Iconic Welsh Railway Faces Mounting Criticism
Eryri National Park in North Wales, which welcomes nearly four million visitors annually, finds one of its premier attractions under scrutiny. The park's centrepiece, Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), sees over 100,000 visitors each summer month, with many opting for the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway to avoid the strenuous hike to the summit.
Complaints Over Comfort and Service
Andrew Lamb, who operates adventure company Wales Outdoors, has publicly criticised the railway service following a disappointing experience with clients. He reported that passengers were subjected to wet seats with 'completely unacceptable' drill holes intended to drain water. "What if you were a mother holding a baby sitting in a puddle of cold water?" Mr Lamb questioned in his statement to the BBC.
The problems extended beyond seating conditions. Mr Lamb claims his group, who had booked a steam train journey, were notified at short notice that their trip would instead use a diesel train. More significantly, passengers were informed while already aboard that the service might not reach the summit due to weather concerns.
Weather Disruptions and Refund Disputes
According to Mr Lamb's account, his clients were given a choice upon boarding: disembark for a full £45 refund or continue with the likelihood of not reaching Snowdon's peak. The railway ultimately confirmed partway through the journey that summit access wouldn't be possible.
While Snowdon Mountain Railway cites safety concerns regarding high winds as justification for shortened journeys, Mr Lamb remains sceptical. "They hold the carrot of a summit trip by train and then they often don't go because of weather conditions, which I understand," he acknowledged. However, he believes that on this particular occasion, the company "didn't want to go because it was a horrible day and it was getting towards the end of the day."
The railway's website clearly states that travel may be disrupted or suspended due to weather or technical issues, specifically noting that "high winds can affect service year-round." They advise visitors to check Met Office conditions for Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon Summit before travelling.
Following his complaint, Mr Lamb received a response indicating the railway would be "strengthening its customer support during weather-related disruptions." His clients ultimately received a 50% refund, consistent with the company's terms and conditions.
Established in 1896 and boasting more than 1,500 five-star TripAdvisor reviews, the Snowdon Mountain Railway typically promises visitors "awe-inspiring views" and the opportunity to discover "the mountain's hidden secrets" during their ascent.
