A scenic evening walk across Barmouth Bridge
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- Опубліковано 8 гру 2024
- Welcome to North Wales in the Snowdonia /Eryri national park. We are taking a walk across Barmouth Bridge to talk about memories, enjoy the stunning scenic views of the Mawddach Estuary and look at the renovation on the bridge since we were here last.
Barmouth Bridge or viaduct is a grade II listed single track wooden viaduct on the Cambrian Coast Railway line between Machynlleth and Pwhelli. It is the longest timber viaduct in Wales and one of the oldest in regular use in Britain.
Barmouth Bridge was designed by and constructed for the Aberystwith and Welsh Coast Railway on its line between Aberystwyth and Pwllheli. Work was authorised in 1861 and commenced in 1864. On 10 October 1867, the completed bridge was officially opened. Following the discovery of severe corrosion on underwater sections of ironwork, an intensive restoration programme was performed between December 1899 and late 1902. By 1980, the viaduct was under attack by marine woodworm, which led to concerns that it would have to be closed and demolished. Because of its value to tourism, it was repaired between 1985 and 1986, a closure of six months; a weight restriction and ban on locomotive-hauled trains were also introduced.
To allow the passage of tall ships, the bridge incorporated a drawbridge, which was replaced between 1899 and 1902 by a swing bridge, which is no longer operational due to a lack of use. Alongside of the railway, there is a walkway/cycleway, which allow visitors to cross the bridge by foot or bicycle and enjoy the views of the Mawddach Estuary.
The timber section of the bridge is 699 metres (764 yd) long, and is made up of 113 wooden trestles, each about 5.5 metres (6.0 yd) span, supported by cast iron piers. It is one of the longest timber viaducts standing in Britain and has been a Grade II* listed structure since its designation on 22 March 1988.
We also get a look at the new steel girder sections that were replaced last winter.
Video of bridge renovation and replacement taken from Network Rail's media centre.
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Good to see the spans being replaced "like for like", but not that the swivel mechanism was cut up. Surely it should have gone to a local museum for a clean-up and display. Nice walk in a lovely peaceful spot.
On a bridge which hasn't opened in 37 years .. and that for test purposes .... the cost of renovating the swing function really couldn't be justified. Looking to the renovations, were there to be a need to reinstate such a function, it COULD be done - for no small price!!
For my part, I'm just happy to see the considerable investment in this beautiful, if unremunerative route.
Between raising bridges east of Machynlleth, works on Barmouth Bridge and the replacement of Pont Briwet (at Penrhyndeudraeth), the future looks better assured than at any time since ..... (well, I'm not sure, even when freight trains were running and most holidaymakers didn't have cars, it was EVER a money spinner!).
I do miss the panoramic qualities of the long gone Class 101/103/105 1st gen DMUs, although it has to be admitted the current kit does work a LOT better!!
First crossed Barmouth Bridge July 1961 on the Cambrian Coast Express en route to Tywyn, memorable!
Hope you had a fantastic holiday around these parts, really need to go back to these parts again after 3/4 years. Fittingly, I too was also on holiday, but in North Lincolnshire/South Humberside, a region I only lightly touched before and I'm pleased to say it's a fantastic area!
Thank you for the walking tours. Always interesting and informative to view. Enjoy your weekend, and hopefully see you on the next. Cheers Paul. 🇬🇧🐕🦺🙂👍🇺🇸
Thanks Martin. Enjoy your weekend :)
On a sunny warm day, might I recommend the tidal pools on Morfa Mawddach as the tide retreats? Like getting into a warm tub, the only downside comes if you forget to excite the sand where you intend to sit, as there are many tiny, but superbly camouflaged little crabs who will make their presence felt, when sat upon!!
What a great time lapse film
A few years since i was over the bridge.
Thanks alot really enjoyed it
Cheers Mick
One of my favourite places. Camping with my family just up from Fair bourne @ Bwlchgwyn Farm campsite, went every year for about 5 years.
Lovely part of the world isnt it. We stayed just up the road from Bwlchgwyn Farm.
🚂🚂👍
Going to have togo there.... wonderful place.. thanks for that Paul... Happy days mate happy days
Cheers John. Well worth the trip 👌
It's a brilliant centre for getting to/from several heritage lines without a car (The Fairbourne, - also accessible by ferry, the Ffestiniog & WHR and Talyllyn, plus , with a change of trains at Dyfi Jnc, the Vale of Rheidol - at a push - can be reached using the highly scenic Cambrian Coast Line). Bus services look a LOT better now than last time I was up there and for the less sedentary, the very first NT property, Dinas Oleu, is accessible from the centre of Barmouth. Take binoculars ... or curse yourself for not being able to make the most of the breathtaking views.
Another good one Paul nothing better than going over on it with a pair of class 37s.
Cheers Chris. That would be a terrific experience.
Pre ETCS, those who experienced the exploits of "The Pocket Rocket" (76079) might have taken issue with that!
Hi Paul lovely to see you back in your favourite place. We won't mention what happened with you & Godo last time! No matter what the weather its beautiful there the views are still stunning. Very interesting to see the renovations of the bridge & how it was done speeded up. Enjoy the rest of your time in BarmouthnPaul, see you soon. ❤😊👍
Thanks very much Carol. Been for another stroll this morning. Back home tomorrow :(
But Im already looking forward to next year.
Interesting video Paul, can't believe they cut up the swinging apparatus after floating it to the beach , I was hoping they were going to reuse it after shot blasting it. Should have been saved really. It certainly lost a lot of character now. Last time I rode over it was in a class 120 dmu in 1982,
Great see Gordo out and about let's hope he doesn't put you over the side of the bridge 😂
Im glad to say I got home unscathed :D
I see they saved an old piece of the bridge and is sat in the middle of the town on a grassed area as a tribute.