Ffestiniog explores route for new branch to Llechwedd

AN INVESTIGATION by the Ffestiniog Railway into possible construction of a line from Blaenau Ffestiniog station to Llechwedd slate quarry (RM June 2019) has seen clearance of undergrowth from the FR’s old Dinas branch terminus and adjoining trackbed.

The cleared land is owned by Llechwedd slate quarry, and has revealed the old formation near Pant-yr-Afon hydroelectric power station with further working parties being organised.

The FR originally terminated at Dinas to serve several slate quarries.

In 1866, following the introduction of passenger services, a (then) branch was opened to Duffws in the centre of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

A few years later passenger trains to Dinas ceased, although the line between Glan-y-Pwll and Dinas continued to carry slate traffic.

The original Dinas line formation was replaced in 1899 by a deviation to enable expansion of the Oakeley slate waste tip.

FR believes part of the deviation route to Dinas

(closed in 1946 and lifted in 1955) could be utilised to link Blaenau Ffestiniog station to the Dinas site without using the current FR main line and avoiding a reversal, as the first part of a line to Llechwedd.

FR owns the route from Glan-y-Pwll to the old Holland quarry incline.

Further land would be required, but Breedon Aggregates Ltd (owners of the Oakeley quarry) and Llechwedd quarry have both indicated willingness to lease land to FR, which would enable construction of the new line to a point next to, and below, Llechwedd.

Passengers would then walk through a tunnel under the A470.

How they would reach the quarry awaits finalisation, but a passenger-carrying incline, similar to that operated for Llechwedd’s underground tour, is a possibility.