Getting around by train Wales

One of the region's greatest attractions. The line is one of the most picturesque of the Narrow Gorge Railways. In a major development in 2010, a second line was (re)opened, running to Caernarfon. Through narrow gorges on the mountainside, the steam locomotive and its wooden carriages pass through landscapes as fantastic as they are diverse, all the way to the grey valleys of Blaenau Ffestiniog or throughout Snowdonia. A journey through time!

The line runs between Porthmadog and Pen-y-Mount: 55 minutes of scenic discovery on this train pulled by a steam locomotive, plus a visit to the maintenance and restoration workshops. An unusual means of transport for a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. For families with children - there's a special mini-train for them. The station has a store with an impressive collection of books on trains!

The station can be reached by car via the A493. Another alternative is to take a boat that departs regularly from the small port (£3 per adult for a crossing that takes less than 20 minutes). The railway installed in 1895 for wealthy English holidaymakers is still in service today and it is the occasion for a nice ride on board an old steam train. It goes over the bridge from Barmouth to Fairbourne. It is a magnificent 7 km circuit with breathtaking views of the estuary and the mountains.

This is a nice walk in this steam train that has been running in rural communities since 1903. The line was closed in 1956. Less than ten years later, a group of enthusiasts got the locomotive back on the road. Today, a network of volunteers maintains and regulates rail traffic. Departures are variable according to the seasons and days, check the website or go directly to the station to get the schedules and days.

The oldest steam train in the world! On board, you'll discover some of the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park. You can then visit the workshops where the old locomotives are restored. There's also a playground and café to keep the kids occupied. For timetables, check the website or phone ahead, as they depend on the day and the season. In off-peak season, it's best to book in advance. Easter and Christmas events.

Trains to Paddington Station in London (three hours' journey), via Reading. You can also go to Manchester, Birmingham, Portsmouth, Glasgow... Very frequent trains to and from Cardiff (about an hour's journey, count £7.50-11.70).

The main station, Cardiff Central, provides easy access to most Welsh towns and some English cities. To the south: direct services to Merthyr Tydfil, from where you can reach the town of Brecon; Swansea, the main town on the Gower Peninsula; Chepstow in the Wye Valley... The Cardiff-London Paddington journey takes around two hours (departures every half-hour, round trip: between £40 and £100 depending on time of year and timetable).

It is the most important railway company in Wales. It offers connections to all regions as well as to London and Bristol. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in peace and quiet. There are many railway companies in Wales, which have been privatised since the Thatcher government, which explains the sometimes high fares.

Good plan: its pass formulas, which give unlimited access to trains and buses, depending on the regions you wish to visit, at competitive prices.