Full line trains reintroduced on the Ff&WHR

FOLLOWING the introduction of limited post-lockdown services, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (Ff&WHR) has expanded operations to cover the full lengths of both lines.

Tagged as new ‘experiences’, from July 27 ‘Back to Blaenau’ trains commenced from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog for the first time in more than 18 months.

Trains over the full length of the Welsh Highland Railway restarted on Fridays and Saturdays from the end of July, the ‘Snowdonia Star’ starting from Caernarfon while ‘The Harbourmaster’ runs from Porthmadog Harbour.

Ff&WHR services during May and June brought in 85% of the traffic income earned during pre-Covid June 2019, although this was achieved at lower cost, with trains covering just 60% of the timetabled service mileage in June 2019.

June 2021 generated an encouraging £440,000 of traffic income, although Ff&WHR catering income has been described as “decimated”.

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, which reopened with diesel-hauled services in May, reintroduced steam on Saturday, July 3.

Services hauled by Bagnall 0-4-2T Gelert were the line’s first steam operations since October 2019.

Passenger services at the South Tynedale Railway (STR) recommenced as anticipated, also on July 3, the last STR passenger trains to run having been Santa Specials in December 2019.

North Ings Farm Museum & Railway anticipated reopening on August 1 following a lengthy closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.