Ffestiniog Railway (Wales) - Driver's Eye View - Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog

The Ffestiniog Railway (Welsh: Rheilffordd Ffestiniog) is a 13 ½ miles (21.7km) long, 1ft 11 ½ inch (597 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railway located in Gwynedd, Wales, connecting the harbour at Porthmadog to the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Please join me for a ride from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog through some of the finest scenery to be found anywhere in Wales on one of the worlds oldest heritage railways.
I'd like to say a big thank you to Claire and the booking office staff for their help in making this video possible, along with the locomotive crew and all at the Ffestiniog Railway, past and present for their hard work that has made this railway the wonderful visitor experience it is today.
Porthmadog Harbour station is the starting point for both Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Railway trains, resulting in busy periods at the start and end of the day when trains return to be stabled overnight and the locomotives run across the Cob to Boston Lodge works where they are maintained and prepared for their next duty. On a sunny evening it's hard to think of a nicer place to enjoy a pint than at the railways very own pub and restaurant where the railway action can be watched from the outside seating area.
Trains use both sides of the long island platform and a walk to the end is rewarded with stunning views all round as well as being a great vantage point to watch trains crossing the Cob (a wall separating the sea from the Afon Glaslyn flood plains). Our locomotive has coupled up to its train and we are ready to set of on the picturesque ride to Porthmadog. I could write a book about the views from the train window, until then, please join me on a scenic journey through beautiful Wales.
The railway holds a special place in history for a number of reasons, it is the oldest surviving railway company in the world, being built by the "Festiniog Railway Company" spelled with a single 'F' in the act passed to allow construction to start in 1833 with the line opening on 20th April 1836 . The line was built on a continuous downhill grade between Blaenau Ffestiniog and the port at Porthmadog to transport slate from the quarries to the port for onward shipping. Loaded waggons used gravity to run down to the port with the empty waggons being hauled back to the quarries by horses that had ridden down hill in special waggons called 'dandy waggons'.
By the end of the 1850's it was clear that more capacity was required, leading the board to investigate the possibility of using steam locomotives, the outcome of which was the placing of an order with George England and Co for two narrow gauge 0-4-0 steam locomotives, the first, named 'Mountaineer' was delivered on 18th July 1863, followed a few days later by 'The Princess'. After running in trials and some modifications they entered service on 23rd October 1863 allowing the use of longer trains to increase capacity and in 1865 they enabled the introduction of passenger trains, making the railway the first narrow gauge railway in Britain to run such trains. The first double Fairlie articulated locomotive was introduced in 1869, these locomotives are now one of the most widely recognised features of the railway.
By the 1920s the railway suffered a gradual decline in traffic owing to slate being replaced by modern materials and the loss of overseas trade during WW1. Ordinary passenger services ceased on 15th September 1939 and slate traffic ended on 1st August 1946. The act created to allow the building of the railway made no specific provision for its closure, thus another act was required to repeal the old one, as luck would have it, the company didn't have the money to do so, as a result the track was left in place to be reclaimed by nature. The abandoned railway attracted railway enthusiasts and eventually with financial help from Alan Pegler the next chapter in the railways history began resulting in the first train of the new era running across the Cob in 1955.
For more information about the railway please click on any of the following links -
www.festrail.co.uk/
www.frheritage.org.uk/about-u....
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ffestin...
To book your own Ffestiniog Railway adventure, please click on this link - www.festrail.co.uk/
Track gauge - 1 ft 11½ ins (597mm)
Map 00:25 - Google Earth/Maps
Map 00:32 - www.openrailwaymap.org/
00:55 - Blaenau Ffestiniog
08:05 - Tanygrisiau
09:26 - Start of 1978 Deviation
13:13 - LLyn Ystradau
14:57 - Moelwyn Tunnel
16:02 - Original route
19:43 - Dduallt and spiral loop over-bridge
22:37 - Campbell's Platform
24:41 - Coed y Bleiddiau
26:26 - Garnedd Tunnel
28:56 - Tan y Bwlch
35:56 - Plas Halt
43:16 - Rhiw Goch
47:00 - Penrhyn
51:19 - Minffordd
57:05 - Boston Lodge
57:48 - Boston Lodge Works
01:01:14 - Porthmadog

[@myrddingwynedd2751]

There is no way a video like this should keep you glued to the end of it, but it does.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

The beautiful Welsh scenery and these lovely little trains are irresistible 😊.

[@myrddingwynedd2751]

@Timsvideochannel1 It's good stuff for sure. Fascinating. Thanks for uploading.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

@@myrddingwynedd2751 Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mikesanders5433]

Thank you for making the time and effort to make these videos. I’ve been on both the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland more times than I can remember but it’s ever so satisfying to chill out and watch videos like these 🙂

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello Mike, I'm glad you liked these videos, I really enjoyed my latest visit to Wales, the railways were so welcoming and I look forward to sharing more driver's eye view videos from this trip over the coming months including the Welsh Highland Railway

[@captbob3144]

The Welsh countryside is stunning and I quite enjoyed the long approach into Porthmadog. Thank-You.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello, I'm pleased you enjoyed the Welsh scenery, I can't think of a better way to see it, than from the window of a Ffestiniog train.

[@peterhunt2723]

After all these years I still marvel at the sheer scale of the undertaking of the deviation.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

The volunteers who made this trip possible can look back with pride on their achievements, without their dedication this trip would not have been possible.

[@peterhunt2723]

@@Timsvideochannel1 I was a permanent way volunteer on the FR 1969/75 so saw a fair bit of the early deviation work. V happy memories of those winter working parties with the East Midlands group that was!

[@Timsvideochannel1]

​@@peterhunt2723 I really appreciate the work put in by yourself and the East Midlands group, it must very satisfying to look at the railway today knowing that you did your bit in making it all possible.

[@salloom1949]

Tim, I like to express my gratitude and appreciation for all your wonderful productions. Everyone that I have watched has provided me with mounds of thrills and pleasures, including this video. Every production has provided me with special and unique entertainment and satisfaction. For some productions, I had to watch multiple times in order to soak every moment. For all your work, I offer many thanks. Thank you for your hard and diligent work in putting these videos on this channel.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello, I really appreciate your kind comment, the social side of KZbin sets it apart from mainstream TV, it really is a community and I find the comments rewarding because it's nice to know what people think and it offers an opportunity for them to share their own experiences and add to the story. It's been a good year, the railways I have visited have been very friendly and helpful as they get used to welcoming visitors as they did pre-pandemic. I look forward to sharing more of my video adventures over the coming months.

[@arvidjohansen5044]

09😊

[@sauloscar3831]

Muchas Gracias un hrmoso video y recorriendo lugares fantasticos.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Gracias, me alegra que hayas disfrutado el vídeo.

[@sallygough5409]

We used to stay in the hills above Blaenau, walk down to the train, hitch a ride to a station for a lovely circular walk. Then hitch a ride up again before the 3 mile walk back to our guest house. Great times! Thanks Tim! A lovely job of reminders 🥹🤣😉😁👍🌻🤗

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello, like you I have fond memories of holidays spent in and around Blaenau, I find the area fascinating, my grandfather took me to the town by train from Llandudno back in the days when it was possible to sit in the front seats behind the driver and see the line ahead. Happy Days 😊.

[@ingefosselie]

This was a real treat for a railroad enthusiast! I would also like to express appreciations for your productions, always looking forward to the next trip.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you, it's nice to know you enjoy these videos.

[@kindoblue]

This channel is fantastic. Also, I didn't know the Welsh countryside is so beautiful

[@PaulGodfrey]

Loved the view from the front. Nice to relive my trip on the line. Good work Tim

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello Paul, I'm pleased the video bought back good memories from your own trip on the line. Cheers. Tim.

[@Thomas1980]

WOW...super cooles Video von einer schönen Fahrt!

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Vielen Dank, ich freue mich, dass dir das Video gefallen hat.

[@Alex-dc1jd]

Thank you for providing the opportunity to travel to beautiful places in the world. Great photography and nature.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it 😊.

[@Fchops11]

Hello it’s Flynn from the Severn vally gala we met on the footbridge at bewdly 😊

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello Flynn, I remember meeting you on the bridge, that was the best diesel festival I've ever been to, I've never seen anything like it in preservation 😊.

[@Fchops11]

@@Timsvideochannel1 I have watched all your recent videos with my grandpa and we love them especially the ones were you put you camera on the front of the engine so we can see what the line is like 👍🏻

[@Timsvideochannel1]

​@@Fchops11 Hi Flynn, it's nice to spend time with your Grandpa, I have fond memories of my own Grandpa, the family used to stay on a caravan park near Penmaenmawr (North Wales Coast). We'd spend the day riding old fashioned DMU's (the ones where you can sit behind the driving cab and see the track ahead) along the North Wales Coast railway between Chester and Holyhead, we even travelled to Blaenau Ffestiniog before the new station shared with the Ffestiniog Railway was built. Happy Days. It's nice to know you enjoy watching these videos, I am very grateful to the drivers who allow me to attach a camera to their trains. I guess some of these videos remind your Grandpa about his rail journeys back in the days when trains were referred to as Southern Region, Western Region, Eastern Region, the LMS and the LNER. I bet he shares some interesting stories with you. Best wishes to you and your Grandpa. Tim 😊.

[@shovelrocker7102]

As a railroad worker I do love your videos. Thank you.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you, that's nice to know, especially coming from a railroad worker.

[@richardgriffiths5920]

That is a fantastic route and the engineering feat is outstanding constructed by brave workers as some of the drops on either side of the track look fearsome. Another brilliant video in a part of Wales I loved exploring in my younger days. Thank you Tim.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hi, our forefathers left an awesome legacy, I'm glad you enjoyed the video

[@andyfreeman7441]

Brilliant - enjoyed it as much as the "up" run.....and no rain this time, even at Blaenau Ffestiniog!

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the return trip, I was lucky with the weather this time.

[@billpayne6664]

It’s amazing how much stonework there is along this line !

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Wales is the home of dry stone walling, it's amazing how it all stays together without cement.

[@carlosalves65]

Im from Portugal, and i just loved this video. Thanks.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello, it's nice to hear from Portugal, I'm pleased you enjoyed the video.

[@OmniaInNumerisSitaSunt]

Breathtakingly scenic Tim. 🫠👍🏻🤩

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed the ride 😊.

[@davedear929]

Great video. Wonderful ride done it may times and enjoy every one. Many thanks.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed the ride, I've travelled the line many times, since the mid-sixties and I never tire of the wonderful views.

[@Guitar6ty]

Brilliant.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@Bigbro28]

Nice one, Tim. We 'armchair travelers' would be at a loss without your channel. So, on behalf of myself and all your subscribers, I'd like to thank you for the terrific job you are doing in keeping us entertained.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you Martin, I really appreciate your kind comment. Knowing people enjoy watching these videos makes creating them all the more worthwhile 😊.

[@mrhot6shot]

Wow Tim you did it again. Great stack sounds. I loved it. Narrow gage sounds like it's doing 80 MPH when it's only doing about 40. So cool.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

It's nice to know you enjoyed it, the sound of a narrow gauge locomotive hurrying along reminds me of a dog panting on a hot day.

[@mrhot6shot]

@@Timsvideochannel1 😀🚂

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Great video Tim. Greetings from Australia.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello, I'm pleased you enjoyed the ride and I'm looking forward to visiting Australia in October to ride the Mary Valley Rattler, before heading up to Cairns for some outback rail action. Cheers. Tim.

[@Brian3989]

What surprised me were the many sections without fence/wall and steep drop. Lovely video trip.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hi, with its tight clearances, often perched precariously on a ledge, this railway is unusual in Britain, there is almost a Swiss feel to it. I'm pleased you enjoyed the ride.

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Loved it.... I would like to be able to get over that way and ride one of these trains....🚂

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hi, I'm pleased you enjoyed the ride. If you do make it over to Wales, I think you'll really appreciate these trains and the scenery they pass through. I took a look at your artwork, you've really got a gift there, I wish I could paint.

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Thank you Tim

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

You can't beat a Driver's Eye View from the cab of a steam engine, that's for sure. I've had a few rides on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways myself. Both are wondrous little lines, and couldn't have been placed in a better Welsh landscape than this.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hi, having ridden the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways yourself, you will know just how wonderful the Welsh mountains look from the train, there is no better way to see North Wales and the driver probably gets the best view, although some of the trains have an observation carriage in the formation from which the view is second to none.

[@sellier-bellot22]

Off we go again !!! That kind of landscape was a big surprise !!! Well shooted too !!! Cheers . 🥸

[@Timsvideochannel1]

I never tire of riding the Festiniog Railway, no two rides are the same, the ever changing weather and seasonal changes make a big difference to the view from the train.

[@sellier-bellot22]

Exactly !!!@@Timsvideochannel1

[@sakthivelkuppusamy5527]

Nice photography

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Thank you, I'm pleased you like it.

[@riz1512]

What a job

[@Timsvideochannel1]

It's a job I'd like to do 🙂.

[@panikrystyna1]

Pierwsza! Dziękuję, pozdrawiam.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

„Tak” jesteś pierwszą osobą, która komentuje. Pozdrowienia. Tim.

[@johannperaus6890]

Hi Tim! I can see that technology doesn't stop on such routes either. Fallback switches are used, which return to the basic position by themselves after being run over👍. Best regards from Hans and Cheers🍻🇦🇹.

[@neilforbes416]

Fallback switches! Spring-loaded switch-points that are pushed over by the wheels of the loco and carriages, then snap back after the last carriage has passed them.

[@johannperaus6890]

@@neilforbes416 We in Austria say: Rückfallweiche. 🍻

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello Hans, sprung points help to keep the operating costs of the railway down because there is no need for anyone the operate them 🍺 Tim.

[@KarenCahill-cc9sv]

👍😊

[@Timsvideochannel1]

😊😊😊.

[@lesliefox9800]

had to watch it twice to find the loop

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hi, I'm glad you found the loop. I've added “spiral loop” to the list of points of interest in the video description - 19:43 - Dduallt and spiral loop over-bridge.

[@lesliefox9800]

thanks for that@@Timsvideochannel1

[@user-pn7br5jn7b]

👏👏👏👍😊

[@Timsvideochannel1]

😊😊😊.

[@neilforbes416]

Another "rarebit" of Welsh Steam Loco action! Nice!

[@Mediawatcher2023]

@neilforbes416 all of his videos are good

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello Neil, your comment is a bit cheesy, but I'm glad you enjoyed the ride 😊.

[@neilforbes416]

@@Timsvideochannel1 Cheesy? Just whack it between two slices of bread and *start chompin'!* LOL😁

[@Mediawatcher2023]

@@neilforbes416 What happened when the air conditioning in the cheese factory broke? There was a meltdown! 😆

[@neilforbes416]

@@Mediawatcher2023 What caused the Irish ice factory to close? They forgot the recipe!😁

[@KOLEJ22DrogaPrzygody]

Hello super

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hi, I'm pleased you enjoyed the ride 😊.

[@panikrystyna1]

Tim, napisz proszę książkę internetową z ilustracjami z Twoich filmów. Z Tobą i Twoimi anegdotami w roli głównej. 😀

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Witam, kiedy już będę za stara na podróże, napiszę o swoich podróżach, o cudownych ludziach, których spotkałam i o niesamowitych miejscach, które zobaczyłam. Wszystkiego najlepszego. Tim.

[@GwladYrHaf]

What is the purpose of the many wooden 'boxes' seen at the side of the tracks please?

[@CeiliogWaspflake]

Starter homes.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Do you mean boxes like the one seen at 24:44 ? I'm only guessing, but I think they might be drain covers.

[@GwladYrHaf]

​@@Timsvideochannel1that sounds logical, thanks Tim

[@iaincphotography6051]

Tim, Diolch yn fawr

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Diolch yn fawr, rwy'n falch eich bod wedi mwynhau'r fideo.

[@iaincphotography6051]

Croeso@@Timsvideochannel1

[@Timsvideochannel1]

@@iaincphotography6051 😊.

[@christopherhinton6456]

why not translate the welsh into english would be nice.

[@robertcoleman4861]

Hi Tim, Wales is really a beautiful part of the world, How long is the drive from your home town to Porthmadog & could you travel from home by train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, I had a look on google earth of the town and i was amazed the amount of mining around the town, I bet you cant wait for your visit to OZ & NZ it will be nice & warm cheers Bob.🤠🍺✈

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hello Robert, Wales is a lovely place. I takes between 6 and 8 hours to drive there from my home town depending on the traffic and the route I take, I've never managed to get there in anything like the time suggested by my SatNav or Google Earth. I prefer to avoid the motorways and take more scenic routes if I have time. The quarries are the reason there were so many narrow gauge railways, they also give the place its unique character. It’s going to be nice to get back to Oz and NZ, it's been too long since my last trip down under, I've missed my granddaughter growing up, I'm really looking forward to seeing my son and his family again, it was 2019 the last time I saw them. Cheers. Tim.