Plas y Nant
| Plas y Nant | |||||||||
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| Type | Request Halt | ||||||||
| Status | Open | ||||||||
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| Latitude | 53:04:59.74N | ||||||||
| Longitude | 04:10:11.97W | ||||||||
| Grid reference | SH547562 | ||||||||
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Plas y Nant is a request halt on the Welsh Highland Railway. It lies at a height of approximately 141m (462 ft), and a route distance of approx 25.74km (16 miles) from Porthmadog.[route 1][wikipedia 1]
History[edit]
A halt at Plas y Nant was first used in the 1920s but closed with the line in 1936.
The New Halt[edit]
This station opened on May 15th, 2005, and was the second additional halt on the line. The halt was built with the backing and sponsorship of local people and organisations, notably the Friends of Plas y Nant and members of the community of Betws Garmon.
Construction work had been carried out by a local contractor earlier in the year. The restored seat at the halt was dedicated as part of the opening ceremony, in memory of a former leader at Plas y Nant - it is believed to have come from the original Plas y Nant Halt.
The opening was attended by a large party of Plas y Nant residents, who, as part of the celebrations, then made a return journey to Rhyd Ddu.
The original intention was to build a passing loop here to provide a service during Spring 2003. Although it was publicised in the 2003 timetable the service never materialised. Only one set of points was ever installed, providing a stabling siding for PW trains. The points for the Porthmadog end were delivered, but never installed, because the curvature of the line made it impossible. This siding was lifted in late 2006 and the remaining point removed for re-use in January 2007.
The proposed loop lay on an embankment built, not as part of Mr Spooner's plan, but as a deviation on a wayleave across a bog, the remains of the peat which has been washed since the Ice Age out of Llyn Cwellyn against the rock sill at Plas y Nant. The track bed floats across the bog with a remarkable dip in the middle (see photo, above right). Some 7000 tons of ballast were emptied into the bog and most has disappeared. The bottom of the bog has not been plumbed but there was no bottom at 7m (23ft). If the river rises in a flood - as it does - it can cover the track in the dip. An evil orange discharge is gradually being squeezed out of the bog by the 7000 tons of rock. The place is instructive for civil engineers. Solutions, on a postcard please....
Gallery[edit]
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Shortly before the remaining point was removed. -
Merddin Emrys and Taliesin on the ECS move.
From the FR Co. Web Site[edit]
- The following is taken from a page on the FR Co. old web site, and appears here, unaltered except for layout, with permission. (all photos FR Co. copyright, and taken at station on 15th May 2005)
We are delighted to announce that a new Halt has been constructed at Plas y Nant, on the Rheilffordd Eryri / Welsh Highland Railway, and paid for by the Friends of Plas y Nant, residents of Betws Garmon and a private family Trust.
This tremendous gift to the area will benefit all residents and visitors to the Snowdonia National Park. The foresight of the benefactors in contributing to the future needs of the beautifully located community by their generous donation of a new Halt is much appreciated by the Railway. The addition of Plas Nant Halt to the Rheilffordd Eryri / Welsh Highland Railway will further promote the area of outstanding natural beauty to everyone.
Michael Whitehouse, Chairman of Rheilffordd Festiniog Railway said: "This contribution to our community plan for the region is very welcome. It develops further the integration of the Rheilffordd Eryri / Welsh Highland Railway with the local community and furthers the objectives of the Welsh Assembly in sponsoring the reconstruction of the railway to Porthmadog to encourage tourists to the region to travel by train. The opening of the halt coincides with the Community Rail day being celebrated nationwide the same weekend."
The Grand Opening of Plas y Nant Halt took place at 13.45 on Sunday 15 May, and was followed by a return train journey to Rhyd Ddu at the foot of Snowdon. Over 100 local residents took part in the ceremony.
Car Park[edit]
There is no parking space at this location
Company Access Statement[edit]
For general details see here
This halt is only accessible via a narrow footpath and there is no level access.
References[edit]