Chuffed to be here
Step back in time with a trip on one of Britain’s traditional steam railways. Here, reveals which lines are still on track for this summer…
Head to Wales for a narrow-gauge railway that offers up a slice of cultural history to boot.
The Ffestiniog Railway is run by the oldest still-operational rail company in the world – and three of its locomotives are more than 150 years old.
The 14-mile line was originally laid in the early 19th century to carry slate from quarries to ships, via the hills around Mount Snowdon.
What else: In recent years, the Ffestiniog has linked up with the Welsh Highland Railway, which runs another 25 miles along the coast from Porthmadog to Caernarfon, offering
Pullman carriages and freshly-cooked food. The fantasy Italianate village of Portmeirion is right by Portmadog, and Caernarfon is home to one of the finest castles in Wales. Services are now running again.
festrail.co.uk
Andrew Eames
WHISTLE STOP Watercress Line, Alton to New Alresford, Hants
The Mid- Hants Railway is more commonly known as the Watercress Line after it transported the plant to London during its days of commercial service.
Today its country stations retain their period charm – especially Ropley.
Big engines are a speciality, as are family services with Thomas the Tank Engine. There are also regular dining trains and real ale specials.
What else:
ALL ABOARD Train on the Ffestiniog Raliway. Inset, Alton station on
the Watercress Line
Alton is Jane Austen country, while to the south lie the vineyards of the Meon Valley.
This part of Hampshire is known locally as Little Switzerland for its lush and manicured hills and valleys.
Continue on past Alresford and you’ll soon find yourself in Winchester – an intellectual city that was the seat of Anglo- Saxon and Norman royal power.
It is also home to one of England’s most ancient cathedrals. Services on the line have now resumed.