Ffestiniog Round Robin

[xc170]

Thinking of doing a Ffestiniog round robin from Birmingham, anyone done it recently or have a suggested itinerary?

Also, is it better to do it via the Cambrian first or via Llandudno Jn first?

Looking to be about £30 with a railcard from BHM so quite good value.

Thoughts appreciated.

 

[30907]

Provided the timings work out, Cambrian first so you can do the Festiniog up gradient. If you are delayed, change at Minffordd to save the walk across town - and go on a day when the 2-train FR service is running, so you have a bit of flexibility.

 

[Kite159]

Provided the timings of the Ffestingiog hasn't changed since I created this rough idea:

08:25 Birmingham New Street - Porthmadog, arriving at 12:52
This gives you 40 minutes to cross to the Porthmadog Harbour station for the 13:35 service, arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog at 14:45

Connecting with the 14:57 Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno Junction, and then onto the 16:25 service to Birmingham New Street (15:23 from Holyhead), arriving back at Birmingham around 19:30. You could probably get back quicker changing at Chester for a Crewe and then to Birmingham via Stafford.