Barmouth Junction and Arthog Tramway explained

Barmouth Junction and Arthog Tramway
Locale:Arthog
Open:August 1899
Close:August 1903
Status:Closed
Propulsion System:Horse

The Barmouth Junction and Arthog Tramway operated a narrow gauge tramway service in Arthog between 1899 and 1903.[1]

History

The tramway was built by Solomon Andrews in 1899 as part of his scheme to develop Arthog as a holiday resort. It used the routes of previous tramways which had been constructed from the 1860s as part of quarrying operations.

Construction of the tramway began in 1899[2] with a route from the Arthog side to Vegla Island. It was used to carry materials for building roads and houses

The tram road opened to the public in June 1903[3] with services operating daily[4] Initially a success Solomon Andrews started work on another tramroad which was to run from the entrance of Barmouth Bridge over the sands along the embankment which runs along the railway to the waterfalls above Tyddyn Sheffri.[5]

The tramway connected Mawddach Crescent to Barmouth Junction railway station and other lines were built to local quarries to provide building material for the terraces of houses built as part of the holiday resort project.

Closure

The project failed and after one or two seasons and the tramway was closed, never to re-open. The single passenger car was transferred to the Pwllheli and Llanbedrog Tramway.

Notes and References

  1. The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.
  2. News: . The Development of Barmouth Junction . Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser . Wales . 29 August 1903 . 21 October 2016 . Welsh Newspapers Online .
  3. News: . The Barmouth Junction Tram Road . The Cardigan Bay Visitor . Wales . 29 August 1903 . 21 October 2016 . Welsh Newspapers Online .
  4. News: . A New Tram Road . The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard . Wales . 5 June 1903 . 21 October 2016 . Welsh Newspapers Online .
  5. News: . Extension of Tram Road . Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times . Wales . 8 October 1903 . 21 October 2016 . Welsh Newspapers Online .