Welsh Highland Railway - The Future

Imagine a meandering, narrow gauge line wandering through the deep valleys and dramatic high mountains of Snowdonia. Quaint, wooden-bodied coaches being coaxed protestingly round impossibly tight curves by an elegant brass domed locomotive. Breath taking views and vistas opening around every fresh curve; sheep and slate, tumbling streams and rambling woods, snow-capped mountains and fertile valleys, all contributing to the essence that was uniquely the Welsh Highland Railway.

The vision of re-creating this idyllic scene has been the dream of railway enthusiasts for over thiry years, linking the drama of Snowdonia with the history of Caernarfon and the holiday location of Porthmadog by narrow gauge rail.

Now a dream no longer, but a tangible reality. Already a mile of track operates in Porthmadog, attracting nearly 20,000 visitors a year with vintage trains hauled by the legendary Welsh Highland Railway locomotive Russell . Further north in Caernarfon, the seven miles southwards though Dinas to Waunfawr has been rebuilt, with the aid of a £4.3 million Millenium grant. Currently the next four miles southwards to Rhyd Ddu, near Snowdon, is in progress.

Meanwhile in Porthmadog the existing line is now being extended northwards to Pont Croesor and onwards towards Beddgelert ( latest news ).

Quite simply this is the greatest railway restoration story ever attempted - anywhere! Combining the stunning scenery of Snowdonia with the challenge of rebuilding twenty five miles of spectacular narrow gauge railway, it will provide a lifetime interest for railway enthusiasts everywhere. Volunteers are needed now, both to work on the existing line in Porthmadog and to prepare for work starting this year in Dinas.

Can you resist the challenge? If not, then email me now email the webmaster . I'd be pleased to share our ideas and answer any questions you might have. And there's a membership application form , for you to join straight away. Or you can write to:-

The Author in Russell's cab email the webmaster .

Mark Holden (Volunteers Officer),
Welsh Highland Railway,
Porthmadog,
Gwynedd,
LL49 9DY