Porthmadog Gwynedd Wales - The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways have released details of its reopening plan, including train services in 2021.
 
Subject to Government restrictions, train services on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways will resume on Saturday, 1 May 2021, with the Mountain Prince and Gelert Explorer.
 
The railway is also advising those in the area at the end of April to check their website in case they are able to reopen earlier.
 
Tickets will be able to be booked from 10:00 on Monday, 29 Mar 2021, with tickets being booked for travel from the 1 May 2021 until 23 Jul 2021.
 
Services will revolve around a "tiered system" where a basic service is reintroduced, and then as restrictions are eased, further services will resume.
 
The services that the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways hope to operate are as follows:
 
Woodland Wanderer

• A heritage train service to Tan-y-Bwlch;
• An hour break at Tan-y-Bwlch for a walk and refreshments;
• Between one and six services will operate a day.

Mountain Prince

• Trains will operate to Dduallt and Barn Cutting;
• Diesel locomotive added to the back of the train at Tan-y-Bwlch;
• Trains will stop at Tan-y-Bwlch on the return for refreshments;
• Up to five services a day will operate.

Gelert Explorer

• A Welsh Highland Railway service from Caernarfon to Beddgelert;
• A hamper service and time to explore Beddgelert before returning;
• Up to four trains a day will operate;
• Perspex screens installed to keep passengers safe;
• A Pullman observation carriage will feature on each end of the train (yes one will be turned!).

Glaslyn Venturer

• A Welsh Highland Railway service coming later in 2021 from Porthmadog to Beddgelert;
• Perspex dividers also featured.

Ticket prices will vary depending on the type of train you want to travel on.
 
Seating bays will be cleaned before travel and is then assigned for the visit.
 
Compartments will hold up to six passengers, and if you booked to travel in 2020, then you can contact the F&WHR to reschedule.
 
You can contact the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways on 01766 516024 (open 10:00 until 16:00 Monday to Friday).
 
Spooners, Caffi De Winton, and Tan-y-Bwlch cafes will all reopen when train services resume, but most likely as takeaway only to start with.
 
Harbour Station Shop will remain closed until restrictions are eased.
 
Please Note: All of these plans are subject to restrictions and COVID levels heading in the right direction.
 
Michael Holden.