Since 1896 visitors from around the world have travelled on Snowdon Mountain Railway. Trains travel to the Summit of Snowdon, which at 3,560ft (1085m) is the highest mountain in England and Wales, where the surrounding countryside boasts dramatic landscape and scenery. This unique railway is one of the most popular visitor attractions in North Wales.
For more than 114 years holiday makers and day trippers have been appreciating the truly spectacular views they have experienced while claiming the ascent of Snowdon as a lifetime adventure. As the train climbs through the atmospheric landscape of Snowdon passengers can absorb themselves in the rich myth, legend and history Snowdonia has to offer.
Based on Victorian engineering Snowdon Mountain Railway is the only public rack and pinion railway in the United Kingdom and a true majestic mountain adventure.
The new Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre, Hafod Eryri, opened in 2009. Sympathetically designed to complement the landscape, this landmark building, designed by Ray Hole architects, grows out of the mountain and features spectacular panoramic windows giving travellers to Hafod Eryri unimpaired views across the mighty Snowdonia range and the Irish Sea, with newly accessible views to the summit cairn only feet above the building. A warm welcome is further assured by the stunning Welsh Oak interior where visitors are given protection beneath the cloud-like granite roof.
Much more than just a train ride
As well as your Mountain Top Adventure on Britain's highest rack railway, there is so much more to see and do at Snowdon Mountain Railway. Browse through the range of quality gifts, souvenirs and clothing on sale at the Station Gift Shop and in the new Summit Visitor Centre. Indulge your taste buds with a tempting selection of Welsh produce freshly cooked at the Taste of Wales Platform Grill or sit down to a hearty meal, or just a hot drink and a sandwich, in the Llanberis Cafe. Also, before your train departs, make time to experience our audiovisual presentation 'To The Summit of Snowdon', absolutely free, to all passengers in the Snowdon Theatre.
Train Operation:
Dates open: Late March to End of October (Daily Weather Permitting).
Trains run from 9.00am every 30 minutes subject to passenger demand. Trains may be steam or diesel hauled.
The Journey
Your journey begins at Llanberis Station and continues across an impressive viaduct, past a spectacular waterfall cascading through an ancient oak forest, before entering open countryside dotted with long abandoned dwellings and grazing sheep. On fine days the views from the train as you are carried along a spectacular ridge towards the Summit are breath taking. During the ascent of the mountain an in-carriage commentary reveals the secrets of Snowdonia, a region rich in landscape, wildlife, history and myth. |
