he Bala lake railway.

[steam for ever]

To me the Bala lake railway is one of the finest of the Great little trains of Wales. Some fantastic memories have come from there.
It has become common all over Britain for narrow gauge heritage railways to be built on Standard gauge trackbeds, either to save cost or to provide something unique. Whatever the reason, they are great and the 4 mile line of the Bala lake railway is to me the best.

http://www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/
The above link is a website for you.

Now my advice is to start at the Bala end. Not the headquarters, but I advise starting at the opposite ends of railways simply because of parking, and that you will have more of a destination to look forward to, as Bala is a bit basic. Llanuwchyn is a beautifully restored standard gauge station with a working signal box. The first time I visited a few years back the signalman invited me in and I changed the home signal and the run round points. Just knock is all I say and ask for a look round.

Starting at Bala, you are quickly presented with the glorious lake. Your Hunslet saddle tank easily hauls the closed coaches (of an awesome standard I must say) along at a comfy pace. I fyou are looking for speed you will get a few bursts here and there so linesiding is very pleasant.
There are many halt along the route: (from Bala) Bryn Hynod, Bala lake, Llangower and Pentrepiod. All lovely places. I do recommend breaking your journey and having a picnic. Llangower has the best facilities for this and the views as ever are spectacular. You can of course bring food on the train if you don't want to get off, however I cannot remember if tables are provided on carriage.

At the edn of the line As I said there is plenty of activity including a nice gift shop and a tea room. Yes there is loos too.

Here is a pic from the website of a loco at the station:
http://www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/img/marian01.jpg

And likewise the fabulous stock I was on about:
http://www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/img/number9and10.jpg
http://www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/img/number6n7n8.jpg
http://www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/img/number4and5.jpg


I would suggest staying in Bala as well. Western region fans will know that there used to be a junction here and several lines leading off which provides great fun on walks searching for remains of a lost railway age.
Plenty to do and Two days should be spent on the line. 1 riding the trains and a second linesiding. Well thats what I would do anyway, in fact three is preferable but family might get fed up etc.

I have some pics somewhere but where is a mystery.
Hope that helps.

(P.S) I suggest travlelodges but I don't think there is one nearby. I took a caravan you see. Try local b&bs, there are plenty.)

[Anon Mouse]

I did that line years ago when I was just a wee nipper and I loved it!

[Yorky]

Hope to get there after Easter 2nd week sunday, I have never been there so plan to spend the night at the YHA at Borth as I am making my way to Braodhaven, with luck a fine wind and good weather will stop of on my way home to visit Welshpool.

[j0hn0]

havent been there for years. Although i do often pass through Bala on my way to the Welsh highland or Festiniog.

Bala has some great roads meeting there