Caernarfon to Dinas – the steam train way
An easy bike ride for the family on Lon Eifion, a traffic free cycle and walking trail which follows the route of the Welsh Highland Railway – a fact that adds character, who doesn’t love catching a glimpse of a real-life steam train?
This trail takes you from Caernarfon to the Railway sheds at Dinas and beyond if you so desire.
This is an easy ride we’ve been doing for years, starting on foot with the kids on their baby bikes and now we all bike together – for us it’s an easy ride from our home, so no need for bike racks and parking.
If you are visiting our beautiful town then there is a large pay and display car park in the shadow of Caernarfon Castle on slate key. A few free spaces can be nabbed if you are in the know, these are located just beyond the new Welsh Highland Railway station and are very convenient for the Lon Eifion.
Bike hire is available through local social enterprise Antur Waunfawr, the company is located at Porth yr Aur just along the promenade from The Anglesey Arms Pub.
Gateway to Lon Eifion 
Lon Eifion heading towards Caernarfon 
Well marked trails 
Lon Eifion 
Welsh Highland Railway New Station 
Bike hire at Caernarfon
The ride itself is very slightly uphill from Caernarfon, hugging the narrow-gauge track most of the way. You’ll cross over the River Seiont (Afon Seiont in Welsh) the route mostly passes through woodland or over-looks farmland.
At Dinas there is a toilet block, old trains and benches for a rest. It’s a lovely place to stop for a few minutes before continuing along the trail or heading back to Caernarfon.
The Welsh Highland Railway is the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway – that’s almost 200 years of history. Wave at the driver as they power by, or ask questions at Caernarfon station, the railway is run by an army of passionate volunteers, they are happy to help and will answer any questions you have.
Coffee and Cake
Fron Goch garden centre makes a convenient coffee stop on the way home. Heading back to Caernarfon on Lon Eifion there is a railway crossing and a wooden gate on the left-hand side, a little sign on a post featuring a flower hints that Fron Goch is just through the gate on the left-hand side and a 20-30 meters along the road. It’s a brilliant stop for coffee and cake, cavery or shopping. It can get very busy so at peak times be prepared to queue.
