Fancy taking the easy way up to the summit of Mount Snowdon in the gorgeous Snowdonia National Park in North Wales? Of course you do! We went up on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. At the beginning of January, we decided to make our travel plans for 2019. We pulled out a map overlaid it with school holidays and family commitments. Then we set out our family weekends away, family day trips and family holidays. We had already made the huge decision to invest in a family vehicle that would suit all our needs [more on that to come]. With that in place, we booked our first family getaway. Our first stop was Snowdon Mountain Railway in Wales.
Where Is Mount Snowdon?
It’s in North Wales
Mount Snowdon is one of the Three Peaks which are made up of Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Scotland, Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England, and Mount Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales. It is located in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway in Wales is a unique rail journey that takes you up to the top of Mount Snowdon in a Diesel train. This is definitely the easier option especially when you have kids!
Despite being in the UK for nearly a year now, the girls have only been on a train a couple of times. This was different, and they loved it. The huge varying views of the amazing Welsh vistas were amazing. It took nearly 40 minutes to get to the 3/4 way mark up the mountain to Clogwyn station. This is the last stop for this time of year. This Welsh mountain railway was a huge hit for us. I’m so glad we did it.
Taking the train up Mount Snowdon
Whilst standing at the bottom, and then maybe 1/3 of the way up I thought that maybe we should have walked it. But after 20 odd minutes on the way up on the snowdon train they pointed out that it was the halfway mark for the walkers. And they all looked exhausted! I knew that the going up Mount Snowdon on the train was the best way for us to go!
Due to the time of year (March to April) the trains are only able to go 3/4s of the way up. This is because the top is usually still covered in snow at this time of the year. We’re already planning our next trip to North Wales in summer so next time I want to go all the way to the top!
The Views From Up The Mountain
Once we got to the Clogwyn Station we were able to get out of the train. They gave us 30 minutes of viewing time up there before the train would be heading back down. If you miss the return train because you are too busy exploring, you’ll need to walk down. This is an option as they do sell one-way tickets.
Needless to say, I took full advantage of the views to take as many photos as I could! It quite literally took my breath away. And the girls, well they were more interested in building “the tallest slate tower in Wales”! Never mind that though, I got to snap this picture and it reminds me of the Sound Of Music. What do you think?
This was my first visit to Wales. I really loved everything about it, and I can’t wait to have more short family breaks in North Wales. When I realised that it was only a few hours away from where we live in Yorkshire I was super excited because this means we can go more often.
Trip Advisor Reviews of The Snowdon Mountain Railway
Check out the review I left on Trip Advisor for the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Snowdon Mountain Railway in Wales
The Snowdon Mountain Railway Llanberis station is located in the village of Llanberis. I would strongly suggest you check out their website for tickets, early bird specials and train times. And I would recommend booking your tickets in advance. The Diesel trains depart every 30 minutes but it is necessary to check the service as there can be changes made depending on the weather, and time of year.
We really did pack so much into our weekend in Wales that I have so much to share with you. There will be more posts to come over the next few weeks all about our family weekend getaway, including Swallow Falls, Caernarfon Castle and the Zip World Fforest Coaster!
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Wow looks and sounds equally amazing coming from a mom who loves traveling! ?? Glad you had a blast!
Yes. It was a lovely trip. Your kids would love it.
Wonderful trip x
It was. X
Another great railway journey in Wales is from Ffestiniog to Port Madog on a steam train – and there’s a huge pile of slate next to the station at Ffestiniog ;)
Ooooh – Thank you. I will definitely make a note of that.
Love visiting North Wales, especially as a child and is a place we regularly take our boys. It’s so calm and serene, such wonderful picturesque scenery and I love Snowdonia National Park. A far cry from our busy life where we are here in Essex
Snowdonia is my one and only dream destination ever since I heard one of my cousins sharing her experience visiting the same. Thank you for sharing these pics.
Love,
Divya
I’d love to visit more of Wales – I love a good train trip too, so this is a great day out for me! #fearlessfamtrav
Such beautiful views! It’s so good that there’s an easy way to the summit, especially with young kids.
#fearlessfamtrav
Did you love your trip up Snowdon? We hiked up last year but love the fact that the train takes the strain for those that can’t manage the walk #fearlessfamtrav
we were hoping to climb Snowdon this Easter but our accommodation messed up. But we will definitely make it. Its great that if you are not there for the walk that you get so experience it by train. #Fearlessfamtrav
I really want to try the Snowdon train, especially with little kids – I don’t think there’s any chance they’d walk anywhere near as far as necessary. Sounds like a really fun trip #fearlessfamtrav
You should. It’s not the same as walking but the views at the top are worth it.
I love Wales so much but this is one thing I’ve never done on any of our visits there.
I think it would be worth it for the views alone x
I should do this – it’s not like my lot are actually going to walk it. The train is the way forward!
It’s really fun. I think they would love it!
And you can always walk down if you really wanted to.
Can I leave them at the top? Just for a few days?
Sure. I’m sure they would stay put and just wait for you to hike back … in your flip flops! ?
I think so too ?