The picture above is a scan of a 1970s postcard on which was reproduced a much earlier photo of a locomotive and single carriage ascending the narrow gauge railway linking Llanberis with the summit of Snowdon. This narrow gauge rack and pinion rail line has been a popular tourist attraction since 1895. Steam locos were used until the 1990s, mostly diesel engine ones since. The original steam locos were bult in Switzerland where narrow gauge mountain climbing lines were more common and the necessary technology most advanced. Sections of the line have a gradient of 1 in 7, the flanged wheels simply keeping the carriage in balance the cogs of the rack and pinion providing the driving and braking power. The rail runs for much of the distance, of over four miles, alongside one of the footpaths leading to the summit. Other alternative footpaths lead up from Llanberis Pass on the other side of the mountain, particularly the Pig Path and Miner’s Path both of which ascend by a more gentle gradient.
This was my first time on the railway and likely to be my last as it was very expensive, the carriages are small and cramped and, unfortunately on that day it was very hot and sitting it out for an hour each way was quite an ordeal. However, along the whole of the route the views were marvellous and at the summit it was mild and the views majestic.
The civil engineering needed to build the rail line back in the late 19th century was remarkably modest, the company having chosen a sensible route up the mountain side and been able to buy the necessary land. A narrow gauge railway needed only a surprisingly narrow strip of land except at passing points, necessary along an otherwise single track.
What I didn’t realise on the day was that another light railway runs from Llanberis alongside a large natural lake near the town, presumably on a much more level gradient.
Quite a day.