When we were in UK, we spent 2 days 2 nights at Wales. We did a road trip. The views along the way from England to Wales were quite nice but too bad when we reached Wales, it was already getting dark so I couldn’t take any photos of the surrounding. It’s surreal looking out to the sea where Ireland was just out there.
The next day, our main place to visit in Wales was Snowdonia National Park. It’s awesome that you don’t get tonnes of tourist from you-know-where, only a handful of them who are likely doing their studies around the UK education institutions or those independent travelers who are more responsible. It’s not a place for mass tourism, no, no, no… The place going to be ruined!
It was drizzling when we reached Snowdonia. There wasn’t any blue sky too. We were just hoping that the rain would stop. Good thing, it did stop.
Left: We went up to the summit of Mount Snowdon with Snowdon Mountain Railway. You can also opt to hike up the mountain but hahaha… Not me… No thanks. Only limited ticket issued daily, hence it is recommended to purchase it in advance online to secure your seats. You can check out their official website(http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/) for more details. The statements quoted here are also from the official website.
Right: Ceunant Mawr waterfall. I was sitting at the other end of the cabin, this is the best photo of the waterfall that I could take.
Since 1896 visitors have been travelling to Llanberis, to experience the unique rail journey to the Summit of the highest mountain in Wales and England. A true mountain and place of legend, come with us and see exactly why Snowdon Mountain Railway has been described as one of the most unique and wonderful railway journeys in the world. With stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views it’s all part of a great day out for you and your family in North Wales.
Here’s the views along the rail journey. Such a breathtaking and mesmerizing view.
Trains depart from Llanberis station and begin their climb 1085m to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, a journey experienced by some 12 million travellers since 1896. These ancient Snowdonian mountains, thrust upwards by volcanic forces 450 million years ago, once grew to heights of 10,000 metres. Over eons the wind and rain and successive ice ages have sculpted them to their current form; with Snowdon being the highest summit in England and Wales.
We opted for the Tradition Diesel Service. It’s been three centuries! The train can sit 74 passengers, 10 per compartment. Departures leave Llanberis every day from mid-March until the end of October on the hour and on the half hour. Journey time to the summit is one hour with a 30 minute stop over at the peak. We were there in July 2018. Gosh… Half year already and I’m still not done with all the posts -.-
Majestic!!
This is taken from the peak, the station is just below.
From the station, just walk up the staircase and you will reach the peak! It was a wales of climb!! I meant the train hahaha… It was so cold up there! I’m at the summit at 1085m!!! First time in my life ‘climbed’ up a mountain this high. 😀 The highest mountain of England and Wales some more!
Couldn’t enjoy the view for too long, it’s only 30 minutes break, need to go to the wash room and get ready to board the train again. It’s too cold and windy up there too.
By the time we reached the station down there, it’s already 2.30pm. We took the ride up at around 11.45am, be sure to eat before you go up or bring some snacks with you. Also, make sure you are on time as they won’t wait for you. If you are late, there won’t be any space to fit you into the next train. So… BE ON TIME!
Down we go…
Time to look for lunch, it was one very late lunch. You can always have lunch at the train station itself but we decided to go for a bit of walk around the town to look for lunch.
No idea where to eat, we just venture into the unknown hahaha… We ended up at The Padarn Hotel at 3pm. It’s located at the foot of Snowdon, 100m from Padarn Lake and a 5 minute walk from the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Here’s what we had at the restaurant. I would say the food was all right.
I don’t remember the actual names of the food, didn’t take photo of the menu. My guesses are grilled pork chop and obviously fish & chips.
Lastly, carbonara and chicken salad.
After very late lunch, it’s time for us to go back to our Airbnb to make our own dinner. We check-out the next day to head back to England.