SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK

The Ffestiniog Railway runs from the sea at Porthmadog over 13 miles to Blaenau Ffestiniog, where hundreds of years of slate mining has radically altered the skyline. From here, on a clear day and after climbing some high ground, you will see the majestic sweep of the Snowdon mountain range with the vista of Cardigan Bay on either side.

As the train toils away from Porthmadog, the line winds upwards through Snowdonia National Park (National Trust) with views through the Vale of Ffestiniog towards civilization again at Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the famous Llechwedd Slate Caverns.

Trains run March to November and there is a fascinating museum at Porthmadog station with collections dating from the 1830s to the present day - from a tiny button to a full size locomotive.

N.B. Check for possible Foot and Mouth restrictions:You may not be allowed to alight at some of the stations on the line.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3NB Tel: 01766 830306

PORTHMADOG

Other attractions in the vicinity of Porthmadog on Tremadog Bay include the award-winning Lloyd George Memorial Museum and Highgate (his boyhood home) at Llanystumdwy, near Criccieth and Criccieth Castle with its striking 13th century twin-towered gatehouse on the headland.

Criccieth Castle Further information from Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments Tel: 01222 500200

Back at Porthmadog, the Porthmadog Maritime Museum on the harbour tells the story of the port in it's heyday as a major route for the export of slate in the 19th century.

From Porthmadog head South on the A496 for Barmouth, Barmouth Bay and the Cader Idris mountain range and around the Mawddach Estuary on the A496 for Dolgellau.

BARMOUTH AND DOLGELLAU

This is an area teeming with natural beauty with many outdoor attractions around Cardigan Bay. Don't forget to visit the beautiful Mawddach estuary, which is crossed by a very old wooden railway bridge carrying the Cambrian Coast line.

From Dolgellau head south on the A493 via Tywyn for Cardigan Bay and Machynlleth

TYWYN

Don't miss the fascinating Narrow Gauge Railway Museum for all kinds of locomotives, wagons and intriguing railway relics. Here you will find some of the oldest working steam locomotives in the world, and the Talyllyn Line itself is a charming experience, much smaller in scale than the Ffestiniong Railway. Both attractions are at Wharf Station (open Easter to October).

MACHYNLLETH

This is an ideal place from which to explore the Dyfi estuary and Mid-Wales generally, but do take time to visit a converted Wesleyan chapel in the heart of town, which has formed the cultural focus since 1986. Y Tabernacl or The Museum of Modern Art, Wales features changing exhibitions, arts festivals and events throughout the year.

Other interesting stops can be made at the following:

The Centre for Alternative Technology (one of Europe's best eco-centres complete with adventure playground and maze), Machynlleth SY20 9AZ Tel: 01654 702400

Experience the world of the Celts at Celtica: the history of Wales in sound and vision. Celtica,Y Plas, Machynlleth Tel: 01654 702702

From Machynlleth head south on the A487 for the end of the trail at Aberystwyth.

ABERYSTWYTH

This attractive University town on the coast is home to several important institutions steeped in Welsh history: but it also reflects what life is like in Wales today.

The university runs the School of Art Gallery and Museum, which includes significant fine art, print and ceramic collections, with various exhibitions often featuring contemporary crafts.

The National Library of Wales houses such great treasures as the 12th century Black Book of Carmarthen - the oldest surviving Welsh manuscript. Here you will also find a busy year-round exhibitions programme, featuring both historic and more recent art in Wales.

Another arts venue not to be missed is the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, a multi-arts site with gallery space.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3DE Tel: 01970 622882

The National Library of Wales, Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3BU Tel: 01970 632800

The Ceredigion Museum, situated in the original Edwardian Coliseum Theatre in the centre of town, displays varied collections relating to the history and events of the area.

Well done! You have successfully completed your journey. We hope that you will travel this route again and visit places you may have had to miss the first time as well as re-visiting your favourite venues.