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The Fairbourne & Barmouth Steam RailwayReport By Ian Goodman
Location Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, Wales, LL38 2PZ
Gauge: 12.25"
Length: 250 yards
Fare: Return: adult £5.50 child £3.80 Single: adult £ 3.60 child £ 2.25
Locomotives:
Steam:
Sherpa 0-4-0ST built 1978
Yeo 2-6-2T built 1978
Beddgelert 0-6-4ST 1979/80
Russell 2-6-4T built 1978
Diesel:
Lillian Walter built 1961 rebuilt 1985
Battery electric shunter; Gwril built 1988
History: The railway was originally built in 1895 as a horse drawn tramway used in the construction of Fairbourne village. It was built by Arthur McDougall of McDougall's flour to 2ft. gauge. In 1916 it was converted into a 15” steam tourist railway, and ran successfully until the railway was eventually sold to the controversial John Ellerton and family who converted it to the present 12¼" gauge. He made many Improvements and brought new locomotives to Fairbourne. The old “golf halt” was renamed GORSAFAWDDACHAIDRAIGODANHEDDOGLEDDOLLONPENRHYNAREURDRAETHCEREDIGION as an attempt to get into the Guinness Book of Records by making it the station with the longest name. The railway became known as The Fairbourne and Barmouth Steam Railway and was sold to its present owners in 1995
Report:
Running through the small village of Fairbourne on the north Wales coast, before turning north and running between the sea and the Mawddach estuary with magnificent views of the sea, river and mountains, in particular the Cadder Idris Range. The line finally runs through the sand dunes to its terminus at Penrhyn Point, where refreshments can be taken, or by taking the ferry visit seaside town of Barmouth.
Facilities are good with refreshments at both ends of the line and Gift Shop, Museum and Indoor Nature Centre at Fairbourne. Rolling stock on the line is excellent with both covered an uncovered coaches, and a good selection of engines, mainly steam. Fairbourne station boasts modern engine sheds with a moving rail selector.
The Fairbourne & Barmouth Steam Railway offers something of interest for everyone, It’s certainly worth travelling a distance to visit with the added bonus of being only 11 miles from the unmissable Talyllyn Railway, making a day visit to both railways a very attractive possibility.
Tip:
Anyone who wants to visit both railways will be better off travailing on the railway from Fairbourne, as Barmouth is only one third of a mile from Penrhyn Point by ferry, but it is over 16 miles by road.
Narrow Gauge Rating (out of/  ):  worth making a special visit
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