The Cornwall Railway Society's next indoor meeting takes place at the Memorial Hall, Redruth on Saturday November 8th 2025 at 18.30 hrs
Roger Webster presents videos of the Isle of Man Steam Railway and North Cornwall Line rails to Torrington
Not to be missed!
Roger Webster presents videos of the Isle of Man Steam Railway and North Cornwall Line rails to Torrington
Not to be missed!
NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 74
Corwen, Denbighshire
Michael L. Roach
The Act of Union of Great Britain and Ireland was followed 15 years later by The Holyhead Roads Act of 1815 which set out to make a new or improved road all the way from London to the port of Holyhead, about 275 miles. It was the first major state-funded road project since Roman times and much later became the A5 trunk road. From London to Shrewsbury the road followed mainly existing roads but from Shrewsbury to Holyhead, 105 miles, the civil engineering works were extensive and included the suspension bridge across the Menai Strait. For some 12 miles from east of Llangollen to Corwen the new road followed the valley of the River Dee, and later a railway would be constructed in the same valley from Sun Bank Halt to Corwen. The engineer for the road and the Menai Bridge was Thomas Telford and many of his design features remain on the A5's passage through Wales. The road is still there to be enjoyed but British Railways closed the 54-mile Barmouth to Ruabon route in January 1965. However ten miles have been reopened as a heritage railway from Corwen to Llangollen and by chance those ten miles are, in my view, the best length of the Dee Valley for scenery and landscapes. This would appear to be confirmed by proposals to make the valley part of a new national park.
The Ruabon to Barmouth line was constructed by a number of local railway companies but they were soon all taken over by the GWR which over the years improved the stations with new buildings, signal boxes and more passing loops etc; but some of the original station buildings survived particularly between Llangollen and Corwen. One of the those stations is a favourite of mine. In this series I will look in more detail at some of the stations between Corwen and Ruabon, starting with Corwen and working eastwards.
The population of Corwen was 2,250 at the last census but has been gradually declining for at least 20 years. The area has a strong Welsh culture and the town centre hosts what may be the only statue to Owain Glyndwr anywhere. My guess would be that there are not many statues to people who lived longer ago in history. Glyndwr was the very last native-born Prince of Wales and he led a 15-year revolt against the English rule of Wales, but it failed and he died in battle in 1415 aged 61 years; 1415 was the same year that Henry V defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt. The reason for mentioning all this is that there is a proposal on the table to create a new national park based on the Dee Valley and the Clwydian Hills. The favoured name for the national park is “Glyndwr” but there are concerns that this could stoke the flames of Welsh nationalism; and the last time that happened 60 years ago a number of holiday homes owned by people from the wrong side of Offas Dyke were destroyed by arson.
The railway station at Corwen was built by the Llangollen and Corwen Railway and was the largest intermediate station on the Ruabon to Barmouth line with extensive sidings, goods yard, engine shed and turntable together with a station building which survives. A short distance east of the platforms was a junction with a line leading off northwards to Rhyl 30 miles away. This had been built by the Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen Railway. The 30 miles closed to passengers on three different dates, but continued to be used by summer excursions from 1951 to 1961. The trains were advertised as The North Wales Land Cruise and had a number of starting points including Llandudno and Rhyl. Common to all the excursions was the fact that they went in a circle Rhyl, Corwen, Barmouth, Afon Wen, Caernarvon and Llandudno. Closures in the 1960s led to the demise of the land cruise excursions. During a few days in Chester in 2002 we decided to do something similar to the Land Cruise's circular tour using the remaining railway lines, but that, as they say, is another story.
The station buildings at Corwen were built of stone and are alongside the A5 road at the western end of the town. On Saturday 12 December 1964 there was heavy rain over much of Wales with resultant flooding and damage to several railway lines. The Ruabon to Barmouth line was washed away in a couple of places and there was water between the platforms at Corwen. After the last train had passed along the line that Saturday evening several signalmen belled train out of section, put out the lights, locked up their boxes and went home never to return to their box again. The line was not repaired and buses replaced trains for a few weeks until the line closed completely on and from Monday 18 January 1965. The station buildings at Corwen were sold and became the showroom for Ifor Williams the well-known trailer manufacturers. My photo of the station frontage shows that station has been well maintained with a new glazed screen between the original end gables.
The Llangollen Railway has gradually re-laid the line from Llangollen and reached Corwen, to a temporary station, in 2014 with a permanent station opening in June 2023 some distance east of the original station. The heritage line is 10 miles long and covers the best 10 miles of the Dee Valley as I will attempt to show. The railway's website contains this interesting statement:- “This is not a leisure attraction disguised as a railway. It is a railway first and foremost.” I have spent some time at Corwen to set the scene for the next few parts.
The Ruabon to Barmouth line was constructed by a number of local railway companies but they were soon all taken over by the GWR which over the years improved the stations with new buildings, signal boxes and more passing loops etc; but some of the original station buildings survived particularly between Llangollen and Corwen. One of the those stations is a favourite of mine. In this series I will look in more detail at some of the stations between Corwen and Ruabon, starting with Corwen and working eastwards.
The population of Corwen was 2,250 at the last census but has been gradually declining for at least 20 years. The area has a strong Welsh culture and the town centre hosts what may be the only statue to Owain Glyndwr anywhere. My guess would be that there are not many statues to people who lived longer ago in history. Glyndwr was the very last native-born Prince of Wales and he led a 15-year revolt against the English rule of Wales, but it failed and he died in battle in 1415 aged 61 years; 1415 was the same year that Henry V defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt. The reason for mentioning all this is that there is a proposal on the table to create a new national park based on the Dee Valley and the Clwydian Hills. The favoured name for the national park is “Glyndwr” but there are concerns that this could stoke the flames of Welsh nationalism; and the last time that happened 60 years ago a number of holiday homes owned by people from the wrong side of Offas Dyke were destroyed by arson.
The railway station at Corwen was built by the Llangollen and Corwen Railway and was the largest intermediate station on the Ruabon to Barmouth line with extensive sidings, goods yard, engine shed and turntable together with a station building which survives. A short distance east of the platforms was a junction with a line leading off northwards to Rhyl 30 miles away. This had been built by the Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen Railway. The 30 miles closed to passengers on three different dates, but continued to be used by summer excursions from 1951 to 1961. The trains were advertised as The North Wales Land Cruise and had a number of starting points including Llandudno and Rhyl. Common to all the excursions was the fact that they went in a circle Rhyl, Corwen, Barmouth, Afon Wen, Caernarvon and Llandudno. Closures in the 1960s led to the demise of the land cruise excursions. During a few days in Chester in 2002 we decided to do something similar to the Land Cruise's circular tour using the remaining railway lines, but that, as they say, is another story.
The station buildings at Corwen were built of stone and are alongside the A5 road at the western end of the town. On Saturday 12 December 1964 there was heavy rain over much of Wales with resultant flooding and damage to several railway lines. The Ruabon to Barmouth line was washed away in a couple of places and there was water between the platforms at Corwen. After the last train had passed along the line that Saturday evening several signalmen belled train out of section, put out the lights, locked up their boxes and went home never to return to their box again. The line was not repaired and buses replaced trains for a few weeks until the line closed completely on and from Monday 18 January 1965. The station buildings at Corwen were sold and became the showroom for Ifor Williams the well-known trailer manufacturers. My photo of the station frontage shows that station has been well maintained with a new glazed screen between the original end gables.
The Llangollen Railway has gradually re-laid the line from Llangollen and reached Corwen, to a temporary station, in 2014 with a permanent station opening in June 2023 some distance east of the original station. The heritage line is 10 miles long and covers the best 10 miles of the Dee Valley as I will attempt to show. The railway's website contains this interesting statement:- “This is not a leisure attraction disguised as a railway. It is a railway first and foremost.” I have spent some time at Corwen to set the scene for the next few parts.
Table 100 from the BR(LMR) timetable for summer 1949 showing that trains did not go from Corwen to Rhyl direct but turned east at Denbigh to head for Chester nearly 30 miles away. The Ruabon to Barmouth timetable was shown in Part 70.
Typical signage on the A5 Historic Route at Betws-y-Coed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Waterloo Bridge at Betws has been widened and strengthened but still looks exactly as designed by Thomas Telford 210 years ago; seen on 27 May 2011. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Here I am looking roughly south across the valley to the town of Corwen, with the River Dee in the foreground. The date is 22 May 2010. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Owain Glyndwr's statue in the middle of Corwen. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The Welsh people are proud of their history and culture. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
75006 takers water at Corwen while waiting for a train to pass in the opposite direction on 4 July 1964. A porter waits for the other train – a scene as old as the railways themselves. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
75021 arrives at Corwen with the 10.25am Dolgellau to Wrexham local train to cross my train. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The frontage of Corwen Station photographed on the evening of 25 May 2010 somewhat altered although the gables are original. The station is now a showroom for Ifor Williams the well-known trailer manufacturers. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Many thanks for another interesting read Mike, much appreciated.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
Robin of Templecombe
Alan Peters
Unfortunately 56049 'Robin of Templecombe' has now been transferred away from Swindon based RHTT operations, but is seen in Swindon Transfer sidings on 21st October 2025 whilst covering for non availability of 67027, pictured stabled on the Gloucester RHTT set 004, note the water tanker and the blue water pillow used for replenishing the RHTT. Copyright Alan Peters.
Colas Rail 56049 'Robin of Templecombe' looking dirty at Swindon Transfer sidings from working the Gloucester RHTT circuit on 22nd October 2025. Copyright Alan Peters.
Colas Rail 56049 'Robin of Templecombe' with fellow Colas stablemate 66850 'David Maidment OBE' at Swindon Transfer sidings on 22/10/25, note the multiple jumper cable attached to the class 66 for RHTT working, whilst detached from the RHTT wagons. Copyright Alan Peters.
Many thanks as always Alan. Great to see the 56 still earning its keep. The water pillow would be a good talking point for a model railway.
Castle crossover
Jon Hird
An increasingly rare sight as two of the three GWR 'Castle Class' short formed HST sets which are out on a daily basis cross paths at Bodmin Parkway. 43187 and 43189 on the down were a few minutes late, which meant that they passed 43042 and 43156 on the up at Bodmin Parkway, rather than somewhere in the countryside around Restormel. 05.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
22 years ago, this was such a common sight that it was barely worth walking to the end of the platform for a photo! A First Great Western Penzance-bound service passes a Virgin Trains service on the up. 2003, copyright Jon Hird.
Bucket & Spade Special
Steve Clark
On Summer Saturdays, we used to have a Loco hauled Bristol to Weymouth service which ran with various forms of Traction including Fragonset 31's, FGW 57s, DB67's, DB 37s and a full length HST. I was in the right place at the right time to get some shots of 57604 'Pendennis Castle' in 2010 when it was employed on this service. The first shot is of the Loco propelling the stock into Weymouth station then a regulation platform shot before departure.
57604 propels the stock into Weymouth Station. 04.09.2010, copyright Steve Clark.
57604 ready to depart Weymouth for Bristol Temple Meads. 04.09.2010, copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks Steve, an interesting choice of traction.
Another 175 to Laira
Guy Vincent
175001 running at close to line speed on the Westbury avoiding line as it makes its way westwards from Wolverton to Laira in preparation for the start of 175s in passenger service from 13th December. This was the first set to come solo via the Berks and Hants route. 05.11.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks, Guy. They're starting to build up quite a collection of these now.
Snap 'em while you can
Martin Scane
I guess it’s a case of “snap ‘em while you still can”. 43198 leading 43093 approaching Teignmouth this morning (05/11/25) at 11-42 with 2C20 the Exeter SD to Penzance service. 05.11.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
Many thanks Martin. Not long to go now.