are more than just a fun day out – they’re a window into childhood memories. There’s something oddly comforting about the scent of steam and coal, the way the train sways gently on the track, and the hiss of the pistons as you climb uphill. It’s tactile, immersive travel – a world away from the sterile convenience of the motorway or airport lounge.
What makes the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways particularly special is not just their age – though they do hold the honour of being among the oldest railways in Wales, dating back to the early 1800s – but their sheer variety. Whether you want a short hop like the Woodland Wanderer or a full day journey through the mountains to Caernarfon or Beddgelert, there’s a route for every traveller.
Plan Your Trip – And Explore More!
If you’re thinking of visiting, I’d highly recommend making time to see more of the local area. Portmeirion, with its surreal Italian-style village and peaceful estuary views, is just a short drive away. Beddgelert, one of Wales’ prettiest villages, is also close by and perfect for riverside walks and ice cream stops.
The Woodland Wanderer is more than just a train ride – it’s a memory-making adventure wrapped in nostalgia, framed by nature and delivered with charm. Whether you’re a local rediscovering the magic or a visitor seeking a slice of Welsh heritage, this is a journey well worth taking.
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Perfect for young families – not too long, not too short.
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Scenic, historic and full of character.
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Fun extras like Spooner’s café, the model shop, and the play area at Tan-y-Bwlch.
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A brilliant way to introduce children to railway travel – or simply enjoy a nostalgic escape for yourself.
To book your own Woodland Wanderer experience or to find out more about their other routes and special events throughout the year, visit: https://www.festrail.co.uk/woodland-wanderer/
