For anyone watching not from the UK this bridge is used SO MUCH in the news/weather shows. Literally any time the sea is even slightly stormy this bridge will appear with waves splashing against it.
Lucky enough to live on the Cambrian Coast Line and during winter months we get free travel with our bus passes on the line from Pwhelli to Mac. Still get excited crossing the Barmouth bridge it's amazing!
@@TheWelshonesVideosThat's a seriously steep line, which has caused visiting steam locos grief at times. Did you see the clip of a walk through the long tunnel, when the line was closed for flood repairs a few years back?
@@nigelkthomas9501 When I was a little boy my family used to come to Fairbourne for our summer holidays and I used the light railway many times. I used to go in the sea there, but I remember there always seemed to be lots of jellyfish there!
As a teenager living just outside of london i've made it my mission to travel as much as i can and cross off every line and landmark on the tube and national rail, On our journey bucket list lies "Meeting Geoff During A Journey", Maybe one day i'll find myself in the tracks of a person that inspired me to begin these journeys
Holidayed in Fairbourne in the 50’s and travelled there by train from Birmingham via Shrewsbury and the now missing line through Dolgellau. Used the miniature railway every day to ‘beach’ from our boarding house opposite the station. I have a ticket somewhere for 6p (2 1/2 p)
@@geofftech2 Hi Geoff, I'm not sure if you remember me but we met when you came to the Fairbourne railway in 2021, i Was driving your train from Barmouth ferry back to Fairbourne where we had a pleasant and if I remember correctly I gave you a small tour around the station. You said that you were going to make a video about Morfa when we were talking in Fairbourne and ever since then i have been keeping an eye out for it . I really enjoyed the video it was intriguing to see your old photos compared to how Morfa looks today, and thank you for the shout out for the Fairbourne. I wish you the best and hopefully see you back at the Fairbourne one day :)
The Cumbrian Coast Line and Barmouth Bridge is fabulous especially when you want to get away from the busy city life and to explore the peace and tranquility that West Wales has to offer. Very nice.
Wales IS beautiful, damn. In every video, also by JenOnTheMove and GLovesTrains, Wales proves itself amazing. Also: In this video is a great example of how level boarding could speed up the dwell time... (8:44)
Very fond memories of school trips to Fairbourne and rock climbing in the hills above Barmouth. Great to have the memories brought back by the video, thanks Geoff!
I travelled this line recently as part of a ‘no car’ break in Wales and, having grown up overlooking the station at Kirkby in Furness I was astounded at how beautiful this line is. I felt… duplicitous, but I’m looking forward to exploring it more! For the record I got the bus from Dolgellau to Barmouth, the train to Porthmadog and the Welsh highland railway to Caernarfon and then reversed it all for a full day out. It was stunning.
As a 15 year old in 1958 I took the train from London to Criccieth. It was steam double headed from Shrewsbury and obviously Barmouth Bridge left a lasting memory but not just for the view. After stopping at a station just to the north of the bridge there must be a steep incline because both engines ran out of puff. We had to reverse back over the bridge and take a non-stop run through the station to get up the hill.
The Mawddach Trail can also be cycled and is one of the best cycle rides in the UK, in my opinion. There's cycle hire places at both ends and it is very popular.
Geoff! Just wanted to say thank you for all the amazing videos that you create. You have such a lovely style, which is equal parts interesting, introspective and fun. Always a joy to see a new video. Long may it continue!
I find it very frustrating, that even though I am in the same county of Gwynedd as Barmouth, to get to Barmouth on a national rail train I'd have to go to Chester, then Shrewsbury, before going to Aberystwyth.
I adore Aberdyfi, and this little pocket of the world; grew up spending all my summers on that beach a family friend used to run the donkey rides on it from 2006-2020 and even managed to win Britain's best beach donkey in 2008.
I was surprised to see one train terminated at Birmingham International, but my mind was blown when your final destination was Abu Dhabi! That's quite the commute!
That made me smile. I often think what an effort it is to fit a full Formula 1 World Championship race around Aberdyfi… but some how they do it every year! They don’t half fit the place out well. It hardly looks like Wales, but you can tell they do it as the famous Aberdyfi sand is clearly visible on the TV! 😂😂
How lovely it is. I must admit my time in Wales was limited to getting off the ferry from Dublin at Holyhead. After spending several sleepless hours on the ferry and in the train station, I promptly fell asleep on the train and missed the sights. Your videos are making me wish I was visiting the U. K. this year. I am looking forward to the next video.
Also Llwyngwril station used to be a lot bigger, at one point having a passing loop, signal box and a small goods yard with a camping coach, it's all gone now but you can still see the second platform covered in ivy. Llwyngwril has a great tradition of wool bombing with various knitted items appearing all over the village but especially at the station, I've seen a wollen TARDIS , mermaid and troll all on the platform.
I have an enduring memory of being in Barmouth and seeing the last train to Pwllheli appear to float across the sky as it crossed the bridge in the dark with only the internal lights visible. ❤❤
One of my earliest memories is of crossing the Barmouth ferry. It was a tiny boat and a huge river, I was not a happy child. On the other side a train pulled up out of nowhere (the Fairbourne Railway) and my father and brothers got off - this simply blew my toddler's brain.
A part of the world very close to my heart. My Grandparents had a caravan at Talybont & the line passed right by, most summer holidays were spent there for years☀️ Last time I crossed the bridge by cycle the metalwork was in a terrible state (2019) I had cycled the Mawddach Trail from Dolgellau, a beautiful ride if you ever fancy it. Fantastic to see that NR have finally returned the bridge back to its former glory & hopefully it will last for many more years to come👍 The whole Cambrian coast line is one of my favourite journeys by train anywhere, we spend a lot of time near Welshpool now & still take the train just for a day out along the coast. Great video Geoff, keep them coming. Cheers John B😎
I just booked lodging, on my wife's suggestion in Barmouth thinking "that sounds familiar!" and then realized its connection to the railway and the bridge!
Had a splendid holiday in Llwyngwril back in the 1970s. Travelled by loco hauled train from Sheffield (24s??). Visited the Talylyn and Fairbourne railways and climbed Cader Idris. Had an enjoyable day out in Barmouth shopping in Woolworths. These days might struggle to climb Barmouth high street. Old age.
Went on vacation to porthmadog last year. We went by train and de last part of the journey was this line. just beautiful. greetings from the Netherlands
In 1970 I attended my first ever Scout camp at Arthog, just a little way up the estuary from the bridge. Twice we walked from the site to Barmouth and back via the bridge, but I don't remember any tolls/trolls then. This summer I will returning to North Wales for holiday and hope to travel at least part of the Cambrian Coast Line.
I had the pleasure of crossing the viaduct in an early DMU (construction date, not silly o'clock), giving me a beautiful view of it. If possible try to visit the line in the stormy autumn season, it's quite a different scene then !
One of the first holidays I remember was a camping holiday when I was about 5 in the mid 80s. We were staying near Morfa Mawddach station and I remember walking across the bridge and taking a (very old) train back! Fun memories.
Lovely to see you exploring an area I used to know well, the Mawddach Estuary area is beautiful, with lots to interesting railway fans to boot. Your pronunciation of Pwllheli puts a smile on my face every time.
I decided to travel round that last year for the first time, and was blown away by how beautiful it is. Normally we whip through Cumbria on the eastern edge of the Lakes at 100mph, but the western side is spectacular. Easily rivals lines like the Cambrian and the West Highland and totally neglected north of Barrow.
During the ear;y 80s i used to do the Grantham to Pwhelli trip, via Nottingham, Derby, Shrewsbury... often on the last service of the evening. Used to stop the 150 at every request stop, check for sluggish passengers then switch the lights out. Took forever but great trip.
Back in the eighties, I used to travel to school in Barmouth from Porthmadog daily by train. One lasting memory I have is how the sea used to batter the wall running parallel to Llanaber during rough weather resulting in huge waves crashing against the old DMU windows (and in many cases soaking those inside) Happy memories!
On holiday in Snowdonia in 1992/3, we were staying in Trawsfynydd, but most evenings we'd head into Barmouth for dinner. It's no longer there, but there used to be a Fish and Chip shop that had THE tastiest chips in the Country!!
That part of Wales is a fantastic and beautiful place to go and see on a nice sunny day. But on a heavy cloudy or rainy day it's not so nice. I enjoyed you blog
Thanks Geoff, great to see you out and about here. I use Penhelig fairly often, if I have time to walk the beach from Tywyn and then through all of Aberdovey or if I have been enjoying the food and drink at the Penhelig Arms Hotel.
This is a really lovely part of Wales. I have been to Barmouth a few times and stayed in Pensarn for weekend breaks. Love the dedication to keep these quieter lines and stations open
Hey Geoff, I'm glad you'd found a bus. I was worried I'd contributed to the day's plans going even more off track by shouting over to say hello. It was great to bump into you. I was amazed and delighted that you were happy to come over to a complete stranger who'd recognised you for a quick chat, even though you'd missed your train. I confess it sort of made my holiday. I'd have loved to talk more, but it was bad enough boring you with some photos after you'd showed an interest in my camera, sorry. Another great episode, and a wonderful hint at the other stations down there I definitely have to visit next time we come down to the area. You're right about the bridge, its well worth the walk. Did you notice even though the steel arches appear new, they have deliberately retained some of the original, or possibly copies of the swing mechanism controls, to keep it looking as accurate as possible? It dawned on me later maybe you need to do all the request stops on the Talyllyn railway next time you're nearby, there are a few, on the line. We were staying in a cottage on a farm which had its own bridge over the line, and it had its own halt, a request stop named after the farm. Go on, I know you'd want to. Thanks again for meeting you, it was a pleasure.
hey Gordon! i can reveal that the original plan was indeed go on the Talyllyn, but maybe later in the year ... things got swapped out because my friend had to cancel. your photos were great, and it was lovely to chat! no problem!! :-)
Great video, Geoff, many thanks. My mother-in-law lives in Borth, and this is definitely a trip we shall make next time we visit this wonderful and beautiful part of Wales. I also appreciate the way you know pronounce Dyfi correctly after meeting the locals.
Yet another story of when the trains fail you (in a way), the bus saves you in rural Wales. We cut a connection across the town of Welshpool too fine last summer, and were saved by a local bus that took us to Shrewsbury so we could connect to get home.
One of my favourite places! Spent many evenings there shopping at the Co-Op and Spar, and eating out whilst camping a little further north up the coast. I ate at the Dolphin Fish Bar, the various pizza and donor kebab shops, and the Promenade cafe. I've never walked all the way across the bridge, but did go across it on a train a few years ago when I went to Tywyn to spend a day at the Talyllyn Railway. Superb views from the top pf the cliffs behind the town. I have some photos of steam trains (not old, but relatively recent tours) on the bridge, and at other sites across the town.
Thank you for this video Geoff. One of your most enjoyable adventures for me, as I used to visit this area around Barmouth and Llanbedr when I was a child.
Geoff - missed you by just a week - fab little route, the walk takes you down to the George Hotel and a toll bridge for cars, back to Barmouth the rail/ foot/cycle bridge is simply outstanding ....catch ya next time.
From a young age, your videos have made me passionate and interested in railways, especially the Tube, and now I'm proud to work there, getting paid to geek out about trains! 😅Thank you for making these videos! 🚆🖤
Some superb photography there and very impressive doing it all within the time constraints of catching the various trains. It's a lovely trip along the coast down to Barmouth, I did the "Round Robin" ticket last year and the run back to Shrewsbury was the final leg of the trip. An excellent video.
Geoff, thanks so much for all the videos you make, it's a highlight of my day to see a new one pop up on my notifications! I'm looking forward to Wixams station opening this year (hopefully) and your coverage of it!
I never knew you could walk across. It's something I'd really like to do. It's a bridge I really like. I saw it on a hanging card as a kid in a friend's shop window, and it looked amazing with all these stilts sticking out of a huge expanse of sand. Also there's the comedy festival.
Hi Geoff, I'm not sure if you remember me but we met when you came to the Fairbourne railway in 2021, i Was driving your train from Barmouth ferry back to Fairbourne where we had a pleasant and if I remember correctly I gave you a small tour around the station. You said that you were going to make a video about Morfa when we were talking in Fairbourne and ever since then i have been keeping an eye out for it . I really enjoyed the video it was intriguing to see your old photos compared to how Morfa looks today, and thank you for the shout out for the Fairbourne. I wish you the best and hopefully see you back at the Fairbourne one day :)
You’ve got to do Tywyn, as the train announcement said. And ALL the stations (including the request stops) of the Talyllyn railway, which is the first railway to be preserved in the world. I have very fond memories of travelling the Cambrian Coast line (sometimes on the same train all the way from Birmingham New Street) to Machynlleth and Tywyn in the late 1990s for my holidays as a teenaged trainee and then an assistant Guard on the Talyllyn railway. And then travelling home with my bag of soot-covered and smoke-smelling white shirts and black trousers.
A train that Intercity used to run, in the summer season, from 1986-1992, was the Saturdays only Euston - Pwllheli service, producing two loco hauled trains each day. The first one ran from Shrewsbury to Pwllheli, before heading to London Euston, and a second train ran all the way from Euston - Pwllheli and back. These trains worked from Shrewsbury to Pwllheli and back with 37/4 haulage, from a pool at Cardiff Canton depot.
Back in 1972, there was a SO Euston - Aberystwyth through working. Electric haulage to Wolverhampton (where the OHLE petered out back then), thence diesel hauled (may have been a 'Hoover', can't recall) to a reversal at Shrewsbury, the final leg hauled by a pair of 'rats' (Class 25, if memory serves). We changed at Machynlleth for Barmouth, this being a 3x2car DMMU formation (the longest local services I saw), which pulled into the platform as soon as the Aberystwyth portion cleared the station limits. The local DMMUs were Class 101 and 103, wonderfully panoramic units, in plain rail blue, sporting the distinctly non-sttandard red bufferbeams which marked them out as Cambrian units. There was a summer only through DMMU working from the W. Mids which was easily identified by standard black bufferbeams, general grubbiness and obvious 3+2 seating On summer Sundays, there was only one timetabled service, I believe it was from Manchester and was Class 37 hauled, running as far as Barmouth. Pubs in N.Wales were closed on Sundays back then. Not so the Working Mens Clubs, of which my father was a member! At this time, the Ffestiniog's legendary Sunday buffet car service was a great money spinner, shuttling between Portmadoc (as it was then) and Dduallt, the then upper terminus.
@@geofftech2I've had that superb site bookmarked for yonks! Did you find the bit about Barmouth handing three (or was it four?) loco hauled specials? When I was there, there were still sidings where the modern houses now are on the northern end of the seaward side. The old Dolgellau platform still stood south of the crossing, now buried under new development. Have you seen the clips '158 by road through Bramouth'? Parts 1&2? Worth a search IMHO. Quite amazing skill from tbe Allelys Heavy Haulage driver.
I did Tywyn to Barmouth, walked to Morfa Mawddach (crossing the bridge just after sunset, it got lovely and dark under the full moon), and then rode back to Tywyn a couple of months ago, after riding behind Sir Haydn on the Talyllyn railway all day. We stayed in Machynlleth that night, and did the Talyllyn behind Dolgoch the following day too.
I thought you might touch on Tonfanau, memories of going through the abandoned Army Camp down to the beach… My mum used to live near Penhelig as a child and used to get the train to school in Tywyn. In those days, the train waited for you if you were a touch late! I can assure you, school journeys would have meant at least 20 passengers either way using Penhelig!
You should go to Balbriggen just North of Dublin the main Belfast- Dublin mainline goes right along side the rugby pitch. It is quite exciting, railway oneside and Irish Sea on the other
I have family in Balbriggan, a couple over here in the UK now. Great town, been there many times, great railway line. I have seen this in one of Geoff's videos, I think under 'All the Stations'.
I always go to Barmouth on holiday and I’m planning to walk the bridge this year. This video is really useful. Really enjoyed it. Keep up the good work.
llwyngwril. - the only station on the GWR with the letters GWR in order In its name! I spent a year at at Aberystwyth University in the 1980s. You could get an evening rover. Train to Machynlleth - a beer - train to Barmouth - another beer - back to Tywyn or Aberdovey for another beer. Then back to Aberystwyth changing at Dovey Junction. Back in Aber for last orders!
the metal spans were completely replaced during a three month closure starting September 2023 and the new bridge does not have the functionality to swing open. but all the mechanism that once allowed the swing bridge to open is still in place to comply with the Grade 2 listing of the bridge
They're OK unless the service in question needs a four car train ..... as has been true of some Cambrian services. One of the nicer problems to have after decades of decline.
You should walk the old railway from Hooton to West Kirby. They kept the station at Hadlow Road, Willaston, as a museum. There is tons of history on the route, at Neston, nearby at little Neston is the birthplace of Lady Hamilton, Dove cottage, at Parkgate is the house she took holidays when she lived in London and the Port whete Handle sailed from to perform The Messiah in Dublin, at Thurstaton is the home of Thomas Ismay of Tittanic fame, and so much more on the route.
For anyone watching not from the UK this bridge is used SO MUCH in the news/weather shows. Literally any time the sea is even slightly stormy this bridge will appear with waves splashing against it.
Scottish news loves the sea wall at Saltcoats. Usually the waves crashing over a 380 and probably flashing over the overhead lines.
@@southcalder yeah the Saltcoats one is always a favourite lol.
Lucky enough to live on the Cambrian Coast Line and during winter months we get free travel with our bus passes on the line from Pwhelli to Mac. Still get excited crossing the Barmouth bridge it's amazing!
Ah! I thought this was just the Heart of Wales line, didint realise it happened here too … nice
@@geofftech2 It also is permitted to use your concessionary pass between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestinog
@@TheWelshonesVideosThat's a seriously steep line, which has caused visiting steam locos grief at times. Did you see the clip of a walk through the long tunnel, when the line was closed for flood repairs a few years back?
@@geofftech2are you going to do Machynlleth and the funicular?
I'm not a Welsh speaker but I think Geoff did well with the Welsh place names. A bit spoilt by his pronunciation of Bar 'muth'!
Railways and the seaside, two of my favourite things in the whole world.
That sea looked really swimable didn’t it!
@@nigelkthomas9501 When I was a little boy my family used to come to Fairbourne for our summer holidays and I used the light railway many times. I used to go in the sea there, but I remember there always seemed to be lots of jellyfish there!
@@stevebarlow3154 There can be at times, but they’re not deadly.
I like the signage outside the station in the town of Barmouth St Tion.
Presumably Saint Tion was one of the lesser-known Welsh saints!
Very funny!😀
Might be one of the very few gender-fluid saints. In a lot of other places it‘s called Sta.Tion.
@@WesBergen Hee hee!😃
As a teenager living just outside of london i've made it my mission to travel as much as i can and cross off every line and landmark on the tube and national rail, On our journey bucket list lies "Meeting Geoff During A Journey", Maybe one day i'll find myself in the tracks of a person that inspired me to begin these journeys
Sounds like a plan. Good luck and enjoy!
That is absolutely brilliant! Keep going and all the best on your onward and future travels ♥
Thanks for the shout out for the Fairbourne Railway. Volunteers & staff very much appreciate it 😀
No problem 👍 - i was there back in summer of 2021, and it's great! Couldn't make it this time tho!
Thanks you guys for keeping it going!
Holidayed in Fairbourne in the 50’s and travelled there by train from Birmingham via Shrewsbury and the now missing line through Dolgellau. Used the miniature railway every day to ‘beach’ from our boarding house opposite the station. I have a ticket somewhere for 6p (2 1/2 p)
@@geofftech2 Hi Geoff, I'm not sure if you remember me but we met when you came to the Fairbourne railway in 2021, i Was driving your train from Barmouth ferry back to Fairbourne where we had a pleasant and if I remember correctly I gave you a small tour around the station. You said that you were going to make a video about Morfa when we were talking in Fairbourne and ever since then i have been keeping an eye out for it . I really enjoyed the video it was intriguing to see your old photos compared to how Morfa looks today, and thank you for the shout out for the Fairbourne. I wish you the best and hopefully see you back at the Fairbourne one day :)
I constantly fail to remember just how stunning the west coast of Wales is.
The Cumbrian Coast Line and Barmouth Bridge is fabulous especially when you want to get away from the busy city life and to explore the peace and tranquility that West Wales has to offer. Very nice.
Wales IS beautiful, damn. In every video, also by JenOnTheMove and GLovesTrains, Wales proves itself amazing.
Also: In this video is a great example of how level boarding could speed up the dwell time... (8:44)
Barmouth is a beautiful spot to get photos, thats why i love it so much!
Very fond memories of school trips to Fairbourne and rock climbing in the hills above Barmouth. Great to have the memories brought back by the video, thanks Geoff!
The views from Dinas Oleu across the estuary are stunning.
I travelled this line recently as part of a ‘no car’ break in Wales and, having grown up overlooking the station at Kirkby in Furness I was astounded at how beautiful this line is. I felt… duplicitous, but I’m looking forward to exploring it more! For the record I got the bus from Dolgellau to Barmouth, the train to Porthmadog and the Welsh highland railway to Caernarfon and then reversed it all for a full day out. It was stunning.
As a 15 year old in 1958 I took the train from London to Criccieth. It was steam double headed from Shrewsbury and obviously Barmouth Bridge left a lasting memory but not just for the view. After stopping at a station just to the north of the bridge there must be a steep incline because both engines ran out of puff. We had to reverse back over the bridge and take a non-stop run through the station to get up the hill.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! But what became a disaster at Barmouth made day more 'action packed' and honestly enjoyed the video
The Mawddach Trail can also be cycled and is one of the best cycle rides in the UK, in my opinion. There's cycle hire places at both ends and it is very popular.
When I first knew it, much ballast was still on the closed Bala line towards Dolgellau. So were all the overgrown, disused platforms.
Geoff! Just wanted to say thank you for all the amazing videos that you create. You have such a lovely style, which is equal parts interesting, introspective and fun. Always a joy to see a new video. Long may it continue!
thanks David, that's extremely kind of you - and i do indeed deliberately try to style up factual alongside fun, as it's a great mix to do!
agreed!
I live in Aberystwyth and it takes roughly the same amount of time to travel by train to Shrewsbury as it does to get to Barmouth
On the subject of irony, you can't travel by train from West Wales to either North Wales or South Wales without leaving Wales.
@@Maltloaflegrande I am very aware of that. It can easily take over 5 hours to get from here to Swansea by train
@@unsc95 They should never have allowed the Aber- Carmarthen route to be pulled up.
@@Maltloaflegrande There have been talks about it being redone, but there seems to be a lot of stalling. Most locals want it done though
@@Maltloaflegrande You can get from the west coast to the north coast by train if you use the Ffestiniog railway.
I find it very frustrating, that even though I am in the same county of Gwynedd as Barmouth, to get to Barmouth on a national rail train I'd have to go to Chester, then Shrewsbury, before going to Aberystwyth.
Now I want to visit these villages and see this countryside. What a wonderful world to discover.
I adore Aberdyfi, and this little pocket of the world; grew up spending all my summers on that beach a family friend used to run the donkey rides on it from 2006-2020 and even managed to win Britain's best beach donkey in 2008.
Lovely Barmouth - and Barmouth Saint Tion
I was surprised to see one train terminated at Birmingham International, but my mind was blown when your final destination was Abu Dhabi! That's quite the commute!
That made me smile. I often think what an effort it is to fit a full Formula 1 World Championship race around Aberdyfi… but some how they do it every year! They don’t half fit the place out well. It hardly looks like Wales, but you can tell they do it as the famous Aberdyfi sand is clearly visible on the TV! 😂😂
How lovely it is. I must admit my time in Wales was limited to getting off the ferry from Dublin at Holyhead. After spending several sleepless hours on the ferry and in the train station, I promptly fell asleep on the train and missed the sights.
Your videos are making me wish I was visiting the U. K. this year. I am looking forward to the next video.
I have literally just arrived near Barmouth, my Truman show instinct is off the chart
Also Llwyngwril station used to be a lot bigger, at one point having a passing loop, signal box and a small goods yard with a camping coach, it's all gone now but you can still see the second platform covered in ivy.
Llwyngwril has a great tradition of wool bombing with various knitted items appearing all over the village but especially at the station, I've seen a wollen TARDIS , mermaid and troll all on the platform.
Sometimes the matrix code is lazy.
I loved driving the buses around there, yes did work for Lloyds coaches, a fantastic company to work for
Great to see Barmouth Bridge and the cute little stations on the Cambrian Coast. Really enjoyed this video!
I have an enduring memory of being in Barmouth and seeing the last train to Pwllheli appear to float across the sky as it crossed the bridge in the dark with only the internal lights visible. ❤❤
What a lovely part of the world.
One of my earliest memories is of crossing the Barmouth ferry. It was a tiny boat and a huge river, I was not a happy child. On the other side a train pulled up out of nowhere (the Fairbourne Railway) and my father and brothers got off - this simply blew my toddler's brain.
A part of the world very close to my heart.
My Grandparents had a caravan at Talybont & the line passed right by, most summer holidays were spent there for years☀️
Last time I crossed the bridge by cycle the metalwork was in a terrible state (2019) I had cycled the Mawddach Trail from Dolgellau, a beautiful ride if you ever fancy it.
Fantastic to see that NR have finally returned the bridge back to its former glory & hopefully it will last for many more years to come👍
The whole Cambrian coast line is one of my favourite journeys by train anywhere, we spend a lot of time near Welshpool now & still take the train just for a day out along the coast.
Great video Geoff, keep them coming.
Cheers John B😎
You gotta pay the toll troll, its always sunny in Barmouth!
I just booked lodging, on my wife's suggestion in Barmouth thinking "that sounds familiar!" and then realized its connection to the railway and the bridge!
A great location with much railway history. The train journey gives wonderful views of the sea and hills; far better than by car.
It's just so unutterably beautiful in Wales 🏴
Fairbourne Miniature Railway is a lovely line. Being a volunteer on the Ruislip Lido Railway I was there when our Mad Bess went visiting last weekend!
I first travelled to Barmouth, on the through train from Birkenhead Woodside, on a family holiday in 1955.
Was that via Afon Wen or Ruabon?
@@TheHoveHeretic Ruabon. All stations except Bonwm Halt.
Fast to Ruabon, slow to Barmouth.
Had a splendid holiday in Llwyngwril back in the 1970s. Travelled by loco hauled train from Sheffield (24s??). Visited the Talylyn and Fairbourne railways and climbed Cader Idris. Had an enjoyable day out in Barmouth shopping in Woolworths. These days might struggle to climb Barmouth high street. Old age.
Went on vacation to porthmadog last year. We went by train and de last part of the journey was this line. just beautiful. greetings from the Netherlands
In 1970 I attended my first ever Scout camp at Arthog, just a little way up the estuary from the bridge. Twice we walked from the site to Barmouth and back via the bridge, but I don't remember any tolls/trolls then. This summer I will returning to North Wales for holiday and hope to travel at least part of the Cambrian Coast Line.
I had the pleasure of crossing the viaduct in an early DMU (construction date, not silly o'clock), giving me a beautiful view of it. If possible try to visit the line in the stormy autumn season, it's quite a different scene then !
My late Dad's friend had a caravan in Barmouth and we'd go there for a fortnight in the summer when I was a lad in the 70s. Lovely place.
One of the first holidays I remember was a camping holiday when I was about 5 in the mid 80s. We were staying near Morfa Mawddach station and I remember walking across the bridge and taking a (very old) train back! Fun memories.
Lovely to see you exploring an area I used to know well, the Mawddach Estuary area is beautiful, with lots to interesting railway fans to boot.
Your pronunciation of Pwllheli puts a smile on my face every time.
This reminds me a lot of the Cumbrian coast and all the villages around Morecambe Bay
I decided to travel round that last year for the first time, and was blown away by how beautiful it is. Normally we whip through Cumbria on the eastern edge of the Lakes at 100mph, but the western side is spectacular. Easily rivals lines like the Cambrian and the West Highland and totally neglected north of Barrow.
I used to live in Llanbedr. Beautiful area. The Welsh folk there are very friendly, the English residents... less so.
During the ear;y 80s i used to do the Grantham to Pwhelli trip, via Nottingham, Derby, Shrewsbury... often on the last service of the evening. Used to stop the 150 at every request stop, check for sluggish passengers then switch the lights out. Took forever but great trip.
Fun to see Machynlleth in one of your videos, used to spend Christmas there with my family
Back in the eighties, I used to travel to school in Barmouth from Porthmadog daily by train. One lasting memory I have is how the sea used to batter the wall running parallel to Llanaber during rough weather resulting in huge waves crashing against the old DMU windows (and in many cases soaking those inside) Happy memories!
😂
On holiday in Snowdonia in 1992/3, we were staying in Trawsfynydd, but most evenings we'd head into Barmouth for dinner. It's no longer there, but there used to be a Fish and Chip shop that had THE tastiest chips in the Country!!
That part of Wales is a fantastic and beautiful place to go and see on a nice sunny day. But on a heavy cloudy or rainy day it's not so nice. I enjoyed you blog
Barmouth swing bridge is the one featured in the Arthur Askey film "The ghost train".
Based on the play written by Arnold Ridley ?
@@chrisneale7453 That`s the one.
That was very naughty of you Geoff to nick the letter 'A' from the Barmouth Station sign (see 6:23) !! 😎😱
Ha ha! I missed that. How did i miss that? WHERE IS THE A!
@@geofftech2 Probably on the wall in your living room !! 🤣
@@geofftech2 i thought you might "fix" the sign in the edit...
@@geofftech2Barmouth St Tion
@@geofftech2I travelled to Barmouth by train this weekend to do the new parkrun on y promenade. I can confirm that the A is still AWOL 😂
Thanks Geoff, great to see you out and about here.
I use Penhelig fairly often, if I have time to walk the beach from Tywyn and then through all of Aberdovey or if I have been enjoying the food and drink at the Penhelig Arms Hotel.
Just settled down with a cuppa and a biscuit for this 🤩
First went over on the Cambrian Coast Express in 1961….awesome!
Barmouth - childhood holiday spot!
This is a really lovely part of Wales. I have been to Barmouth a few times and stayed in Pensarn for weekend breaks. Love the dedication to keep these quieter lines and stations open
Hey Geoff, I'm glad you'd found a bus. I was worried I'd contributed to the day's plans going even more off track by shouting over to say hello. It was great to bump into you. I was amazed and delighted that you were happy to come over to a complete stranger who'd recognised you for a quick chat, even though you'd missed your train. I confess it sort of made my holiday. I'd have loved to talk more, but it was bad enough boring you with some photos after you'd showed an interest in my camera, sorry.
Another great episode, and a wonderful hint at the other stations down there I definitely have to visit next time we come down to the area. You're right about the bridge, its well worth the walk. Did you notice even though the steel arches appear new, they have deliberately retained some of the original, or possibly copies of the swing mechanism controls, to keep it looking as accurate as possible?
It dawned on me later maybe you need to do all the request stops on the Talyllyn railway next time you're nearby, there are a few, on the line. We were staying in a cottage on a farm which had its own bridge over the line, and it had its own halt, a request stop named after the farm. Go on, I know you'd want to. Thanks again for meeting you, it was a pleasure.
hey Gordon! i can reveal that the original plan was indeed go on the Talyllyn, but maybe later in the year ... things got swapped out because my friend had to cancel. your photos were great, and it was lovely to chat! no problem!! :-)
My wife and I cycled trail and bridge during our trip from Chirk to Barmouth
Great video, Geoff, many thanks. My mother-in-law lives in Borth, and this is definitely a trip we shall make next time we visit this wonderful and beautiful part of Wales. I also appreciate the way you know pronounce Dyfi correctly after meeting the locals.
Easily one of the most beautiful railways in the world!
I live near this bridge! Thanks for showcasing it!
Yet another story of when the trains fail you (in a way), the bus saves you in rural Wales. We cut a connection across the town of Welshpool too fine last summer, and were saved by a local bus that took us to Shrewsbury so we could connect to get home.
One of my favourite places! Spent many evenings there shopping at the Co-Op and Spar, and eating out whilst camping a little further north up the coast. I ate at the Dolphin Fish Bar, the various pizza and donor kebab shops, and the Promenade cafe. I've never walked all the way across the bridge, but did go across it on a train a few years ago when I went to Tywyn to spend a day at the Talyllyn Railway. Superb views from the top pf the cliffs behind the town. I have some photos of steam trains (not old, but relatively recent tours) on the bridge, and at other sites across the town.
You've inspired me. I shall leave my vital organs in my will to a donor kebab shop.
Thank you for this video Geoff. One of your most enjoyable adventures for me, as I used to visit this area around Barmouth and Llanbedr when I was a child.
Geoff - missed you by just a week - fab little route, the walk takes you down to the George Hotel and a toll bridge for cars, back to Barmouth the rail/ foot/cycle bridge is simply outstanding ....catch ya next time.
what a lovely day out Great bird song at Penhelig
Amazing that you can get a direct train from rural Wales to Abu Dhabi.
From a young age, your videos have made me passionate and interested in railways, especially the Tube, and now I'm proud to work there, getting paid to geek out about trains! 😅Thank you for making these videos! 🚆🖤
Love your videos Geoff..amazing content, train fan myself watching all the way from Australia
I love trains
Some superb photography there and very impressive doing it all within the time constraints of catching the various trains.
It's a lovely trip along the coast down to Barmouth, I did the "Round Robin" ticket last year and the run back to Shrewsbury was the final leg of the trip.
An excellent video.
This is one of my favourite lines and I loved watching it and also going on fairbournrs railway
A lovely part of the world
Lovely video Geoff, makes me want to pay a visit myself 😊
Geoff, thanks so much for all the videos you make, it's a highlight of my day to see a new one pop up on my notifications! I'm looking forward to Wixams station opening this year (hopefully) and your coverage of it!
ah, thank you! very kind. Yeah i don't think Wixams will open this year, it'll be 2025 at the earliest ....
Brilliant, a first-class broadcast. Thank you
I never knew you could walk across. It's something I'd really like to do. It's a bridge I really like. I saw it on a hanging card as a kid in a friend's shop window, and it looked amazing with all these stilts sticking out of a huge expanse of sand.
Also there's the comedy festival.
Yet another absolutely awesome video in every way Geoff. Love the request stop videos more than anything else you do I think!
holy cow, those tidal changes are crazy
Charming...! More please!
Hi Geoff, I'm not sure if you remember me but we met when you came to the Fairbourne railway in 2021, i Was driving your train from Barmouth ferry back to Fairbourne where we had a pleasant and if I remember correctly I gave you a small tour around the station. You said that you were going to make a video about Morfa when we were talking in Fairbourne and ever since then i have been keeping an eye out for it . I really enjoyed the video it was intriguing to see your old photos compared to how Morfa looks today, and thank you for the shout out for the Fairbourne. I wish you the best and hopefully see you back at the Fairbourne one day :)
You’ve got to do Tywyn, as the train announcement said. And ALL the stations (including the request stops) of the Talyllyn railway, which is the first railway to be preserved in the world.
I have very fond memories of travelling the Cambrian Coast line (sometimes on the same train all the way from Birmingham New Street) to Machynlleth and Tywyn in the late 1990s for my holidays as a teenaged trainee and then an assistant Guard on the Talyllyn railway. And then travelling home with my bag of soot-covered and smoke-smelling white shirts and black trousers.
Looks glorious. I have never been to Barmouth.
Very nice shot at 3:37, where you can see the point where the old bullhead rail is connected to the newer Vignoles rail.
A train that Intercity used to run, in the summer season, from 1986-1992, was the Saturdays only Euston - Pwllheli service, producing two loco hauled trains each day. The first one ran from Shrewsbury to Pwllheli, before heading to London Euston, and a second train ran all the way from Euston - Pwllheli and back. These trains worked from Shrewsbury to Pwllheli and back with 37/4 haulage, from a pool at Cardiff Canton depot.
Back in 1972, there was a SO Euston - Aberystwyth through working. Electric haulage to Wolverhampton (where the OHLE petered out back then), thence diesel hauled (may have been a 'Hoover', can't recall) to a reversal at Shrewsbury, the final leg hauled by a pair of 'rats' (Class 25, if memory serves). We changed at Machynlleth for Barmouth, this being a 3x2car DMMU formation (the longest local services I saw), which pulled into the platform as soon as the Aberystwyth portion cleared the station limits.
The local DMMUs were Class 101 and 103, wonderfully panoramic units, in plain rail blue, sporting the distinctly non-sttandard red bufferbeams which marked them out as Cambrian units. There was a summer only through DMMU working from the W. Mids which was easily identified by standard black bufferbeams, general grubbiness and obvious 3+2 seating
On summer Sundays, there was only one timetabled service, I believe it was from Manchester and was Class 37 hauled, running as far as Barmouth.
Pubs in N.Wales were closed on Sundays back then. Not so the Working Mens Clubs, of which my father was a member! At this time, the Ffestiniog's legendary Sunday buffet car service was a great money spinner, shuttling between Portmadoc (as it was then) and Dduallt, the then upper terminus.
Great memory Howard, thanks! have a look on the brilliant www.2d53.co.uk/ website for photos from back then ...
@@geofftech2I've had that superb site bookmarked for yonks! Did you find the bit about Barmouth handing three (or was it four?) loco hauled specials?
When I was there, there were still sidings where the modern houses now are on the northern end of the seaward side. The old Dolgellau platform still stood south of the crossing, now buried under new development.
Have you seen the clips '158 by road through Bramouth'? Parts 1&2? Worth a search IMHO. Quite amazing skill from tbe Allelys Heavy Haulage driver.
Thanks Geoff absolutely lovely video 👍
Oh Memories Geoff.
My Grandparents on my dad’s side lived at “ Rock House” at Penhelig not far from the station .
Great video, another intersting place and even better a cycle trail that I'm going to give a go. Thanks Geoff :)
I did Tywyn to Barmouth, walked to Morfa Mawddach (crossing the bridge just after sunset, it got lovely and dark under the full moon), and then rode back to Tywyn a couple of months ago, after riding behind Sir Haydn on the Talyllyn railway all day. We stayed in Machynlleth that night, and did the Talyllyn behind Dolgoch the following day too.
I lived near there in the late 60s (gawd I'm old) for a year. For my forth Birthday I got an train set from a shop in Barmouth.
I thought you might touch on Tonfanau, memories of going through the abandoned Army Camp down to the beach…
My mum used to live near Penhelig as a child and used to get the train to school in Tywyn. In those days, the train waited for you if you were a touch late! I can assure you, school journeys would have meant at least 20 passengers either way using Penhelig!
Hi 👋🏻 Geoff 😊 great video with lots of information as always 👍🏻 Great use of the class 158s 🤣
You should go to Balbriggen just North of Dublin the main Belfast- Dublin mainline goes right along side the rugby pitch.
It is quite exciting, railway oneside and Irish Sea on the other
I have family in Balbriggan, a couple over here in the UK now. Great town, been there many times, great railway line. I have seen this in one of Geoff's videos, I think under 'All the Stations'.
Love your Channel Love your videos!!!
I always go to Barmouth on holiday and I’m planning to walk the bridge this year. This video is really useful. Really enjoyed it. Keep up the good work.
llwyngwril. - the only station on the GWR with the letters GWR in order In its name!
I spent a year at at Aberystwyth University in the 1980s. You could get an evening rover. Train to Machynlleth - a beer - train to Barmouth - another beer - back to Tywyn or Aberdovey for another beer. Then back to Aberystwyth changing at Dovey Junction. Back in Aber for last orders!
the metal spans were completely replaced during a three month closure starting September 2023 and the new bridge does not have the functionality to swing open. but all the mechanism that once allowed the swing bridge to open is still in place to comply with the Grade 2 listing of the bridge
As a Canadian I’m always jealous of these little 1- or 2-car trains in rural areas.
They're OK unless the service in question needs a four car train ..... as has been true of some Cambrian services. One of the nicer problems to have after decades of decline.
You should walk the old railway from Hooton to West Kirby. They kept the station at Hadlow Road, Willaston, as a museum. There is tons of history on the route, at Neston, nearby at little Neston is the birthplace of Lady Hamilton, Dove cottage, at Parkgate is the house she took holidays when she lived in London and the Port whete Handle sailed from to perform The Messiah in Dublin, at Thurstaton is the home of Thomas Ismay of Tittanic fame, and so much more on the route.