Visitors to Snowdon in Wales will be able to travel to the summit with the help of an historic steam engine for the first time in almost two decades.
Moel Siabod, which was named after another of Snowdonia’s peaks, was taken out of service in 2000 for an extensive £60,000 refit and refurbishment. It is now back in service with Snowdon Mountain Railway, carrying passengers to the peak this week, the first time in 17 years.
Video courtesy of Snowdon Mountain Railway
Its return takes Snowdon Mountain Railway’s tally of coal-fired steam engines in service to four, alongside four diesel locomotives.
Alan Kendall, general manager of Snowdon Mountain Railway, said he was ‘extremely pleased’ to have it back in service. He added: “Our engineers assure me it is the best presented locomotive on our railway and the benchmark for all future locomotive rebuilds.”
Group visits to Snowdon
Special rates for groups are available as well as discounts from standard fares for Group Travel Organisers.
Groups can book the Heritage Steam Experience, for pre-booked groups of 25+ passengers, up until 30th September, 2017. The spacious steam carriages are recreations of the original 1896 coaches and still use the original chassis. The service seats up to 34 passengers per train. With a 30-minute stopover at the Summit and an overall two and a half hour round-trip, it promises to be an adventure not to miss out on.
History and heritage
With the exception of the two World Wars, the Snowdon Mountain Railway has been running uninterrupted since 1896 and has even been used to help mountain rescue teams working on Snowdon.
Towering at an impressive 3,560ft above sea level, the breath-taking sight from the top of Snowdon is considered to be among the UK’s best views.
It offers views out across the mystical Llyn Llydaw, one of the legendary locations reputedly linked to King Arthur, his sword Excalibur, and the Lady of the Lake.
Taking the train continues to be a popular way of reaching the summit, with services running every day (weather permitting), from 17th March to the end of October.
For more information about Snowdon Mountain Railway and to book tickets on the steam or diesel services visit: www.snowdonrailway.co.uk
