Ffestiniog Railway vs. Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

Attribute	Ffestiniog Railway	Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
Location	Wales	Devon, England
Length	13.5 miles	19 miles
Gauge	1 ft 11 1⁄2 in (597 mm)	1 ft 11 1⁄2 in (597 mm)
Opened	1836	1898
Closure	1946	1935

History

Ffestiniog Railway, located in Wales, was opened in 1836 to transport slate from the quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog to the coast. It was the first narrow-gauge railway in the world to use steam locomotives. The railway faced financial difficulties in the 1940s and was eventually revived as a tourist attraction in the 1950s. On the other hand, Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, located in Devon, was opened in 1898 to connect the towns of Lynton and Barnstaple. It was a narrow-gauge railway that primarily served as a passenger line. The railway closed in 1935 due to declining passenger numbers and competition from road transport.

Route

Ffestiniog Railway runs for 13.5 miles from the harbour at Porthmadog to the slate quarries at Blaenau Ffestiniog. The route takes passengers through stunning Welsh countryside, including forests, rivers, and mountains. The railway also features the famous spiral loop at Dduallt, where the track loops over itself to gain height. In contrast, Lynton and Barnstaple Railway ran for 19 miles through the picturesque Exmoor countryside, with views of the Bristol Channel. The route included steep gradients and tight curves, making it a challenging but scenic journey for passengers.

Rolling Stock

Ffestiniog Railway operates a fleet of historic steam locomotives, including the iconic double Fairlie locomotives designed by Robert Fairlie. The railway also has a collection of vintage carriages that have been restored to their former glory. In comparison, Lynton and Barnstaple Railway has a smaller collection of steam locomotives, including the Manning Wardle 2-6-2T locomotive known as "Yeo." The railway also has a variety of vintage carriages that provide a nostalgic experience for passengers.

Heritage

Ffestiniog Railway has a rich heritage as the world's oldest narrow-gauge railway still in operation. The railway has preserved its original Victorian infrastructure, including stations, signal boxes, and bridges. Ffestiniog Railway also offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of slate mining in the region through interactive exhibits and guided tours. On the other hand, Lynton and Barnstaple Railway has a unique heritage as a narrow-gauge railway that once connected two towns in Devon. The railway has preserved its original stations and trackbed, allowing visitors to experience a bygone era of rail travel.

Visitor Experience

Ffestiniog Railway offers a range of visitor experiences, including standard class, first class, and luxury Pullman dining trains. The railway also hosts special events throughout the year, such as steam galas and Victorian weekends. Visitors can also explore the railway's workshops and museum to learn more about the history of narrow-gauge railways. In contrast, Lynton and Barnstaple Railway offers a more intimate visitor experience, with smaller trains and a focus on the scenic journey through Exmoor. The railway also hosts special events, such as Santa trains and beer festivals, to attract visitors throughout the year.

Conclusion

Both Ffestiniog Railway and Lynton and Barnstaple Railway offer unique heritage railway experiences for visitors. Ffestiniog Railway boasts a rich history as the world's oldest narrow-gauge railway, while Lynton and Barnstaple Railway provides a scenic journey through the picturesque Exmoor countryside. Each railway has its own charm and attractions, from historic steam locomotives to vintage carriages. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or a casual visitor, both Ffestiniog Railway and Lynton and Barnstaple Railway have something special to offer.