Full steam ahead for top adventure
PUFFING BILLIE
Over towales now for a narrow gauge railway that is a slice of cultural history, run by the oldest still-operational railway company in the world, three of whose locomotives are more than 150 years old.the line was originally laid in the early 19th century to carry slate some 13.5 miles from quarries to ships, scurrying up and down hills in the lee of mount Snowdon.
In recent years the Ffestiniog has linked up with thewelsh Highland Railway which runs another 25 miles along the coastline from Porthmadog to Caernarfon, offering Pullman cars and freshly-cooked food. The fantasy Italianate village of Portmeirion is right by Portmadog, and Caernarfon has one of the finest castles inwales.
Services start again on July 20.
● festrail.co.uk
LITTLE RATTY
There are so many attractions in the Lake District that La’al Ratty (‘little railway’ in local dialect) is often overlooked, but this narrow gauge railway rattles up from the Cumbrian coast into the heart of the Lakes, and is one of the UK’S oldest. Originally built to transport iron ore, with a gauge that makes it extra nimble in hills, its pint-sized carriages are partly opentopped so that passengers can get the full magnificence of the setting.
Eskdale is popular with artists for its pastoral contrast with Scafell Pike, and will be a particularly good choice this year as it avoids the eastern Lakes.attractions include the beach and ruins of a Roman Bath House at Ravenglass, plus Muncaster Castle with a hawk and owl centre.
Due to commence operations in July but no exact date has been given.
● ravenglass-railway.co.uk