Rich history of Ruabon to Barmouth railway line told in new book

* Ruabon Station as it was in 1961.

For nearly 100 years, passengers could enjoy arguably one of the finest journeys in the British Isles from the comfort of their railway carriage. 

The Great Western Railway described the journey from Ruabon to Barmouth as "a paradise for artists and fishermen and a country rich in mountain streams, wild woods and wide far views, unbeaten in any part of Wales".

Now, a new book on the line has been published by a man well acquainted with its rich history.

Peter Dickinson was one of the founding members of Llangollen Railway's Heritage Group and is still an active volunteer as Station Master at Llangollen. 

And the book, entitled The Ruabon to Barmouth Line – A New History, couldn't be better timed, as it will appear just weeks after the line, recreated by dedicated volunteers, celebrates its 50th birthday.

The 54-mile route carried generations of holidaymakers to the beaches of the Cambrian Coast, as well as providing a vital lifeline to the rural communities it served. 

* The original Corwen Station in 1953.

Branching away from the Chester to Shrewsbury route just south of Ruabon, the railway served the historic towns of Llangollen, Corwen, Bala and Dolgellau, before reaching the famous Barmouth Bridge and the holiday resort of Barmouth. 

As the book describes, it was a line of contrasts, from the industrial environs of Ruabon in the east, to the rugged coastline in the west. It was also busy with holidaymakers and tourists during the summer months, but painfully quiet during the winter. 

The story of the Ruabon to Barmouth line begins in the mid 19th century when the townsfolk of Llangollen longed for a connection to the rapidly expanding railway network. The Vale of Llangollen Railway Company opened a five-mile branch to passenger traffic in 1863, promoted by the Great Western Railway who leapt at the opportunity to tap deeper into North Wales. 

* The cover of the new book by Peter Dickinson.

Over the next decade, the railway extended ever westwards until it reached the county town of Dolgellau and the metals of the rival Cambrian Railway. The uneasy relationship between the two railway companies continued into the 20th century and was only ended through the Cambrian's amalgamation in the 1920s. 

Two sections of the Ruabon to Barmouth line have reopened as heritage railways, meaning that the sylvan beauty of the Dee Valley can once again be enjoyed from the carriage window on the Llangollen Railway, and the lapping waters and rugged shoreline of Llyn Tegid on the Bala Lake Railway. 

The author has produced a detailed account of the Ruabon to Barmouth line's history, looking at all aspects of its traffic and operation form the earliest days right up to closure. 

The stories of the preserved Llangollen Railway and Bala Lake Railway have been well documented, so no attempt has been made to take this story on beyond track-lifting in 1969. The book is illustrated with a wealth of photographs, many of which have not previously been published, as well as many items of paperwork from his own archives. 

The Ruabon to Barmouth Line – A New History is available to pre-order from Lightmoor Press and is due to be released at the start of October 2025. Copies will also be available from the shop at the Llangollen Station, priced at £35 each.