Itinery for the Ffestiniog Round Robin

[Gathursty]

I am considering starting the Round Robin at either Shotton or Chester over Christmas.

I'm aware that the Ffestiniog, Conwy Valley and, to a lesser extent, the Cambrian line has a really low amount of services so I look to my fellow forum members to devise a realistic itinery for the day (note I live about 1 hour drive from Shotton/Chester)

I have a slight preference for going anti-clockwise (Shotton -> Llandudno -> BFF etc...) but am not bothered which way.

What are my options in the two weeks from the 22nd December?

(Bonus points for a cost-effective place to park by Chester station?)

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yesterday I almost did it - 0940 VT MKC-LLJ, pub for an hour (the pub opposite the station does good food), 1330ish (may actually be 1330) LLJ-BFF, 1445 bus BFF-Porthmadog (no Ffestiniog in winter), 1600ish Porthmadog-Machynlleth then back to MKC via Brum. Don't know if you could complete the circle on that one, though, I don't know when the last Shrewsbury-Chester train of the day is.

No scope to start it at home? I've done it from Aughton Park enough times when a lot younger.

I agree down the Valley is best - one of the best bits is emerging into the almost-moonscape from the long tunnel. Blaenau really is the most stunning abject dump in the world (though it has been spruced up a bit since I was last there).

FWIW I quite like the way the character of the Cambrian train shifts as you go along at that time of day - from being families (and a drunk Welsh choir who passed song sheets round and had a festive sing song), gaining football fans at Shrewsbury (who joined me at my table and gave me free wine!) and finally the night-out-in-Brum traffic from Telford.

 

[causton]

I did it, just about! Due to a signalling problem the Pwllheli train was so late they diverted it to Machynlleth, with taxis north from there. I just made it to Porthmadog in time, then realised I went to the wrong station (nobody told me the correct one was the other side of town!) so sprinted across and made it with about a minute or two to spare. Then up the Ffestiniog, then to Llandudno Junction and back towards home again via Chester and Milton Keynes, back in a minute short of 13 hours!

http://causton.railmiles.me/journeys/?date=20150501

 

[krus_aragon]

Have you consulted penmorfa.com's page named the Cambrian Rail Cruise? It has some example timings and route guide for a starting point.

 

[philjo]

I am considering starting the Round Robin at either Shotton or Chester over Christmas.

I'm aware that the Ffestiniog, Conwy Valley and, to a lesser extent, the Cambrian line has a really low amount of services so I look to my fellow forum members to devise a realistic itinery for the day (note I live about 1 hour drive from Shotton/Chester)


What are my options in the two weeks from the 22nd December?

check the FFestiniog times carefully. they are running 2 trains each day 26 Dec (no national rail trains running on the 26th!) through to 1 January but there is no service the previous week.
(Santa special is running on the Welsh Highland Porthmadog to Beddgelert on the 22nd)

when I planned a trip last summer I found the connections at Blaenau to be very tight on days there were only 2 FR trains running so I used the Welsh Highland instead & bus Caernarfon to Bangor (though the round robin isn't valid on WHR so I used the Welsh rover instead & got the 50% discount on WHR)

 

[Bletchleyite]

The WHR is worth a ride (has a curious mainline feel to it), but bear in mind that there is a bus service from Blaenau to Porthmadog which is scenic enough so if the FfR isn't running it's a not unreasonable option.

And I wouldn't miss the Blaenau branch out - it's arguably the best bit!

 

[30907]

I am considering starting the Round Robin at either Shotton or Chester over Christmas.

(Bonus points for a cost-effective place to park by Chester station?)

When I was last there, there was a new-ish, not fully surfaced, all day car park just to the right as you cross the railway on the A56. Turn right at the lights. £1 cheaper than others in the area IIRC.

I've always preferred Flint for this circular, which is properly staffed and has a reasonable car park, unlike Shotton - but I do start quite early.