News

Plans to encourage people to strap on their walking boots and head to Blaenau Ffestiniog have been boosted by the idea of introducing a pedal powered train.

The velorail as the carriage is called would be run on what is now a disused piece of line which runs between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Trawfynydd.

It would be part of plans by Communities First group Antur Stiniog to get people enjoying the great outdoors in the area.

An initial set of five mountain bike trails are to be opened in the summer and a number of local people are being trained as walking guides and canoe and cycling instructors.

Blaenau Ffestiniog came into existence in the 18th century when a slate vein was found in the area and it sprung up in order to take advantage of the natural resource.

The Ffestiniog Railway, which was constructed in 1832 in order to carry the slate, still runs its steam trains to Porthmadog.