The Conwy Valley Explorer
The Conwy Valley Explorer
Wednesday 16 September 2020
Dumfries to Betws-Y-Coed or Blaenau Ffestiniog
Departing: Dumfries, Annan, Gretna Green, Carlisle, Penrith, Lancaster
Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel
Join us for a scenic day out to remember as our stylish heritage train travels from Dumfries and down the scenic West Coast Main Line, past Morecambe Bay and through Wigan, our last pick up point, towards Chester.
From Chester we head west along the beautiful North Wales coast. This section of line offers open sea views to enjoy as we race through the resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl and Colwyn Bay before arriving at Llandudno Junction.
Here we join the Conwy Valley Line for a breathtaking run and steep climb to the pretty mountain resort of Betws-y-Coed. The line from Llandudno first follows the gentle curve of the Conway Estuary. However we soon begin to twist and turn and our engine has to labour hard to climb the steep gradients to our destination with the views becoming more dramatic with each mile that passes.
In Betws-y-Coed you will find plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants plus some lovely riverside paths. Alongside the station there is a small railway museum and a miniature railway to enjoy. After our visit we return to the comfort of our reserved seats to once more enjoy the glorious scenery that North Wales has to offer.
Alternatively enjoy a bit more of the local scenery as you travel to our journey’s end at Blaenau Ffestiniog via a Roman Bridge and a deep mountain tunnel for a break of up to 3 hours. This town, set among huge mountains of slate waste and fabulous views of the nearby area, is home of the Ffestiniog narrow gauge steam railway and just on the edge of town the brilliant Llechwedd Slate Caverns. There should be time to relax and perhaps visit a few local gift shops and take a bite to eat before return departure as well as possibly exploring one of these attractions.
| Fares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Dining | Premier First Class | First Class | Standard Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adult | £249 | £155 | £135 | £85 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Child | N/A | £155 | £69 | £42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Premier Dining: On the outward journey passengers will be served a full English breakfast with complimentary Buck´s Fizz. Champagne and canapés followed by a delicious four course dinner accompanied by a quarter bottle of wine, will be served on the return journey. A complimentary service of tea or coffee on both journeys. We kindly ask that passengers do not consume their own alcoholic drinks in Premier Dining Class.
We are able to offer a vegetarian menu with 7 days advance notification but regretfully we are unable to offer any other special dietary requirements (i.e. nut allergy, vegan, gluten free diets etc).
Premier First Class: Passengers will be served a breakfast roll on the outward leg and freshly made sandwiches, a scone, jam and butter will be served on the return journey. To accompany this, there will be a complimentary service of tea and coffee on both journeys.
First Class: The carriage is traditional First Class seating with more legroom and width than standard class. The seating is six seats across each row set out as a table for two and a table of four. Although food and beverages are not included in this class of travel, First Class passengers will have access to the buffet carriage for the purchase of light refreshments. You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments or indeed a tasty picnic to enjoy as the countryside passes by!
Standard: Our Standard Class carriages offer the same train experience at exceptional value for money. All our standard class passengers travel in refurbished vintage Mark I or Mark II coaches and will have access to the buffet carriage for the purchase of teas, coffees and light snacks.
A child ticket is for a child aged 16 or under.
Supplement for a private table for two in first class and dining £20.00 per passenger. Fares are subject to a £3.75 booking fee.
| Timings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Station | Outward | Return |
| Dumfries | TBC | TBC |
| Annan | TBC | TBC |
| Gretna Green | TBC | TBC |
| Carlisle | TBC | TBC |
| Penrith | TBC | TBC |
| Lancaster | TBC | TBC |
| Betws-y-Coed | TBC | TBC |
| Blaenau Ffestiniog | TBC | TBC |