Welsh Highland/Ffestiniog Societies

[chrisp37]

I love the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Together they are probably my favourite railways in the UK (I can't choose between the two of them). I am aware that each railway has its own society, although to date I haven't been a member of either. I have a query, which may be a silly one. An annual membership for the Welsh Highland Railway Society costs £50, which looks like it gives you up to 10 standard class journeys a year plus other benefits. A single standard class return journey on the full length of the WHR currently costs £69.50, almost £20 more than society membership. Similarly, annual membership of the Ffestiniog Railway Society costs £41 and seemingly entitles you to ten free third class return tickets plus other benefits. A single standard class return journey on the FR currently costs £49.50.

Perhaps I'm missing something but, unless you want to travel first class, is there any reason not to join either or both of these societies, even if you're only planning on doing one standard class return journey? Are there any downsides to relying on the complimentary travel you get as a member over paying the full non-membership return fare? Maybe the risk that you won't be permitted to travel if the train is otherwise full? It's something I've pondered for a while and intrigues me even more now that the standard fares have got so much more expensive (first time I visited the FR was in 2018 when an all day rover cost around £24 and there were something like 8 Porthmadog to Blaenau services a day).

 

[ChrisC]

I love the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Together they are probably my favourite railways in the UK (I can't choose between the two of them). I am aware that each railway has its own society, although to date I haven't been a member of either. I have a query, which may be a silly one. An annual membership for the Welsh Highland Railway Society costs £50, which looks like it gives you up to 10 standard class journeys a year plus other benefits. A single standard class return journey on the full length of the WHR currently costs £69.50, almost £20 more than society membership. Similarly, annual membership of the Ffestiniog Railway Society costs £41 and seemingly entitles you to ten free third class return tickets plus other benefits. A single standard class return journey on the FR currently costs £49.50.

Perhaps I'm missing something but, unless you want to travel first class, is there any reason not to join either or both of these societies, even if you're only planning on doing one standard class return journey? Are there any downsides to relying on the complimentary travel you get as a member over paying the full non-membership return fare? Maybe the risk that you won't be permitted to travel if the train is otherwise full? It's something I've pondered for a while and intrigues me even more now that the standard fares have got so much more expensive (first time I visited the FR was in 2017 when an all day rover cost around £24 and there were something like 8 Porthmadog to Blaenau services a day).

That really is too good to be true!
Ive just had a look at their website and you only get the 10 standard class journeys if you join as a life member at a price of £2,200!

 

[chrisp37]

I think it's free first class travel that life members get, ordinary members get free standard travel?

Membership - CRhE / WHRS

The Society is supported by over two thousand members from all over the world. Members join the Society for a wide range of reasons from those who’ve been part of rebuilding the railway from the beginning, to those who’ve travelled and fallen in love with it. A dream you can join In return for...

whrsoc.org.uk

 

[Russel]

Interesting, I'd like to visit the WHR but the cost puts me off so this could be a solution, if the OP is correct.

 

[chrisp37]

It's quite possible I'm missing an obvious catch, hence the query!

As an aside, if you have an HRA Privilege Pass you get 50% off standard travel on both the WHR and FR. A couple of weeks ago we used that discount to do a single from Porthmadog to Caernarfon, which cost us £17.37 each with the discount.

 

[davidrockyroad]

As a working volunteer (with a grade card) on the Talyllyn Railway, we get unlimited free standard class travel on the WHR and FfR thanks to a friendly agreement. Both of these railways are excellent, but our railway is better! :P

 

[UP13]

My family and I are actually going on holiday to Portmadog in ten days time. For both myself and my train obsessed kids, there is no chance that we aren't going to do the Ffestiniog, the Welsh Highland or the Tallylyn (particular with the Thomas links for my daughter). However the high prices (even by preserved railway standards) and set itineraries are slightly off putting. I do applaud that the kids seem to only be a five each.

I'm interested if there is a more cost effective way of doing it all.

 

[chrisp37]

My family and I are actually going on holiday to Portmadog in ten days time. For both myself and my train obsessed kids, there is no chance that we aren't going to do the Ffestiniog, the Welsh Highland or the Tallylyn (particular with the Thomas links for my daughter). However the high prices (even by preserved railway standards) and set itineraries are slightly off putting. I do applaud that the kids seem to only be a five each.

I'm interested if there is a more cost effective way of doing it all.

You might take a look at the Great Little Trains of Wales card: https://www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk/en/discount-card

 

[UP13]

You might take a look at the Great Little Trains of Wales card: https://www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk/en/discount-card

I will definitely look at that! Thanks!

 

[Jan Mayen]

I'd potentially join, but I'd want to visit wayside halts such as Nantmor, which doesn't seem to be possible anymore

 

[chrisp37]

I'm pretty sure you can still use all the halts/request stops on the FR and WHR. They're not (well) publicised but you can buy tickets on the day from a guard or at the ticket office for shorter journeys, and they have at least one unreserved carriage on each train for passengers undertaking such journeys.

The 2025 base timetable does indeed suggest that use of request stops (including Nantmor) is still very much a possibility: https://www.festrail.co.uk/pdf/summary-tt-2025.pdf

 

[UP13]

Does the Harbour Master stop at any of the intermediary stops long enough for a toilet break? My youngest might struggle to go 2 hours 20 minutes without the toilet...

 

[Bletchleyite]

Does the Harbour Master stop at any of the intermediary stops long enough for a toilet break? My youngest might struggle to go 2 hours 20 minutes without the toilet...

They have toilets on board don't they?

 

[UP13]

They have toilets on board don't they?

I assumed as a narrow gauge railway that they wouldn't?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I assumed as a narrow gauge railway that they wouldn't?

ARE THERE TOILET FACILITIES ON BOARD THE TRAIN?

Our ‘Woodland Wanderer’ service does NOT have on-board toilet facilities; however, toilet facilities are available during the layover at Tan-y-Bwlch Station.

Our ‘Mountain Spirit’, ‘The Quarryman’ ‘Gelert Explorer’, ‘The Aberglaslyn’, ‘Snowdonia Star and ‘The Harbourmaster’ services have small on-board toilet facilities, however we recommend you use the station toilets wherever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions - Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Frequently Asked Questions - Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

www.festrail.co.uk

 

[chrisp37]

We used the toilets on board the Porthmadog-Caernarfon service 2 weeks ago (Harbourmaster I think) and I can confirm they are absolutely fine. Surprisingly spacious for a narrow gauge railway!

Just to get the topic back on track - if anyone does know the answer to my initial query I'd be very keen to know!

 

[LittleRedTrain]

I've always suspected that the 'too good to be true' discounts for being a society member have arisen because the 'regular' prices have risen significantly in recent years, but bumping the cost of society membership by a similar percentage would not go down well with the membership.
As it is, they have reduced the entitlement to free travel, used to be unlimited, now only 10 trips, as some people were taking the mickey. The discount for events such as Bygones Weekend has also been reduced significantly (only 20% this year, used to be 50%).

I suspect the reason most 'normal' passengers don't take up the 'too good to be true' offer is that they don't know about it far enough in advance. Society membership takes a week or two to be processed, so you can't just join on the day of travel and immediately use the free trip.

How long this situation will carry on, I don't know. If the FR/WHR starts seeing revenues drop and large proportion of people using free tickets, then something will probably have to change.

 

[Gwr12345]

How long this situation will carry on, I don't know. If the FR/WHR starts seeing revenues drop and large proportion of people using free tickets, then something will probably have to change.

I'm a member of both societies, and apparently very few actually use the full ticket allocation, and plenty don't use them at all. For instance I'm a member because I enjoy both railways and the magazines, but live too far really to make use of the travel perks.

I'm pretty sure you can still use all the halts/request stops on the FR and WHR. They're not (well) publicised but you can buy tickets on the day from a guard or at the ticket office for shorter journeys, and they have at least one unreserved carriage on each train for passengers undertaking such journeys.

The 2025 base timetable does indeed suggest that use of request stops (including Nantmor) is still very much a possibility: https://www.festrail.co.uk/pdf/summary-tt-2025.pdf

You definitely can, I used Pont Croesor last year, and it's often a load cheaper as well

Perhaps I'm missing something but, unless you want to travel first class, is there any reason not to join either or both of these societies, even if you're only planning on doing one standard class return journey? Are there any downsides to relying on the complimentary travel you get as a member over paying the full non-membership return fare? Maybe the risk that you won't be permitted to travel if the train is otherwise full? It's something I've pondered for a while and intrigues me even more now that the standard fares have got so much more expensive (first time I visited the FR was in 2018 when an all day rover cost around £24 and there were something like 8 Porthmadog to Blaenau services a day)

Not really, it just takes a while for membership cards to arrive etc, you can't just join on the day. For the Ffestiniog you need a photo as well, but not for the Welsh Highland.
In addition its my understanding that boarding at intermediate stations, it doesn't count towards your allocation of tickets, as the system can't be used on boars the train

 

[Belperpete]

It used to be possible to buy a membership pack on the day, which included a temporary membership card, but this hasn't been available for many years. So you need to allow sufficient time for your application to be processed and card to be issued.

Members used to be able to bring a guest at discount rate, but this has been discontinued. Now only the member gets free/discounted travel. Family memberships are available, but I am not sure offhand what travel entitlements these give.

Yearly members can use their card ten times a year, for either a free trip on their own railway or a half price journey on the other railways. So FR Society members go free on the FR, half price on the WHR and TR, while WHR Soc members go free on WHR and half price on FR and TR. Life members get an unlimited number of first class tickets, again free on their own railway, half price on the other.

The company reserves the right to restrict members travel discounts on special events. Otherwise there is no drawback that I can think of, members are treated in the same way as any other passengers. Members can buy tickets in advance in the same way as ordinary passengers, by specifying their membership number on the on-line booking page. Members can likewise buy tickets on the day from the booking office in the same way as ordinary passengers.

Members can likewise buy tickets to and from intermediate stations and halts from the guard in the same way as other passengers. All trains except those to TanyBwlch have a coach reserved for passengers to and from intermediate stations.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jul 2025 ==

In addition its my understanding that boarding at intermediate stations, it doesn't count towards your allocation of tickets, as the system can't be used on boars the train

If you get a ticket from the guard, such as for travel to or from an intermediate station, your membership number will be written on the ticket. When the ticket book is used up, it is returned to the booking office, with the carbon copies of the tickets. I understand that the numbers are then retrospectively entered into the system.

 

[chrisp37]

Thanks, all. That's really helpful!

 

[X-City-WM]

We’ve had WHR family membership for the last couple of years. Only manage one (holiday) visit per-year with a trip on WHR and 50% off on FfR.

There was an uproar for some to loose unlimited access, but I think most members only visit a handful of times a year. Many are overseas members.

It certainly seems cost effective. I don’t always read all of the society magazines, but enjoy being kept up to date with what’s going on.

It’s a beautiful part of the country and both are great railways. Enjoy your visit!

 

[AndrewE]

If you want to use a member's free ticket or a [BR] Priv ticket do you have any assurance that you will be able to travel? Or should you book a full public fare ticket to "guarantee" a place on a specific train?

 

[X-City-WM]

You can book members’ tickets (potentially PRIV too) via the website.

This year. as I knew I wouldn’t use my full allocation, I booked member’s full tour ticket, even though I only used part of it.

Last year, we just turned up on the day. There is always a coach reserved for short hops there was seemed loads more space (during school summer holidays).

 

[Iron_Duke]

I'd potentially join, but I'd want to visit wayside halts such as Nantmor, which doesn't seem to be possible anymore

Trains will stop at any (and all) of the halts. The issues with not calling at the halts stopped after the pandemic.

 

[Jan Mayen]

Trains will stop at any (and all) of the halts. The issues with not calling at the halts stopped after the pandemic.

Many thanks

 

[John Luxton]

That really is too good to be true!
Ive just had a look at their website and you only get the 10 standard class journeys if you join as a life member at a price of £2,200!

No its First or Standard class - I upgraded from Annual WHRS to Life back in 2020 when I had unspent holiday cash due to several holidays being cancelled or postponed due to Covid - life membership then was £2,000 - it had been only £1,000 up to about 2019 then they doubled it. Wanted to help the railway during a difficult time, but also wanted something in return . With a full return in one of the comfy Pullmans almost £100 if youvisit fairly regularly won't take long to get your money back. Five years on I am probably at break even.

I am not sure if the facility to join by 10 equal payments over 10 years is still available. That is how I joined the Ffestiniog Railway Society around 1993 for life after some years as an annual member. Back then it was 10 X £35. I have long paid for it but have never cancelled my standing order as I look on it now as a regular annual donation.

 

[Mag_seven]

I love the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Together they are probably my favourite railways in the UK (I can't choose between the two of them). I am aware that each railway has its own society, although to date I haven't been a member of either. I have a query, which may be a silly one. An annual membership for the Welsh Highland Railway Society costs £50, which looks like it gives you up to 10 standard class journeys a year plus other benefits. A single standard class return journey on the full length of the WHR currently costs £69.50, almost £20 more than society membership. Similarly, annual membership of the Ffestiniog Railway Society costs £41 and seemingly entitles you to ten free third class return tickets plus other benefits. A single standard class return journey on the FR currently costs £49.50.

Perhaps I'm missing something but, unless you want to travel first class, is there any reason not to join either or both of these societies, even if you're only planning on doing one standard class return journey? Are there any downsides to relying on the complimentary travel you get as a member over paying the full non-membership return fare? Maybe the risk that you won't be permitted to travel if the train is otherwise full? It's something I've pondered for a while and intrigues me even more now that the standard fares have got so much more expensive (first time I visited the FR was in 2018 when an all day rover cost around £24 and there were something like 8 Porthmadog to Blaenau services a day).

thread reopened

 

[SECR 65]

Thanks for reopening the thread.

A couple of questions about the memberships if anyone is able to help:

With a family membership to either the FR society or the WHR society, does that give you ten free tickets each for all (four in my case) members of your family? As opposed to just being ten tickets for the family to share between them?

Also, my family has two adults, one 16 year old, and a younger child. The family memberships say children up to 18 years old - would the 16 year old in this case be able to claim adult travel tickets for their allocation, as it seems at 16 you need adult tickets?

Thanks in advance!

 

[X-City-WM]

With a family membership to either the FR society or the WHR society, does that give you ten free tickets each for all (four in my case) members of your family? As opposed to just being ten tickets for the family to share between them?

Also, my family has two adults, one 16 year old, and a younger child. The family memberships say children up to 18 years old - would the 16 year old in this case be able to claim adult travel tickets for their allocation, as it seems at 16 you need adult tickets?

Each member of the family will get a membership card, with their name on it and a unique membership number.

Each card allows up to 10 free visits per-year, and entitles discount rates on the other (FFR/WHR) railway.

You don't need to always travel together, so can visit seperately.

You don't need to worry about the age of your teen, their card will just get them a members ticket.

 

[SECR 65]

@X-City-WM that's very helpful - thanks very much.