Virtual Railfan Tour UK - Welsh Highland Railway

At Beddgelert Station

On a WHR Coach
The Welsh Highland and the Festiniog Railways are run as one operation although legally separate and with separate preservation societies.  The WHR closed in the 1930s. At its fullest extent it ran from Porthmadog to Dinas where there was a LMS standard gauge line into Caernarfon. The standard gauge line from Caernarfon through Dinas to a connection with the GWR Cambrian Coast line at Afonwen closed in the 1960s.  The WHR rebuilding started at Caernarfon and uses the formation of the LMS line before gaining the WHR right of way proper at Dinas.
The rebuild was a massive effort and was encouraged by the local authorities because it would provide access to Snowdonia National Park without the need to build new or expand highways. There were a number of difficulties to be overcome:
- the roadbed through the beautiful Aberglaslyn Pass had been used for many years as a hiking trail, including several tunnels. A way had to be found of sharing the route and building trails around the tunnels.
- the crossing with the standard gauge Cambrian Coast line in the outskirts of Porthmadog. I believe this is the only location in the country where a heritage railway crosses a main line railway.
- finding a route through Porthmadog including the crossing of the busy High Street.
- the route is long for a tourist line and there are severe grades. To make it feasible large trains are required which needed powerful locomotives.
- completely rebuilding the Harbour Station at Porthmadog to provide for large WHR trains. This included renewing the signalling and a new signal box.
- a brand new station at Caernarfon was required.

Having dispensed with the preliminaries we will take a ride from Porthmadog to Caernarfon.

At Porthmadog a WHR train, hauled by a South African Garratt has just arrived. The Garratts are mostly kept at Dinas although one is stabled overnight at Boston Lodge to haul the first train out of Porthmadog in the morning.  Because of the tight Festiniog loading gauge Garratts may not go beyond Boston Lodge.

After leaving Porthmadog Harbour the train crosses High Street.

Cae Pwb crossing with network rail

Entering the Aberglaslyn Pass going south

Aberglaslyn Pass

Aberglaslyn Pass going south

Just south of Beddgelert

Entering Beddgelert (Grave of Gelert - a dog)


The countryside around Beddgelert is spectacular especially when the rhododendrons are in bloom

These are regarded as an invasive plant in the national park because they destroy the natural habitat for sheep. However, they make a beautiful setting.
Rhyd Ddu is a crossing place and from here it is possible to walk up to the summit of Snowdon which is to the north (left)

Dinas is where the WHR workshops are situated. Here we see a preserved locally built vertical boiler locomotive

Garratt No. 143 is in Dinas for work

On a clear day there are good views from Dinas across to the Isle of Angelsey

At Caernarfon the locomotive runs around its train.  Here we can embark for further adventures either by exploring the castle or by going further afield - such as to Snowdon.

Super Power Weekend starting with Prince! but including double-headed Garratts

Drivers Eye View - Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu

Drivers Eye View - Rhyd Ddu to Caernarfon

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