A START ON SNOWDONIA/ERYRI

 From Carrog, we head north across country to the town of Ruthin, illustrated by two postcard views from my collection.

Maybe, you'd like to see where we're going. The map here will help. Our next stop is the eastern end of Bala Lake.

It's here that we find the terminus of the Bala Lake Railway. There are hopes to extend the line to Bala town. Holy War is in charge of the train.

Holy War is seen again, at the intermediate station of Llangower.

The western terminus of the line is at Llanuwcllyn.

It's here that we find a diesel loco called Meirionnydd.

Hunslet loco Maid Marion at Llanuwcllyn in 1977.

Holy War & Maid Marion outside the loco shed in 1990.

Inside the shed, an ex Chilmark diesel loco.

Taking the route of the crow, we cross mountainous terrain to the village of Trawsfynydd, where the GWR had a station.

Over more rugged landscapes to the Ffestiniog Railway station at Tan-y-Bwlch, seen first in 1895 or thereabouts.

Tan-y-Bwlch was the terminus of the preserved Ffestinog Railway in the 1960s. Prince is running round.

Steam and diesel locos at Tan-y-Bwlch is more recent times.

Not far away, the bridge crossing the Afon Dwyryd at Maentwrog circa 1966.

At Dduallt, the Ffestiniog Railway gains height to reach its new alignment.

Here is Tanygrisau station on the FR in August 1984.

Double Fairlie loco Earl of Merioneth has departed Tanygrisiau.

A nice view of the stream near Tanygrisiau.

FR train from Porthmadog at Blaenau Ffestiniog leaving for GWR station (LMS station on right) 1938.

Here's the former LNWR (LMS) station at Blaenau Ffestiniog in 1977.

The Ffestiniog Railway's loco Princess was plinthed at Blaenau Ffestiniog in 1977, in anticipation of the re-arrival of the narrow gauge line to the town.

A DMU stands in the new British Rail station in Blaenau Ffestiniog in 1984.

By 2003, a class 153 sufficed for the available traffic.

Here's a view of the ex GWR station at Blaenau Ffestiniog (My collection, photographer unknown).

A selection of photos of modern Ffestiniog Railway motive power at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

 

In the 1970s, Crosville was the main bus operator in Blaenau Ffestiniog 

In 2003, Arriva buses were common.

Other bus companies serving Blaenau Ffestiniog included Jones (based in the town) and Express Motors.

The town does attract a fair amount of tourists these days. A Maidstone & District coach has brought a good crowd in.

Another cross country trip now, to the Aberglaslyn Pass, not far from Beddgelert.

The Welsh Highland Railway ran along this valley side, calling at Aberglaslyn Halt.

The trackbed of the WHR became a spectacular walk. The new WHR now runs along here.

Here are two views of the old Beddgelert station in the 1930s.

To the north is Rhyd Ddu, served by the new WHR.

There's some fine views from here.

And finally..... a pub! The lovely Cwellyw Arms at Rhyd Ddu.

Next time, we might ascend Snowdon.

THROUGH A TOURISTY HOTSPOT

We start this post just south of Wrexham (we'll be going there eventually) at a place called Johnstown, where a builder's yard belonging to a Mr Gittins housed a former Yorkshire Traction Leyland Tiger Cub and a rare Seddon bus.

In nearby Rhosllanerchrugog we find another Seddon PUN 273H, belonging to Wright's of Penycae.

On another occasion, a visit to the depot reveals PUN 273H again and a Ford/Plaxton coach.

Just a reminder that you can see the route we're taking on the map here. We now pass through Acrefair, with a GWR train on the viaduct.

Right, now we are about to descend into the Vale of Llangollen.

 

As we approach Llangollen, we pass the depot of Williams Coaches with a motley collection of vehicles.

So, let's hit the town and the first stop, a ruin, called Castell Dinas Bran.

Here's a multiview postcard of some of Llangollen's attractions.

Perhaps the most famous structure is the bridge over the River Dee.

From the bridge, a fine view of the railway station, now in the hands of preservationists.

Here are a few scenes at the station over the years.

A few hundred metres away is the old goods yard, now the main depot for the preserved line. Here's Flying Scotsman and a few other interesting items.

Llangollen Goods Junction signal box controls the area.

Here's Llangollen Wharf on the canal (it's actually a "feeder" that is navigable - just).

Just below the canal was the depot of Bryn Melyn Motors. Here are three vehicles there and another two in the town.

Other operators have included Wrights of Penycae and Vale of Llangollen.

Being a tourist town means that Llangollen gets plenty of visiting coaches. Here's a pair of examples, from Glenton Tours of London and Red & White from South Wales.

There are several pubs worth seeking out in Llangollen. In a great position is the Bridge End Hotel, a Robinson's tied house.

The Corn Mill overlooks the River Dee. It has real ale, though it caters more for the food trade.

The Wynnstay Arms is now closed.

Never mind, the Sun Inn has plenty of beer to imbibe.

Let's take a ride on the Llangollen Railway, seen here crossing the viaduct at Berwyn.

In 2003, the line terminated at Carrog (it's since been extended to Corwen). Foxcote Manor has just arrived.

Here's the old bridge at Carrog.

Over the bridge is the Grouse Inn at Carrog, a lovely pub owned by Lees' Brewery.

Right, that's yer lot for now. Further into deepest Wales next time.