Beddgelert railway station

Last updated

Beddgelert
Station on heritage railway
NG130 Stood at Beddgelert 2024.jpg
NG130 Stood at Beddgelert 2024
General information
Location Beddgelert, Gwynedd
Wales
Coordinates 53°00′44″N4°06′31″W / 53.01211°N 4.10851°W / 53.01211; -4.10851
Grid reference SH586481
Owned by Festiniog Railway Company
Managed by Festiniog Railway Company
Platforms2
History
Original company Welsh Highland Railway
Key dates
1922opened
1936originally closed
April 2007Track laid through site
7 April 2009ceremonial reopening
8 April 2009public services commenced

Beddgelert railway station is a railway station on the narrow gauge Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales.

Contents

The rebuilt station was officially opened by Lord Elis-Thomas on 7 April 2009.

History

The original station, which served the original Welsh Highland Railway line from Dinas - Portmadoc, was in operation, with a passing loop and three sidings, from 1922 to 1936.

Construction

A southerly view of Beddgelert Station during construction, 2007 North end of Beddgelert Station.jpg
A southerly view of Beddgelert Station during construction, 2007

Work to rebuild the station began in December 2006. The new station has a large curved island platform, allowing for two trains to pass each other. There are two small shelters for passenger use.

A large water tower has been installed at the north west end of the platform. An original locomotive siding on the west side of the station has been retained and lengthened. The original water tower from Old WHR days, on the Down side of the station, has been restored and is occasionally used for small locomotives.

The main station building, which will not be on the platform, is to be located north east of the platform. Construction commenced in 2007 with the laying of the base. Completion has been delayed, due to financial reasons and in the meantime a temporary booking office is in front of the foundations.

Opposition

Plans to reopen the station in Beddgelert created local opposition over a number of matters: it was to be far too big; it would intrude on the landscape; it would increase traffic in the village and make parking difficult.[ citation needed ]

It had been agreed with the Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) that the station would not open until the railway was completed to the south side of the National Park. Restrictions were placed upon the company by the National Park Authority, but on 23 July 2008, the SNPA was compelled, on appeal, to revoke a planning condition which would have limited sales at the station to tickets and railway souvenirs only.

There are two solid shelters on the station, given by benefactors; there are portaloos, and a GST office for the stationmistress. [1]

Operations

Number 87 arrives at Beddgelert on its way to Hafod-y-llyn WHR 87 Beddgelert MMB 01.jpg
Number 87 arrives at Beddgelert on its way to Hafod-y-llyn

Between 7 April 2009 and 21 May 2009, all trains terminated at Beddgelert. Since that time, it has served as a normal passing station, as the line has been extended, firstly to a temporary halt at Hafod y Llyn, [nb 1] [2] then on 22 May 2010, to Pont Croesor.

During the 2011 peak season most trains terminated at Pont Croesor, connecting with trains to Porthmadog Harbour. At the beginning and end of the peak season days and out of season services ran to Porthmadog Harbour.

Preceding station HR icon.svg   Heritage railways Following station
Meillionen   Welsh Highland Railway
Porthmadog - Caernarfon		  Nantmor
  Historical railways  
Hafod Ruffydd Halt  Welsh Highland Railway   Nantmor

Notes

  1. ↑ Briefly named Hen Hafod by the Festiniog Railway Company to avoid confusion with the former passing loop near Tan-y-Bwlch. However, after local representations it reverted, within days, to original name.

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References

  1. ↑ The Welsh Highland Railway Project Archived 2 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine - Ben Fisher's Official Reconstruction Site
  2. ↑ Company Timetable Retrieved 28 January 2010
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