FFESTINIOG RAILWAY
20th March 2006

Pictures of disused sections of the Ffestiniog Railway including the Dduallt-Tanygrisiau section now bypassed by the Llyn Ystradau deviation and the Tanygrisiau - Blaenau section before restoration. Pictures of the deviation construction can be found on my Narrow Perspectives site (see links).

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Duffws, the original terminus of the Ffestiniog Railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog. For many years the building has served as a public lavatory. June 1992. OS: SH702459
Duffws, the original terminus of the Ffestiniog Railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog. For many years the building has served as a public lavatory. June 1992. OS: SH702459
 The final disused stretch of the FR at the Blaenau Ffestiniog end. This view is from the footbridge of the current Blaenau Ffestiniog station. The original route ran through the foreground where the bus is parked and passed beneath the Church Street bridge, now replaced by a plain stone wall. The station building at Duffws can be seen beyond the road. In the background is the course of the Votty & Bowydd incline, which made an end-on connection with the railway. July 1999. OS: SH700459
The final disused stretch of the FR at the Blaenau Ffestiniog end. This view is from the footbridge of the current Blaenau Ffestiniog station. The original route ran through the foreground where the bus is parked and passed beneath the Church Street bridge, now replaced by a plain stone wall. The station building at Duffws can be seen beyond the road. In the background is the course of the Votty & Bowydd incline, which made an end-on connection with the railway. July 1999. OS: SH700459
 The remains of the Dinas branch seen from the Oakley Quarry. The trackbed can be seen in between the curve of the standard gauge track and the river. The pier and abutment of the river bridge are also visible. The site of Dinas station is just off the bottom of the picture. The main FR route runs from right to left across the middle background. The closed LNWR station can be seen on the left. August 1993.
The remains of the Dinas branch seen from the Oakley Quarry. The trackbed can be seen in between the curve of the standard gauge track and the river. The pier and abutment of the river bridge are also visible. The site of Dinas station is just off the bottom of the picture. The main FR route runs from right to left across the middle background. The closed LNWR station can be seen on the left. August 1993.
 The Dinas branch trackbed running parallel to the Conway Valley line. 1987. OS: SH693463
The Dinas branch trackbed running parallel to the Conway Valley line. 1987. OS: SH693463
Glanypwll in April 1976 with restoration work underway. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell).
Glanypwll in April 1976 with restoration work underway. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell).
 The site of Stesion Fein, the former LNWR exchange station in Blaenau Ffestiniog. At this time the site had recently been bisected by a new road. 15th May 1960. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
The site of Stesion Fein, the former LNWR exchange station in Blaenau Ffestiniog. At this time the site had recently been bisected by a new road. 15th May 1960. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
 Stesion Fein in April 1976. The only sign of the former station is the water tank in the background which later had to be removed as it obstructed the restored alignment. The locomotive on the plinth is
Stesion Fein in April 1976. The only sign of the former station is the water tank in the background which later had to be removed as it obstructed the restored alignment. The locomotive on the plinth is "Princess". (Photo courtesy of David Stowell).
 Dolrhedyn Bridge, north of Tanygrisiau, was removed by Gwynedd County Council in the mid to late 1950s. The resulting gap is seen here in April 1976 looking towards Blaenau. On the far side of the gap track has been reinstated. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell).
Dolrhedyn Bridge, north of Tanygrisiau, was removed by Gwynedd County Council in the mid to late 1950s. The resulting gap is seen here in April 1976 looking towards Blaenau. On the far side of the gap track has been reinstated. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell).
Tanygrisiau. The top end of the station looking towards Blaenau Ffestiniog in 1969. The goods shed is on the right. Behind the photographer the trackbed has been severed by the access road to the power station. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
Tanygrisiau. The top end of the station looking towards Blaenau Ffestiniog in 1969. The goods shed is on the right. Behind the photographer the trackbed has been severed by the access road to the power station. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
 A similar view in 1988.
A similar view in 1988.
 Tanygrisiau. The station building and goods shed in 1880.
Tanygrisiau. The station building and goods shed in 1880.
 Tanygrisiau. A ground plan of the original station building with the position of the signal box superimposed.
Tanygrisiau. A ground plan of the original station building with the position of the signal box superimposed.
Tanygrisiau. The northern end of the station showing the goods shed and the signal box construction site. April 1992.
Tanygrisiau. The northern end of the station showing the goods shed and the signal box construction site. April 1992.
 Tanygrisiau. Inside the goods shed some very early rail remains. 5th May 1991.
Tanygrisiau. Inside the goods shed some very early rail remains. 5th May 1991.
 Tanygrisiau. Although the main building has been demolished, the original goods shed remains. The ground level of the present station is about 3 feet higher than the original, hence the goods shed looks bigger in old pictures. 5th May 1991.
Tanygrisiau. Although the main building has been demolished, the original goods shed remains. The ground level of the present station is about 3 feet higher than the original, hence the goods shed looks bigger in old pictures. 5th May 1991.
 Tanygrisiau. The back of the old station building remains as it acts as a retaining wall. May 1990.
Tanygrisiau. The back of the old station building remains as it acts as a retaining wall. May 1990.
Tanygrisiau. When the foundations for the signal box were excavated, parts of the old station building were revealed. Here is an internal doorway which conveniently lined up with the foundation trench. May 1990.
Tanygrisiau. When the foundations for the signal box were excavated, parts of the old station building were revealed. Here is an internal doorway which conveniently lined up with the foundation trench. May 1990.
 Tanygrisiau. The inside surface of the former outer, platform side wall of the old station building. Revealed during construction of the signal box foundations. May 1990.
Tanygrisiau. The inside surface of the former outer, platform side wall of the old station building. Revealed during construction of the signal box foundations. May 1990.
 Tanygrisiau. The goods shed from the door end showing the difference in levels. 27th May 1990.
Tanygrisiau. The goods shed from the door end showing the difference in levels. 27th May 1990.
 The abandoned FR trackbed at Buarth Melyn seen from near the present route. The trackbed is used as an access track here before it descends into the lake itself. 5th August 2007. (Photo: P.G.Marks) OS: SH676437
The abandoned FR trackbed at Buarth Melyn seen from near the present route. The trackbed is used as an access track here before it descends into the lake itself. 5th August 2007. (Photo: P.G.Marks) OS: SH676437
The FR deviation is in the foreground and behind, the old trackbed crosses the lake bed towards the northern end of Moelwyn Tunnel. 5th August 2007. (Photo: P.G.Marks) OS: SH676437
The FR deviation is in the foreground and behind, the old trackbed crosses the lake bed towards the northern end of Moelwyn Tunnel. 5th August 2007. (Photo: P.G.Marks) OS: SH676437
 Looking back north towards the deviation from the site of Moelwyn Halt. This section was dry at the time the picture was taken but is regularly flooded by the Llyn Ystradau reservior. The rubble in the middle of the picture is the remains of the bridge that carried the line over a stream. 1988. OS: SH677436
Looking back north towards the deviation from the site of Moelwyn Halt. This section was dry at the time the picture was taken but is regularly flooded by the Llyn Ystradau reservior. The rubble in the middle of the picture is the remains of the bridge that carried the line over a stream. 1988. OS: SH677436
 Looking north from above the tunnel, the old trackbed can be seen crossing the lake in the centre of the picture. In the background a train can be seen on the deviation line. 1988. OS: SH678434
Looking north from above the tunnel, the old trackbed can be seen crossing the lake in the centre of the picture. In the background a train can be seen on the deviation line. 1988. OS: SH678434
 The remains of the bridge which once carried the Festiniog's Brookes Quarry branch over a stream. Now only visible when Llyn Ystradau is at low water. 1988. OS: SH678437
The remains of the bridge which once carried the Festiniog's Brookes Quarry branch over a stream. Now only visible when Llyn Ystradau is at low water. 1988. OS: SH678437
Looking more like a canal than a railway is the site of the former Tunnel or Moelwyn Halt on the Ffestiniog Railway. This section of line was flooded by the lower lake for Ffestiniog Power Station. The site of the northern portal of Moelwyn Tunnel is in the background. 1988. OS: SH677436
Looking more like a canal than a railway is the site of the former Tunnel or Moelwyn Halt on the Ffestiniog Railway. This section of line was flooded by the lower lake for Ffestiniog Power Station. The site of the northern portal of Moelwyn Tunnel is in the background. 1988. OS: SH677436
 The southern end of Moelwyn Tunnel on the abandoned section of the Ffestiniog Railway seen on 27th June 1965. OS: SH679428. (Photo: Patrick Marks).
The southern end of Moelwyn Tunnel on the abandoned section of the Ffestiniog Railway seen on 27th June 1965. OS: SH679428. (Photo: Patrick Marks).
 Looking out of Moelwyn Tunnel in 1988. OS: SH679428
Looking out of Moelwyn Tunnel in 1988. OS: SH679428
 The southern approach to Moelwyn Tunnel on 15th May 1960. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
The southern approach to Moelwyn Tunnel on 15th May 1960. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
A similar view in 1967 with the FR's Tunnel Mess now occupying the widened formation in front of the tunnel. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
A similar view in 1967 with the FR's Tunnel Mess now occupying the widened formation in front of the tunnel. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
 Looking north with the trackbed leading to Moelwyn Tunnel on the right and the earlier incline route on the left. 5th August 2007. (Photo: P.G.Marks). OS: SH679426
Looking north with the trackbed leading to Moelwyn Tunnel on the right and the earlier incline route on the left. 5th August 2007. (Photo: P.G.Marks). OS: SH679426
 Looking south from above the southern portal of the disused Moelwyn Tunnel. On the left is the abandoned trackbed heading towards Dduallt and on the right is a train on the deviation line. 1988. OS: SH679428
Looking south from above the southern portal of the disused Moelwyn Tunnel. On the left is the abandoned trackbed heading towards Dduallt and on the right is a train on the deviation line. 1988. OS: SH679428
The now abandoned line on the southern approach to Moelwyn Tunnel. 15th May 1960. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
The now abandoned line on the southern approach to Moelwyn Tunnel. 15th May 1960. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
A similar view in July 1989 after the track had been lifted. OS: SH680425
A similar view in July 1989 after the track had been lifted. OS: SH680425
 Looking north towards the footbridge at Gelli Wiog in July 1989. Since this picture was taken the boundary walls have been cleared. OS: SH680425
Looking north towards the footbridge at Gelli Wiog in July 1989. Since this picture was taken the boundary walls have been cleared. OS: SH680425
 Gelli Wiog footbridge in July 1989. This was the last survivor of six such structures on the northern section of the Ffestiniog. Sadly it was dismantled after this section was formally abandoned in the early 1990s. OS: SH680425
Gelli Wiog footbridge in July 1989. This was the last survivor of six such structures on the northern section of the Ffestiniog. Sadly it was dismantled after this section was formally abandoned in the early 1990s. OS: SH680425
 The remains of Gelli Wiog footbridge. 5th August 2007. OS: SH680425
The remains of Gelli Wiog footbridge. 5th August 2007. OS: SH680425
The line at Gelli Wiog seen from a works train in 1967. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
The line at Gelli Wiog seen from a works train in 1967. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
 The abandoned formation in the woods above Dduallt. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH680423
The abandoned formation in the woods above Dduallt. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH680423
 The trackbed approaching Dduallt. The deviation is close by on the right but is many feet higher. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH679422
The trackbed approaching Dduallt. The deviation is close by on the right but is many feet higher. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH679422
 Looking towards Blaenau from immediately north of Dduallt station in 1967, some years before the track was lifted. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
Looking towards Blaenau from immediately north of Dduallt station in 1967, some years before the track was lifted. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
The trackbed looking towards the station at Dduallt with the deviation diverging on the left. 5th August 2007. (Photo: P.G.Marks). OS: SH678421
The trackbed looking towards the station at Dduallt with the deviation diverging on the left. 5th August 2007. (Photo: P.G.Marks). OS: SH678421
 Before Moelwyn Tunnel was opened in 1842 the line crossed the hill by means of two inclines. The north incline can be seen here in the background. It was powered by a water wheel supplied from the Archer Dam which can be seen in the centre of the picture. The dam is now pierced by the FR deviation. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH676433
Before Moelwyn Tunnel was opened in 1842 the line crossed the hill by means of two inclines. The north incline can be seen here in the background. It was powered by a water wheel supplied from the Archer Dam which can be seen in the centre of the picture. The dam is now pierced by the FR deviation. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH676433
 View looking down the north incline. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH677432
View looking down the north incline. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH677432
 Between the two inclines was a short level section which runs almost directly above the New Moelwyn Tunnel - view looking north. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH677431
Between the two inclines was a short level section which runs almost directly above the New Moelwyn Tunnel - view looking north. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH677431
Photographed on the summit section between the inclines on 27th May 1990 was this statutory notice announcing the abandonment of the trackbed between Dduallt and Moelwyn Tunnel.
Photographed on the summit section between the inclines on 27th May 1990 was this statutory notice announcing the abandonment of the trackbed between Dduallt and Moelwyn Tunnel.
 Looking down the south incline from the top. The southern approach cutting to the New Moelwyn Tunnel is immediately behind the fence on the right. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH678429
Looking down the south incline from the top. The southern approach cutting to the New Moelwyn Tunnel is immediately behind the fence on the right. 5th August 2007. (Photo P.G.Marks). OS: SH678429
 A 1967 view with the south incline in the right foreground and the formation leading to Moelwyn Tunnel in the background. (Photo: P.G.Marks)
A 1967 view with the south incline in the right foreground and the formation leading to Moelwyn Tunnel in the background. (Photo: P.G.Marks)
 Semi-derelict track at Tro Peudy, just south of Dduallt. 1967. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
Semi-derelict track at Tro Peudy, just south of Dduallt. 1967. (Photo: P.G. Marks)
The down end of Garnedd Tunnel on 15th May 1960. At this time the line had been reopened as far as Tan-y-Bwlch but this section was to wait another eight years before it saw regular train services again. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
The down end of Garnedd Tunnel on 15th May 1960. At this time the line had been reopened as far as Tan-y-Bwlch but this section was to wait another eight years before it saw regular train services again. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
 A rare colour photo of Gwyndy Bank on 30th March 1957. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
A rare colour photo of Gwyndy Bank on 30th March 1957. (Photo from the D.J. Norton collection by kind permission of Mark Norton)
Mapping images used on this site produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Images reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
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