A Solo Adventure Through Eryri (Snowdonia) –
My Four-Day Train
Journey
There’s something magical about train journeys. The rhythm of the tracks, the changing landscapes, and the freedom to daydream or immerse yourself in a good book – it’s the perfect way to travel.
In 2023 , after qualifying as Blue Badge Tourist Guide in Wales and receiving my first request to guide a group through whole Wales for a week I had to do some recce and explore some sights I haven’t been to. I opted for a short break to explore more Gwynedd in North Wales, and I decided to make the most of it with a solo adventure by train. and public transport .
Everything was carefully planned for ease and relaxation, but the true charm lay in the journey itself.
From London, I boarded the train to Llandudno Junction, where I changed to a local train that would take me to Bettws-y-Coed, a small town nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia. also Known as the “Gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia ) is the perfect base for exploring this stunning region.
I stayed at Olif, a charming guesthouse that felt like a home away from home. Fiona, the host, greeted me warmly, and the room was just as cosy and quiet as I’d hoped for—ideal for winding down after a day of adventures.
The beauty of travel is in the small moments—like chatting with Fiona about her love for the area or stepping outside and hearing nothing but the rustling of trees and the distant call of birds.
It’s easy to fall in love with a place like this, where time seems to slow down. Over the course of my four-day adventure, I had a chance to not only discover beautiful locations but also connect with locals and fellow travellers.
On day 2 , I took a local bus to the Bodnant Garden, a sprawling estate known for its incredible plant collections and the serene waters of the River Conwy. Later, I ventured to Llanberis, a village that lies at the foot of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. In the evening, I hopped on a train to Conwy, a medieval town with a spectacular castle that has been standing for over 700 years. The cobbled streets and narrow alleys make it feel like stepping back in time.
On day two, I took the train from Bettws-y-Coed to Blaenau Ffestiniog, a mining town rich in history. After sampling some of the local pies at the Model Bakery owned by a local celebrity a former rocket scientist from Kurdistan, than I took a bus to Portmeirion, a quirky village designed by Clough Williams-Ellisi, in the style of an Italian seaside town.
As the day wound down, I boarded another train to Harlech, home to a castle that has witnessed centuries of history and is mentioned in the Mabinogion (collection of ancient Welsh tales, myths and legends ) .
I spent the night in Harlech and met a colleague who took me around the Castle before taking the train back to London. the end of my four-day trip, I had covered quite a bit of ground ( more than I needed for the preparation for my tour ) —exploring historic towns, hiking through lush gardens, and tasting delicious local food. But beyond the places, it was the connections with the people I enjoyed the most I
I have put together a few easy itineraries – Wales by Rail , or we also take small group booking and arrange your trip if you also require our guiding services.