Snowdonia & the Llyn - Wales - page 465

complimentary glass of sherry or a soak in a hot tub - this wonderful B&B could be just
the ticket. It's located on the shores of Tal-y-Llyn, less than 2 miles from the Minffordd
trailhead.
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Tywyn
POP 3260
While the town falls just outside the national park, Tywyn's long sandy blue-flagged
beach is one of the most popular in the region. Its other major drawcard is the narrow-
gauge Talyllyn Railway ( 01654-710472; www.talyllyn.co.uk ; Wharf Station; adult/child £15/7.25; Easter-
Oct) , famous as the inspiration for Rev W Awdry's Thomas the Tank Engine stories. It
opened in 1865 to carry slate from the Bryn Eglwys quarries near Abergynolwyn. In 1950
the line was saved from closure by the world's first railway preservation society. It's one
of Wales' most enchanting little railways and puffs for 7.3 scenic, steam-powered miles
up the Fathew Valley to Nant Gwernol. There are five stations along the way, each with
waymarked walking trails (and waterfalls at Dolgoch and Nant Gwernol); trail leaflets are
available at the stations. Your ticket entitles you to all-day travel; check online for train
timetables.
At Tywyn's Wharf Station, the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum ( www.ngrm.org.uk ; admission free) is
one for the history buffs, with shiny narrow-gauge steam locomotives and the story of the
volunteers who preserved the railway. Opening hours are coordinated with the train
timetable.
Getting There & Away
Tywyn is on the Cambrian Coast Line, with direct trains to/from Machynlleth (£5.50, 30
minutes), Fairbourne (£3.80, 17 minutes), Barmouth (£4.60, 29 minutes), Porthmadog
(£11, 1½ hours) and Pwllheli (£12.50, two hours).
Buses head to/from Dolgellau (route 28/30; 40 minutes), Fairbourne (28; 29 minutes) and
Machynlleth (X29; 35 minutes).
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Fairbourne
POP 1040