Beddgelert railway station

Beddgelert
Station on heritage railway
Beddgelert station in 2009
General information
Location	Beddgelert, Gwynedd Wales
Coordinates	53.01211°N 4.10851°W / 53.01211; -4.10851
Grid reference	SH586481
Owned by	Festiniog Railway Company
Managed by	Festiniog Railway Company
Platforms	2
History
Original company	Welsh Highland Railway
Key dates
1922	opened
1936	originally closed
April 2007	Track laid through site
7 April 2009	ceremonial reopening
8 April 2009	public services commenced

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

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

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 located 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.

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.

Operations

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, 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	Heritage railways			Following station
Meillionen		Welsh Highland Railway Porthmadog - Caernarfon		Nantmor
	Historical railways
Hafod Ruffydd Halt		Welsh Highland Railway		Nantmor

External links

• The Welsh Highland Railway Project - official reconstruction site
• Rebuilding The Welsh Highland Railway - an independent site updated almost daily
• Station Building Controversy