The 2013 Snowdonian was a great success. The one thing all agreed upon was that it shall run again on 12th April 2014.
The programme will begin with a conducted tour of Boston Lodge, with guides, on Friday afternoon/evening 11th April. It is expected that travel to and from Boston Lodge will be by train, and that after the event, the visitors will be able to book an evening meal in Spooners Restaurant.
The train will repeat this year’s new schedule, of a trip over WHR to Caernarfon first, followed by the run up to Blanau Ffestiniog. Timings are likely to be similar as 2013. It all worked very well, and return to Porthmadog will be whilst it is still light.
Note that Snowdonian is expected to be one of the first trains to use the newly rebuilt Harbour Station in 2014..
Catering will be tea/coffee etc., plus a bacon bap on the way to Caernarfon. Then, there will be a stop for lunch on the way back at the Goat Inn at Beddgelert. The quality and service at the Goat has been commendable, so we will stay with the same arrangements. A cream-filled scone and jam, with tea will be served on the trip to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The price will be £140 for third class travel – if booked before 31.01.14.
This price will be £160 for a seat in third from 01.02.14.
Again the Porthmadog-facing third Observation Car 123 will be on the train, price £200 for the rearmost 6 places – first come, first served for the rest.
A seat in the first class Observation car at the Caernarfon end of the train will be £250, including a superior catering offer.
The theme for 2014 is First and Last. Subject to confirmation locomotives K1 and 143 will take the train to and from Caernarfon and Prince and Lyd will take over for the run up the Ffestiniog Railway.
Bookings will be opened as soon as possible.
FR Travel say they will be doing a 2014 package for the Snowdonian - we will place a link here as soon as their proposals are ready.
Andy Savage and Paul Lewin celebrate the joy of being in Caernarfon. 13.04.2013
ALL THE PROFITS FROM THIS TRAIN GO TO Phase 5, Let’s Finish the Job – the Sustainable Railway. So far the leaflets and website have raised over £700k – thanks to you. The works at Harbour Station that you will see have been match-funded by your (and the Sponsor’s) generosity. When you donate, the government adds Gift Aid, and the Sponsor adds 10% to the total.