Steam up

Great day out having a carriage all to ourselves on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, one of our very favourites. We were lucky to get tickets today and even luckier to be upgraded to a proper carriage rather than the toast rack (open carriage at the back with roof and floor, open sides and wooden slatted seats). Armed with sandwiches, a small bottle of red wine and some fruit we boarded carriage No. 5 at Porth Madog and set off up the high climb to Tan-y-Bwlch, the stop before B. Ffestiniog where we alighted and spent an hour picnicking, having a chat with our lady driver who told us lots about 'Prince' the engine she was driving today, and which is also her favourite.

We drove the scenic route to Porth Madog, a little further than using the main roads but definitely worth it for yet more stunning views.

The weather: windy, sunny spells and a few showers but still quite warm.