North Wales railway built in 1882 once carried nuclear freight
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:15 · Archive
The Bala to Blaenau Ffestiniog railway, which closed nearly 30 years ago, once transported nuclear products through Snowdonia National Park.
The Bala to Blaenau Ffestiniog railway opened in November 1882 to serve remote communities and industry in North Wales. The line reached its summit at Cwm Prysor, 1,278 feet above sea level, and for decades provided a vital connection through isolated parts of the region.
Passenger services ended in 1960, with freight services following the next year. A short section from Bala Junction to Bala remained operational until 1965. The closure was partly due to the construction of the Llyn Celyn reservoir, which flooded a portion of the route. A diversion was considered but never built.
In 1964, a new connection was established through Blaenau Ffestiniog to the Conwy Valley Line, enabling rail access to Trawsfynydd nuclear power station. A siding was constructed a hundred yards north of the closed Trawsfynydd Lake Halt to load nuclear flasks. In 1982, the Ffestiniog Railway was reopened to a new station at Blaenau Ffestiniog on the site of the former GWR station. The abandoned line now cuts through Snowdonia National Park, leaving behind a trail of history and industry.
How it is being reported
- North Wales railway once used for nuclear freight that's sat abandoned for 30 yearsExplore North Wales’ abandoned Bala to Blaenau Ffestiniog railway, once used for nuclear freight, now an atmospheric walk in Eryri National Park.North Wales Chronicle · 10 Oct, 05:00
- North Wales railway once used for nuclear freight that's sat abandoned for 30 yearsExplore North Wales’ abandoned Bala to Blaenau Ffestiniog railway, once used for nuclear freight, now an atmospheric walk in Eryri National Park.North Wales Pioneer · 10 Oct, 05:00
In this story: Bala · Blaenau Ffestiniog · Eryri National Park · Trawsfynydd nuclear power station · Llyn Celyn · Ffestiniog Railway
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