About


The Partnership

Welcome to the Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Line Community Rail Partnership

We are an accredited Community Rail Partnership, awarded by the Community Rail Network, Department for Transport and Welsh Government. Mr Philip Evans, Chair and Haf Jones, Vice Chair welcome you to this website which highlights the work we do in connecting communities to their railways.

Our partnership members include Transport For Wales, Avanti, Network Rail, British Transport Police, Snowdonia National Park, Conwy Council, Gwynedd Council, Station Adoption representatives, Creating Enterprise, Community Rail Network and Boots on the Ground.

The business activity plan is delivered by all members, led by the Community Rail Officer. Our plan aims to:

  1. providing a voice for the community
  2. promoting sustainable, healthy and accessible travel
  3. bringing communities together and supporting diversity and inclusion
  4. supporting social and economic development

The Train

Transport for Wales are the train operators for Wales and Borders. The Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Line Community Rail Partnership are not responsible for travel planning, timetables or fares. Please visit the Transport for Wales website for all rail enquires.


The Journey

The Conwy Valley line was constructed as far as Llanrwst in 1863 to the present Llanrwst North station, known originally as Llanrwst and Trefriw in order to cater for the tourist potential of the popular spa village of Trefriw.

In 1868 the line was extended to the famous inland resort of Betws y Coed.

By 1879 the line had again been extended, travelling the 1 in 47 curves up the beautiful Lledr Valley, through the longest single track tunnel in the UK, to arrive in the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The railway provided a valuable means of transporting roofing slates into a rapidly expanding worldwide market at that time.

In addition, other allied industries such as agriculture and forestry benefited from the use of the railway in satisfying the economic needs of the area.

Covering a distance of 48 miles, from Llandudno Junction in the east to Holyhead in the west, the North West Wales Coast Line is operated by Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast.

Starting at Llandudno Junction and following the coastline as far as the university city of Bangor, Gwynedd, the train crosses the Menai Strait on the historic Britannia Bridge and travels overland across Anglesey, also known as Mon Mam Cymru or Mother of Wales, to the port town of Holyhead. A journey on the North West Wales Coast Line is a journey of contrasts. From the hills of the Carneddau hugging the coast as far as Bangor, to the rolling, fertile fields of Anglesey, you’ll take in crashing coastlines, craggy peaks, rushing rivers and ancient landmarks.

Along the way you’ll see some breathtaking sights, proving that Wales really is an epic country to visit! Crossing the River Conwy on a suspension bridge built by Thomas Telford, the train passes below the world-famous Conwy Castle before entering the town through its medieval walls. Leaving Conwy, the train follows the coast, delivering epic views of the North Wales coastline and the foothills of the Carneddau, a mountain range that extends deep into the Snowdonia National Park.

Reaching Bangor, the train crosses the Menai Strait onto the island of Anglesey by way of the Britannia Bridge designed by master-engineer Robert Stephenson in the nineteenth century. As you cross you’ll see another of Telford’s engineering masterpieces, the Menai Suspension Bridge, a road bridge connecting the mainland to Anglesey.

Alight the train at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch station and get a photo next to the longest station place name in the northern hemisphere! From here, the train travels through the heart of Anglesey, an idyllic landscape dotted with ancient monuments; Anglesey was once the stronghold of the druids and evidence of their occupation is everywhere. But Anglesey is home to cutting edge technology too. Valley is home to an RAF training school and is a Mountain Rescue Service base too. Can you spot any low flying aircraft as you pass through? You’ll have to be quick!

Finally, the train terminates at Holyhead station. This bustling port town has a ferry terminal which connects North Wales to Dublin, Ireland. But there’s so much more to Holyhead than just ferries. This town has a rich maritime history just begging to be explored.

But these highlights are just the tip of the iceberg. Did you know, more than 60 visitor attractions can be easily accessed from the North West Wales Coast Line? They are all just a short walk or ride on public transport from the nearest station, making your trip on the North West Wales Coast Line so much more than just a train journey.