These videos should be kept in a national archive for history students of the future. Perfect video.

For someone who loves the North Wales Coast it just doesn't get better than this. The timing of the information is perfect and the insight given into places and history is just second to none. Many thanks, this is absolutely magnificent, I will watch this over and over again.

Thanks for helping me re-live precious memories, especially now during lockdown.

Thanks for this again Don. Used this line as a student at Bangor Uni in the 60s and 70s. Also remember as a kid going to Llandudno holidays racing other steam trains along the then 4 tracks as far as Llandudno Junction. Major points of interest for me were the huge rusty ship, the Point-ofAyr colliery, the muddy Dee estuary, the mile after mile of identical caravans, vistas of the wide open sea after the grim townscapes of Manchester, awesome nuclear fuel flasks heading for Wylfa, also surreptitiously glancing into the private back windows of the uniform rows of bungalows. The wonderful heart-lifting mountain vistas, then arrival at Bangor was always exciting as the train emerged from the long tunnel.

Awesome video, thanks a million for posting! Frightening there’s a few weirdos who dislike your videos. It’s rubbish living alongside the dredges of society, but good will always prevail. 👍

Just watched this for the second time streamed on the new TV. Fabulous. Driven on the A55 backwards and forwards umpteen times but from a train drivers perspective it's classic. Many thanks.

Can't say enough how much I enjoy these videos, especially when I see places I've been. We were in Wales 2019 for the Eisteddfod in Llangollen, and we visited Conwy and Holyhead. Walked across the very track in this video. Cheers from the Pacific NW, USA.

We need more useful videos like this. Simple, clear and straight to the point .

Fantastic journey! Very useful interesting and detailed explanations. Thank you very much! I did enjoy!

I live in Hawarden from Manchester 74 years young as a child was up and down on this line in the summer this is great thanks

Yet another fabulous video, I especially love the new format with the maps. This channel is evolving beautifully. Thank you once again.

Superb! One of the best cab-view rail journeys I've experienced. Gorgeous sunny weather, but with a hint of 'Pearl Harbour'. I'm amazed and impressed at how intact and substantial the Holyhead terminus is too. Nice train, especially like the livery. . I like how the accompanying 'titbits' of local information were timed to give the reader a chance to actually spot the point of interest, the track 'law' was interesting too; I do like technical instruction with a cab-view rail journey and the inclusion of map way points was an inspired idea (totally logical really, but no one else appears to do it...). Above all, I like the inclusion of a nice picture depicting the starring locomotive! Hardly anyone does that either. . I once visited Bangor in the early 70s... At the International Scout Jamboree. But we drove up in a 1947 'Charabang' from Sir Benfro (Pembrokeshire). Nice town, but wet and equally 'Pearl Harbour'. . Diolch yn fawr iawn *Don Coffey!* . Thumbs up of course and subscribed.

Sometimes KZfaq algorithms throw up little gems my way and this was one of them! My 'Local' line too but only ever used it once in the late eighties to bring a broken down Honda Benly back home from Rhyl to Flint where my mate was waiting with a trailer, they let me straddle it between the doors and made me pay a half-fare for it, the staff even helped me get it on and off, bet they don't allow that sort of thing anymore!

What a terrific video. The information that you share along the way makes viewing more engaging. Also makes me want to visit Wales!

A wonderful trip along the coast, and down memory lane. As a youth from Yorkshire I had the pleasure (?) of a Youth Hosteling trip to North Wales in the late 1960's. While my "buddies" hiked the mountain passes of North Wales I found the nearest piece of railway line or station. Well do I remember sitting on the platform of Colwyn Bay station (:43) watching train after train arrive and depart, all steam hauled. My next drive down memory lane is approx. 8 yrs later while on vacation from Canada. On a Brit Rail pass with nothing to do one afternoon, found me on a boat train to Holyhead. I struck up a conversation with a young lady (I was young then!) who was on her way to vacation at Grandmothers place somewhere in Northern Island. We spent a great evening together watching a movie followed by a fish and chip supper, before I saw her off on her boat to Island. I was tempted to go with her to Northern Island, BUT I was due at a reenactment of the Rainhill Trials (100yr celebration of railways) the following day; not to be missed.

This bring back happy memories I passed out as a fireman from Chester to Rhyl and spent many happy years on the footplate

Thank you, Don, for making this very nicely-done video. In addition to the historical nature of this line and the beautiful weather on the day you made it, what really stands out so nicely to me is your very informative commentary along the way. There's a lot you had to learn and input to this to make it what it is. Congratulations for a job so well done!

Really well done. I live in Boise Idaho but I am drawn to Wales and enjoyed this train ride a great deal. Keep it up. Also love the commentary.

I haven't been on the train from Chester to North Wales for over 35 years, brought back so many memories of my Childhood. Hasn't changed all that much over that time. Thank you.

One of the best so far Don. Very well put together, and totally enjoyable through some beautiful countryside. Nice bit of old infrastructure including the jointed track too!!

Massively Enjoyable Thank You Don I Really Enjoyed Watching. We Your Subscribers Appreciate Your Hard Work In Making These Films. Cheers.

Rewatching this again - what spectacular views! To be the driver to have this as a regular route would be absolute bliss

For our first anniversary, my husband took me to the Chester zoo to feed the bats and then we went down to Holyhead the next day to go to South Stack Lighthouse. The whole train ride we watched tv and I napped in his lap while he stroked my hair. This video takes me back to that vacation and time in our lives when we could relax.

Being brought up in the Conwy area, this brought back some happy memories of trainspotting along this line, Saturday 'specials' in the late 50's and early 60's, wonderful days. Thanks for the video.

Marvellous Don as always, thanks. What a great rail network you guys in the UK have!

Many thanks, as ever, for this vid, Don. Great to see the lines from the driver's perspective. Keep 'em coming!

Wales has got Mojo by the bucket load . A great day with the best weather ,smashing ride , you really have hit the target bang in the middle again Don . What with this and it's beautiful narrow gauge railways ,one of the prettiest countries in Europe . 10 out 10 for this one Don !

Cheers Don. One of the prettiest routes. Especially like Conway Castle and the Britannia Tubular Bridge over the Menai Straits, guarded by lions. I have done this line loads of times, with a Class 47 on the "Irish Mail" (22.00 Euston to Holyhead) to catch the overnight tub to Dun Laoghaire. When Virgin took over, we had IC125 HST sets to Holyhead, before they introduced the Class 220 / 221. Back in the 1980s, there were Classes 31s and 37s on the Provincial trains from Birmingham New Street. In later years, with the Class 67. The only time in cab was on a Class 57 from Crewe to Holyhead. The only time in a Class 175 cab was from Crewe to Newport. Also had pairs of Class 20s to Amlwch, and Class 33s and a Class 50 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. I see the Down Platform at Prestatyn is no longer in use. All the fine semaphores have gone ! It may have been resignalled, but the linespeed remains 90mph maximum. I suspect that is to do with the cost of track patrolling twice weekly for 100mph track, and only once weekly for 90mph track. The line still survives, but it has lost much of its character. I wonder why the 60 mph TSR west of Rhyl, when no crossings seem to have whistle boards (until you get to Llanfairfechan). The T (termination of TSR) board seems a long way from the second crossing, if it was for sighting, I would have thought the T board would have been next to the crossing. I also notice stacks of troughing lids piled up, so perhaps the 60 TSR is in connection with unfinished works ? Difficult to see if any of the track workers at Abergele had a lookout. I cannot see anyone with a flag or a horn. I have played the video back. None are wearing a lookout's armband either. So it appears they don't have lookout protection. If correct, I disagree that they have permission, without a safe system of work. I would certainly have reported that, without hesitation ! Intrigued by your definition of Down Line. It is Down because it is from London, Holyhead being 263 miles. Or the old railway joke: "Why is the Up Line called the Up Line ? Because when they only had the one, it was simply known as the railway. But when they laid a second line, they called it the Up Line because the first one was already Down." Semaphores don't have to denote Absolute Block (but usually do, on double track lines), I have known semaphores on a few Track Circuit Block, Tokenless Block, Electric Token Block, etc., lines too, and even a line which was One Train Working with Train Staff. All signalling, except Permissive Working on Track Circuit Block, is on the Absolute Signalling Principle of one train, in one section, at one time - which dates back to the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 (along with the need for automatic self-applying brakes on passenger trains). American and Canadian viewers have passenger train brakes that fail to danger, but that's another story, for another time ! At the risk of speaking heresy, I prefer track circuits to axle counters, in that they provide continuous whereabouts of the train, and allegedly can also detect broken rails. More heresy..... Holyhead is NOT on Anglesey. It is on Holy Island.

absolutely brilliant as always Don you set high standards and surpass them every time clear informative Thanks again really appreciated

The beached ship is spectacular, and in general your postings are the same Don!

One can only imagine now what sort of personality it took to convince the government of the day to put up the capital necessary to construct these railways,still used to stagecoaches,and then arrange for the materials to be made and transported hundreds of miles,by horse and wagon,and then get together the gangs who will do the building work,finding supervisors and foremen capable of keeping the work up to schedule. It will never be known how many men died building our rail network,but we today owe them all a colossal debt,because they gave us the modern mode of travel we enjoy today, something those men for the most part never experienced. One can but admire the vision and ingenuity of men like Stevenson,Brunel and others who could visualise the future so clearly. Another fascinating video.Well worth watching!

Used to live in Rhyl and did the Chester to Rhyl journey hundreds of times and did the Rhyl to Holyhead many times but always at night to catch the ferry this brings back happy memories, I worked in Chester that's the reason for so many journeys

I have travelled that line a couple of times, but more often drove the A55 to Holyhead, you see far more when someone else is driving. Thanks for that very entertaining and informative video.

Been looking forward to this video since it was announced, as it's my local line. Really enjoyed it. Thanks again Don.

Thank you for this superb journey through my personal favourite part of the British Isles. Excellent!

Thank you for making and uploading this, I've spent many a happy holiday along this part of North Wales over the years and it was great to see it from the train drivers perpective

I live in Shotton, so I've been on this route plenty of times, but it's fascinating seeing it from the cab. Great video

I holidayed many times in North Wales when i was young and always knew we were properly on holiday when we were driving down the newly opened A55 with the railway along side so this was fasinating, great stuff

Loved this video Don and the scenery was fantastic.

Thankyou, Don !! … I loved every second of this ride :)…. The info was so interesting. :)

Beautiful and very informative.

Well, now you’ve done it. I was all cocky early, when we were around Manchester. I knew this, and I knew that. I did pretty well up around Davenport... and then we hit all that canals and tunnels, flying arches, Eiffel Towers. Oh, my. I’ll never be a driver. I will just have to stick to my armchair and let you do it. Thanks for the lockdown entertainment, Don. You are a master!

Lovely line this. Great video and the added info about the line is much appreciated. Many thanks for sharing 👍

i love these videos, just sit back at home with a cuppa and enjoy the scenery and dons descriptions. excellent.

One of the best "cabe rides" i've ever watched :)

always wanted to see a cab ride on this route. enjoy it, i will.

Excellent as usual Don. I really enjoyed watching. Thanks for posting.

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Very informative along the way which added to the interest. Thanks for posting and I will lookout for your other videos.

Thanks for another enjoyable vid Don. I think the "in motion stills" worked well.

I love your videos as we learn so much about the routes and the things you can see. I would point out the plight of the four lions on the Menai Bridge which, with the reconstruction after the fire can, now only be seen from the train although there are/have been campaigns to raise them so that they can be seen from the road above. Keep up the good work.

Absolutely amazing trip. Thank you so much for doing it and making it available for all to enjoy. LOVED IT!

Wonderful video, brought back some happy memories. Thank you.

Was up that way in similar weather earlier this year.

Great to do this journey again after such a long time early seventies, it has changed so much

Thank you, superb job as ever. Going to Ireland on holidays back in the fifties the old 'Irish Mail' would use this route, great memories.

An excellent video. I used to travel the line often going to and from Ireland, and you still pointed out many things I didn't know. Thank you.

Goodness me, how many routes have you signed! One minute we’re in Manchester, then we’re in Derby and now we’re in Holyhead. Love it!!!

G,day Don. Another excellent high quality video ! I,m really impressed by the stations on that line, beautiful old buildings also the bridges and tunnels. Interesting that the Class 175 uses the Cummins N14, probably the most popular and reliable 855 cubic inch engine they built.

Very nice work, enjoyed very much. First train video I ever watched all the way thru. Thank you.

That was a pleasant trip. Thanks Don, I always enjoy your videos 👍

Fond memories of visiting Conway Castle, Llandudno and Anglesey from Manchester, as well as staying in Llanfairfechan once with my dad and brother as a kid. Nice journey into the past. Especially looked forward to going through the tubular bridge and learnt a few things on your video. The nearest I get to that these days is delivering wing sections to Broughton from Filton. Quick addendum for your addendum: Anglesey is correctly named Ynys Môn in Welsh, not Holyhead.

I was train crew based at Chester and have been up and down that line so, so many times. Sunny day with a 37 and coaching stock, my favourite turn. Felt strange going off platform 4.

I'd never have thought to request this one. What a beautiful line!

very nice I enjoyed that thoroughly. One of the best cab rides I have seen. Thanks for uploading it.

This is my first time of watching your videos, may I complement you on an excellent production, I look forward to see more of you work. Many Thanks. Steam Buff

caught that train and ferry many times, beats ryanair for me... Nothing like arriving in that bay and seeing dublin spread out before you.

Thank you for all the inset photos of places we pass but wouldn’t otherwise see. This makes it much better than some of the train videos I’ve seen. And for the lots of information.

Great vid, loved it full of great info. Thanks for uploading Pete.

Here are all the ghost stations - some are mentioned in the video but many aren't: 5:19 Saltney Ferry 7:16 Sandycroft 8:17 Queensferry 11:26 Connah's Quay (nothing visible) 17:38 Bagillt 19:17 Holywell 21:37 Mostyn 23:33 Talacre 33:45 Foryd (nothing visible except wider overbridge) 39:43 Llandulas (nothing visible) 40:35 Llysfaen (nothing really visible - overgrown platform remnants on left) 41:23 Old Colwyn (nothing visible) 45:08 Mochdre & Pabo (all gone - line was moved, station site was where the A55 is now) 52:12 Conway Marsh (nothing visible) 1:02:42 Aber 1:11:00 Menai Bridge (nothing visible) 1:12:17 Britannia Bridge (nothing visible, didn't last long) 1:16:50 Gaerwen (signal box marks start of station, nothing else remains) Very enjoyable video, thanks.

This has made me so happy!!! I love 175s, even when they're not on fire they're so lit 😂🔥🔥🔥

Thanks very much for this video, I travelled this route many times years ago so its pure nostalgia for me and great to see it from the drivers point of view for the first time.

Once again, an excellent video, I really must go & visit this area & even have a ride. Thanks to all concerned in making this, it's much appreciated

This video brought back memories, I travelled this line many times from Euston to either Bangor or Llanfair PG where I went to boarding school in the 60's, I think the engine pulling in those days was a class 40. I would wake up every morning and see through the dorm window a perfect view of the Menai Straits, Snowdonia and the tubular bridge. Another famous bridge a short distance to the East was the Thomas Telford suspension bridge built in 1826. North Wales is a lovely area.

Excellent videos. One correction at Conway, it is Robert Stephenson, (son of George Stephenson) a common mistake, I've made it myself. Keep up the good work. P. S. Robert Stevenson was an engineer who built lighthouses.

Thank you Don, I have been looking forward to this particular route ever since you said you were going to try to do it. Thanks also to the driver(s) and the TOC for allowing it.

Thank you so much for this video. I did the Chester to Conwy part a few years ago and this brought back so many memories. I loved all the extra trivia and information also.

At 37:25 I couldn't help noticing the slow moving traffic on the A55 North Wales "Express" Way - it's quicker by train !

I Wish These Walls in Leeds Were made of Bread. I'd, Eat My Way. To Holyhead.

Just fantastic. I thought I would watch for a few minutes & ended up with whole trip. So informative! We wanted to use this line from our cruise ship to Chester last year but the Holland America ship could not port due to windy weather. One day soon we will. Many thanks NB Torquay Australia

Brilliant work again, Don! Thanks very much!

13:34 very informative 👍 😜

Thank you for this trip to places I knew in my childhood - Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Bangor (I spent my childhood in Machynlleth, Powys). I shall enjoy a lovely bout of hiraeth. I wonder if you are able to correct the spelling of Menai Strait (not straight)? And if you could give viewers the Welsh name for what the English dubbed Anglesey. We call it Ynys Mon (there should be a diacritical mark above the o but my keyboard doesn't have it). Ynys Mon is more than just an island to the Welsh; it is a sacred place.

What a wonderful trip. It's always so interesting to see not only the famous places from other countries, but the mundane, as well. Thank you for this video!

Don this is another masterpiece, lovely video, thank You for sharing!

Thanks Don, excellence as always supported by a beautiful day for filming which showed the scenery to perfection. I liked the 'picture in picture' method and the map. I didn't see any mention of the time of departure from Chester and arrival at Holyhead but, aided by the beautiful weather, I am guessing it was 10:04 and 11:53. Could you include times in future videos? I think you did on some previous videos.

One day, maybe not in our lifetimes, this route will be electrified, with bangor to london below 3 hours.

Fabulous video of probably one of the most beautiful lines on the network (in my opinion). Thank you.

Superb trip Don with excellent local information - thank you!

Caergybi = Holyhead, Ynys Môn = Anglesey

another great production loaded with information. thank you

I really enjoyed this, thanks for the informative captions.

Brilliant, travelled this line so many times between the ages of 6 to 11, i am now 60, i can't tell you the memories this has brought back 5 *

The most enjoyable train ride I have had in a long while Thankyou so much

Thank you for another excellent video, such beautiful country side

This is my favourite video of yours by a long way, i love travelling this route. The scenery is amazing Love your work 👍🏼

Absolutely love these videos they are incredible. Thank you 🙏

My thanks to you and your driver for another brilliant cab ride. I'v e been on Angelsey but only just before.but didn't realise how big it really is !! Bit of an eye opener. Cheers again Don

Thx again, Don. A lot more fond memories for this ex-pat. :) I worked on Anglesey for 5 years in the early 1970's and so got to know the North Wales coast very well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first class, first quality video. I loved the footnotes and titles, giving points of interest. It made it so much better than anything else out there. Thank you.

Fantastic video, Don. It's clear you (and others) put a lot of work into it.