The oldest independent railway company in the world, the Ffestiniog Railway has been slicing through the Snowdonia National Park since 1832. The historic train takes passengers 13.5 miles (21.7km) from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, winding around the rocky mountains. Highlights from the journey include passing along mountain scenery, tranquil pastures and picture-perfect villages.

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The UK’s most charming rail journeys