Babies Welcome - The Independent Guide to Family Living

Location: Wales

Category: Days Out

	Snowdon Railway Llanberis Gwynedd LL55 4TY Telephone: 0870 458 0033 Fax: 01286 872518 Website: www.snowdonrailway.co.uk

	This very special railway is unique in many ways - not least because of the stunning scenery it offers, but also because it is the only rack and pinion railway open to the public in Britain. (If you're not familiar with the technical details of rack and pinion, you'll find a full description in Mountain Engines by the Rev. W. Awdry's - author of the Railway books about Thomas the Tank Engine etc.!) Your journey starts through woodland, but you quickly climb up onto the ridge, from where you can take in the beautiful views, particularly on a fine day. From the summit (3560ft or 1085m above sea-level) you may see as far as the Isle of Man and Ireland in good weather. There is taped commentary on the ascent, providing you with all sorts of snippets of local history, geography and legend. The round-trip by train takes two and a half hours, which includes a half-hour stop at the summit station, allowing you the chance to climb to the very top of the mountain (a further 66ft up), or simply enjoy a cup of tea at the mountain-top cafe. You are expected to on the train on which you ascended, unless you choose to walk down the mountain, as you will not be guaranteed a seat on another train - trains do get very busy in peak periods. If you do decide to walk back down the mountain, allow plenty of time - it will probably take at least two and a half hours for the descent.
	Other notes: We would strongly recommend you use a baby-carrier (or just your arms!) for infants or young toddlers on this trip, as there is very limited space in the carriages, and really no call for a pushchair at the summit station.
	Open: Mid-March - first week of November: Daily The first train departs Llanberis at 09.00 and trains run through to late afternoon - contact the railway direct for full timetable details. Note: from mid-March to mid-May, trains do not go the summit, but terminate at Clogwyn or Rocky Valley Admission: Fare: Llanberis to Summit return / single Adult: £18.00 / £13.00 Child: £13.00 / £10.00 Other fares & concessions also available