Full steam ahead as Welsh Highland Railway services get back on track next week

It’s full steam ahead for the Welsh Highland Railway as services set to get back on track next week.

Back in February, the last train of a busy winter season arrived at Caernarfon Station.

Normal summer service was expected to resume soon after in March, but it turned out to be the last commercial train at Caernarfon for many months because of the coronavirus crisis.

With the exception of a short-lived Hafod y Llyn service on the southern end of the track along with the odd works train, a long period has passed without a trace of steam in the air.

However, thanks to the work of staff, volunteers and supports, representatives said it would reopen on Tuesday, 18 August with the launch of a new service from Caernarfon to Beddgelert.

A spokesperson said: “This is another significant development in the reopening of our railway and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their phenomenal support during these difficult times.

“Since the Ffestiniog Railway reopened, generous donations, offers of voluntary service and well-wishing messages have remained a constant theme.

“This unwavering support has played a crucial role in the reopening of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways.

“Our priority, as with the reopening of the Ffestiniog Railway, has been to create a service that maintains the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers.

“This has been of paramount importance and we believe the new service is as safe as possible during these challenging times.

“While safety has been the primary focus of our planning, we have also worked hard to design a service that allows you to enjoy many of the fantastic features our Welsh Highland Railway has to offer.

“This new look ‘Summer’ service will undoubtedly be different to what many of us expected at the start of the year, but we are determined to make it an enjoyable experience for all our visitors.”

More information on the reopening, including how to book tickets, can be found here.