Loco #5 to return as Snowdon Mountain Railway trains head back to the summit

Snowdon Mountain Railway's steam engine Enid nears the summit of Snowdon – credit Mike Spencer

Trains will soon be returning to Wales’ highest peak as Snowdon Mountain Railway gets set for the start of its summer season.

The railway’s steam and diesel engines are scheduled to recommence daily passenger services to the summit from Friday, April 28, weather permitting.

The summer season on Snowdon will also mark the return of the railway’s Locomotive #5, back in service after 17 years away.

Loco #5 is now the railway’s premier locomotive, following a comprehensive £60,000 refit and refurbishment of the engine, making it the benchmark for all future rebuilds.

And with trains returning to the peak, the summit building, Hafod Eryri, will also reopen for the summer.

Managers on the heritage railway expect a further influx of passengers this spring wanting to experience the view from the summit, which was recently named the best in the UK.

Alan Kendall, general manager at Snowdon Mountain Railway, said:

“It’s exciting to be getting ready to return to the summit for 2017.

“We’ve been working hard all winter to prepare the railway and summit building, and there’s some exciting plans for later in the season.

“We were particularly pleased to hear that the view from the top of Snowdon has just been named the UK’s favourite.

“Of course, rather than having to hike up 1,085m to the summit, the easiest way to experience the UK’s most impressive vista is to relax and take the train.”

For more information about Snowdon Mountain Railway and to book tickets for the 2017 season visit: www.snowdonrailway.co.uk or follow on Facebook: SnowdonMR or Twitter: @SnowdonMR