Ruabon to Barmouth Line

The Ruabon to Barmouth railway was built to connect Llangollen with the rest of the network, but the GWR was thwarted by the Cambrian Railway. It became an important artery across rural Wales, bringing in a revolution in agriculture, industry, and daily life, and holiday traffic became big business. The route was eventually succumbed to the Beeching axe in the 1960s, but flooding caused by severe weather did not go to plan.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 20 June 2019
\n Publisher: Fonthill Media
\n

The cross-country Ruabon to Barmouth railway was a remarkable engineering feat, born out of the desire to connect the town of Llangollen with the rapidly expanding network of railways. The local Victorian promoters, backed by the ambitious Great Western Railway (GWR), had a grand vision of reaching the Cambrian Coast and tapping into the rich slate quarries around Snowdonia. However, their plans were temporarily thwarted by the rival Cambrian Railway's construction of a branch inland from Barmouth, resulting in an end-on connection between the two railways in the market town of Dolgelly.

Over time, the route developed into an essential artery across rural Wales, revolutionizing agriculture, industry, and daily life. Holiday traffic soared, attracting visitors from the bustling cities of Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham. The railway route even played a significant role during World War II, transporting troops and supplies to various parts of the country.

Unfortunately, the Beeching axe struck during the 1960s, resulting in the closure of many railway lines, including the Ruabon to Barmouth route. However, even this did not go according to plan, as severe flooding occurred a few weeks before the closures, further damaging the infrastructure.

Volume One of "The Cross-Country Ruabon to Barmouth Railway" delves into the eastern half of the route, encompassing the towns of Ruabon, Llangollen, Corwen, and Bala. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of railway travel, making it an invaluable companion for anyone visiting the preserved Llangollen Railway.

This captivating journey through history offers a glimpse into the transformative power of railways and their impact on society. The Ruabon to Barmouth railway not only connected communities but also sparked economic growth, improved transportation, and enhanced the quality of life for countless individuals. Its legacy continues to inspire and captivate railway enthusiasts, reminding us of the importance of preserving our heritage and connecting the past with the present.

\n Weight: 538g\n
Dimension: 174 x 249 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781781552148\n \n