We try to have at least two social events each year, and will update this page each time one is arranged. If you would like to be kept updated on a more regular basis then please send your email address to info@railrambles.org and we will add you to our mailing list.
8th-11th May 2026
We are planning a return visit to Llandudno and on this occasion will be staying at the Merrion Hotel which is on the sea front. The price for three nights dinner, bed and breakfast will be £307 per person in a twin or double room and £370 in a single room. We currently only have one double/ twin room unallocated, so please get in touch by April 21st if you are interested by emailing info@railrambles.org.
Our reason for choosing Llandudno again is that there are still plenty of walks we can do and it also offers a good range of accommodation for anyone who wishes to book their own hotel/B&B/hostel while still joining us for the rambles.
If you click the down arrow by the gallery you will see pages of photos that were taken in 2024, on our last visit. The scenery was amazing, so check it out if you weren’t with us.
The itinerary will be as follows:-
Friday 8th May depart Shrewsbury 10.25 arrive Llandudno 12.49. Drop bags at hotel.
Meet there at 2pm for 4.5 mile up the Great Orme,
Saturday 9th May
Walks as described in main programme. Depart Llandudno Railway Station 9.42 arrive Colwyn Bay 9.58.
Sunday 10th May
Meet at Llandudno Railway Station for 10.18 departure to Betws y Coed.
Option 1 – shorter walk arrive Betws y Coed 10.58 with time for coffee before catching Bus T10/S1 at 12.03 or 13.03 to Ty Hyll (Ugly House).* Walk back to Betws y Coed on paths following the river. 4 miles leisurely.
*Leaders will confirm on the day which time bus to catch. If the weather is kind to us, we would like to give walkers the chance to explore the town first.
Option 2 – book train to Dolwyddelan where we arrive at 11.10. Walk back to Betws y Coed via forest paths to open upland section with views over to Moel Siabod, then from Ty Hyll we follow the same route as the short walk. 8.5 miles moderate.
Both walks take in Swallow Falls and Miners Bridge.
Return train 17.56 to arrive back in Llandudno 18.44.
Monday 11th May
Option 1 – shorter walk depart 10.11 bus 5 Llandudno to Llanfairfechan arrive at 10.59. Walk to Abergwyngregyn along the coast path, 4 miles leisurely. Bus 5D back from Abergwyngregyn 13.59 arrive into Llandudno 14.58.
Option 2 – longer walk depart 9.52 bus 5D Llandudno to Conwy arrive at Conwy 10.15. Walk around Conwy Mountain, 5 miles moderate. Bus 5D 14.36 to arrive Llandudno 14.58.
Journey home trains are at 16.12 arrives Shrewsbury 18.31 or 16.42 arrives Shrewsbury 19.22.
17th January 2026
A very big thank you to Pat and Linda for organising post Christmas lunch in Welshpool. It was a great turn out and it is always lovely to see people who have not been able to come out with us recently. Our walks are not only about keeping us fit but they are so very social too. So a big thank you also to those who turned out!
12th July 2025
Our summer social was held in Welshpool, following a short walk along the canal and up to the castle. The weather was a stark contrast to last year’s summer get together, when it poured with rain and we all got soaked! This time we had beautiful blue skies and soaring temperatures. It was our first visit as a group to The Raven and they did us proud, everyone enjoyed their lunch and it was lovely to see so many there.
6th July – Celebrating 35 years of Rail Rambles
After a shortish walk, we had a get together in All Stretton for those who had walked with us that day and in days gone by. A chance to catch up with old friends and to celebrate the not only our anniversary but the birthday of one of our regular walkers. It was great to see so many there, and for those who missed out this time we hope to see you at our next social occasion.
Charity fundraising
There are many ramblers who support charities through walking events and we would like to give them a boost on this page.
On May 25th John Mattocks took part in the Mighty Hike in Bangor, to raise money for Macmillan. He has so far raised £315 through sponsorship and Just Giving. If you would like to help boost this to an even bigger amount please click here for a link to his Just Giving page.
Post Christmas Lunch in Chirk January 2024
We had another lovely meal at The Hand in Chirk and were delighted to see so many there, including some who may not be coming out with us as regularly as they used to. A big thank you to Pat for all her hard work ensuring that we all got the meals we ordered and to Linda and Joan for organising a very successful raffle. You can see from the photos below that there were a lot of smiles (and clean plates!).
