b'CONWY CASTLE, DAY 5RAILWAYS AND CASTLES OF WALES6 DAYS FROM 695 BY STANDARD CLASS RAILFrom our base in charming Llandudno, we experience the very best of North Wales. Soak up the scenery as we ride aboard historic steam railways, and step back in time as we visit the impressive castles dotted along the coastline of this beautiful, mountainous region. WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY, DAY 2Our steam-hauled journey begins in Caernarfon, close to the quayside. Shortly after leaving the town, we climb the Arfon Plateau for fantastic views of Caernarfon Bay and the Lleyn Peninsula. We continue to the village of Waunfawr, gateway to the mountains. From here, we can see the first peaks of the Snowdon Ridge and Mynydd Mawr on the opposite side of the valley.The train continues to Bryn Gloch and we enter Snowdonia National Park. Travelling past Lake Llyn Cwellyn, the peak of Mount Snowdon appears on the left. The views of tumbling waterfalls and mountain vistas become even more spectacular as we travel towards Rhyd Ddu. We then begin our descent to Beddgelert and as the train zig-zags down the hillside, we enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding mountains on our way to Porthmadog.136 ENGLAND, WALES AND IRELAND'