Early this month we had a week in the van in North Wales as its a few years since we've been here.
One of the main reasons for going was to ride the steam train to the top of Snowdon, so I booked early on line to make sure of seats.
Snowdon is only 180 miles away but because of the roads and traffic it takes a good 5 hours to get there, but the scenery is worth it so you might as well enjoy the journey.
Caernarvon Castle
Snowdon railway is a narrow gauge rack and pinion railway and the only one of its kind in the UK. It was built in the 1890's and based on Swiss mountain railways.
Here they are getting steam up so high anticipation.
The rack and pinion design.
The excitement of going on the steam train disappeared when they announced that it was no longer running due to the sparks causing the mountainside to catch fire, which in the heatwave is tinder dry. So we travelled on the diesel train instead.
It was a crystal clear day so there were great views on the journey and at the the top.
In the above photo you can see some of the many trails to the summit and when we were here previously we walked it with the kids.
It's very busy at the summit.[1085metres]
In the 1890's they built a cafe at the final train halt but in 2006 it was demolished and the new one below was built.
and this is what it looked like when we were here last. I remember they did a very nice and very welcome cup of hot chocolate. Not the same today as its far more commercialised.
On another day we visited the Slate Museum as North Wales was one of the largest slate producers in the UK
Its ideal walking country with superb scenery and even better when the sun is shining.
Hi Dave, the world looks very different when you get up the top of some mountains doesn't it!
ReplyDeleteThat is some stunning scenery you've captured there - great stuff!
I saw an article the other day about a steam hauled enthusiast's excursion on the mainline having a diesel loco behind the steamer that did all the actual work, due to there being a temporary ban on steam traction due to the fire risk. Good for photos but hard luck if anyone was looking forward to seeing (and hearing) the steam engine working hard.
Mick, it was disappointing not to be able to travel on the steam loco, but understandable. Considering the average rainfall for Snowdon is 3000mm it was good to get such good views. Thanks.
DeleteGreat trip!
ReplyDeleteWelsh slate was everywhere once upon a time.
Sad the steam train did not pull you up.
Great views.
Yes Mr A, Welsh slate was the common roofing material but not so now as its so expensive, and even reclaimed slates are costly.
DeleteHow fun! I know you were disappointed that you ended up on the diesel but the view was the same, and a great one too! SO jealous you are actually able to be outdoors in July! I looked Snowdon up and there was a video of the train going up the mountain...awesome trip up!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a good break Sondra and the good weather and views made up for not having the steam train. Its been very hot, for us, here with temps up to 35 C yesterday, very few houses here have air con. We will have to get used to these high temps. as the forecasters think this may be the pattern for the future. Its even been too hot for me to go cycling!!
DeleteWales is so beautiful. I love the photos. I hear you about heat, it's hot in Seattle and it's not supposed to be! Very few homes and virtually zero apartments are air conditioned. We're hiking shady trails because it's too hot to ride.
ReplyDeleteThankfully Alison we had rain last night, so hopefully is settling down.
ReplyDeleteI've walked up Snowdon numerous times over the years by various routes but I have never travelled up on the train.... Pity you weren't able to be hauled up by the steam loco but the views must have made up for any disappointment.....
ReplyDeleteTrevor that was my reason for doing it and getting older. But I think we could still have walked the path from Llanberis and I suppose we could have walked back down.
ReplyDeleteWhales looks like a beautiful place to visit someday. I love the photos that you took of the land, stunning landscape. Thanks for the share, have a fantastic rest of your day. Keep up the posts.
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