Welsh Highland Railway Beer Festival, North Wales (May)
Enjoy great beer, good music and food at this annual ale festival on the UK’s longest heritage steam railway. The Welsh Highland railway runs for 25 miles from Porthmadog to the historic town of Caernarfon.
The scenery on the Welsh Highland Railway is simply stunning. Add beer, food and live music and the Welsh Highland Railway’s annual festival becomes a party with a spectacular mountain backdrop. It’s a fantastic day out for ale explorers.
- Taste real ales
- Scenic railway journey
- Walk the Fisherman’s Path
- Visit Caernarfon
Hop Aboard The Welsh Highland Railway
The Welsh Highland line runs from Porthmadog Harbour Station past the Aberglaslyn Pass, on through the picturesque village of Beddgelert, past Mount Snowdon and on to Caernarfon with its imposing medieval castle and spectacular views across the Menai Straits towards Anglesey.
Celebrate the Real Ale Festival
In May, join fellow Ale Explorers for the Real Ale Festival – Cwrw ar y Cledrau which is fast becoming one of North Wales’ most popular real ale festivals. Now in its 11th season, it takes place at various pit stops along the West Highland line between Caernarfon and Beddgelert. There’s live entertainment from local bands and at the main site at Dinas Station near Caernarfon, more than sixty real ales are served along with ciders and perries.
Walk The Fisherman’s Path
The return journey from Porthmadog to Caernarfon is a lengthy 4 hours and 30 minutes, so an alternative option is to take a shorter train ride to Beddgelert. Here you can mooch around the antique shops, have a spot of lunch and enjoy a homemade ice cream from the award- winning Café Glandwr. Take the gentle hour’s stroll back along the Fisherman’s Path at the edge of the Glaslyn River to pick up your return train further down the line at Nantmor Station.
Tips
- Trains run from March to October with some additional out of season trains for special events such as Halloween and Christmas
Where to Stay in North Wales
Bodysgallen Hall
Llandudno, North Wales
A distinguished 17th-century hall set in 200 acres of parkland, with spectacular views of Snowdonia.
Rooms from £151 a night.
Dogs
I am welcome to travel on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways at any time for a small fee of £3. I am even given my own doggy ticket. Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to travel in first class.
How to Find The Welsh Highland Railway
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, North Wales LL49 9NF
Website: www.rail-ale.com
Welsh Highland Railway
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.