| [OTD] 19th Feb (2011) - Welsh Highland reopens throughout Posted by grahame at 13:27, 19th February 2026 |     |
From CymruRails
On this day, 19th February 2011, a long held dream became a reality as the first public passenger train operated the full length of the restored Welsh Highland Railway between Caernarfon and Porthmadog Harbour
This 25 mile journey takes passengers through some of the most dramatic scenery in Britain, including the village of Beddgelert and the spectacular Aberglaslyn Pass. While the restoration was a modern triumph, the railway's roots date back much further. The original WHR was formed in 1922, succeeding the horse drawn Croesor Tramway which had served the quarries since 1863. Unfortunately, the first era of the WHR was short lived, hampered by outdated, uncomfortable carriages and a reputation for being unreliable, the line closed in 1933. Today’s restored railway is a far cry from those early struggles, standing as a world-class heritage attraction and a testament to decades of hard work and vision.
This 25 mile journey takes passengers through some of the most dramatic scenery in Britain, including the village of Beddgelert and the spectacular Aberglaslyn Pass. While the restoration was a modern triumph, the railway's roots date back much further. The original WHR was formed in 1922, succeeding the horse drawn Croesor Tramway which had served the quarries since 1863. Unfortunately, the first era of the WHR was short lived, hampered by outdated, uncomfortable carriages and a reputation for being unreliable, the line closed in 1933. Today’s restored railway is a far cry from those early struggles, standing as a world-class heritage attraction and a testament to decades of hard work and vision.
