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Tan y Bwlch
Early postcard of Tan y Bwlch
Previous Station	Plas Halt
Previous Location	Hafod y Llyn (FR)
Status	Station Open
Next Location	Llyn Mair
Next Location	Garnedd Tunnel
Next Station	Dduallt
Latitude	52:57:15.95N
Longitude	04:00:40/57W
Grid Reference	SH649415
Wikipedia Entry
Stations Locations	Harbour Station

OSGrid:SH649415 Latt / Long :52.95452 / -4.01126

(Meaning 'Under the Pass' ) For more pictures at Tan y Bwlch, please click here

Stamp No. old company Parcels
Issue No.	old company Parcels
First Issued	unknown
Railway Letter Service

From 1865 until 1873 the only regular passing station for trains was at the former horse stage at Hafod y Llyn (FR) which opened for passengers on 6 January 1865. It was approximately 7 miles from Portmadoc, and horses were changed there from 1836 to 1863.

The new station at Tan y Bwlch was the principal passing station from its opening in July 1873 ( see below) until it closed to passengers on 15th September 1939. Passenger service to Tan y Bwlch was resumed on 5th April 1958. Tan y Bwlch is 434ft above sea-level and 7 miles 35 chains from the modern zero point at Porthmadog. Tan y Bwlch has a large, post-preservation built water tank (and the base of the original, smaller, tank), a post-preservation built signal box, together with the original wooden station building and station house (c1895-6**). The stone-built former goods shed serves as a shop and café and has been extended to accommodate kitchens, a store and passenger amenities.

Drawing of layout from 1963. Click on it for a full size view

The present footbridge is not on the site of the 19thC original but is a few yards nearer Porthmadog and serves a public footpath (formerly a Roman road) as well as providing access to the island platform. This is due to be replaced shortly by a new bridge in the original location.

Before 1854, there was a level crossing for the Maentwrog-–Llanfrothen road which passed between the present café and the later road bridge. In that year the road was diverted to go under the new bridge, the cast-iron girders of which were, according to the legend upon them, cast at Boston Lodge, a remarkable achievement at that date.

Tan y Bwlch between 1873 and 1875.Double Fairlie James Spooner in original condition on a down train and one of the England Engines on the up train using the original wood clad, water tank. The station building has a ticket window and on the right hand side is a Gentleman's toilet. In the distance there is the white painted wooden steps leading to the signal and top points.

Early postcard of Tan y Bwlch. The crew of typical down train of the period stand proudly beside their charge Double Fairlie Livingston Thompson, in 1893-6, as an up train receives attention. The twin smoke trails, seen just beyond the ticket office, indicate that the up service is also hauled by a double engine. The small wooden building to the right of the station served as a refreshment kiosk: perhaps the driver of the Oakley Arms Hotel's horse-drawn carriage has just 'wet his whistle'. 'The Barn', on the left, served as a passenger shelter before being replaced by the Station House.

At one point, there appeared at least two machines outside the station. These were known as mutoscopes, and were provided by the North Wales Mutoscope Co.

This view shows Tan y Bwlch with a train hauled by single Fairlie 'Taliesin' approaching. c 1900 - 1910. A pen and ink drawing, taken from the above photo, by Michael Seymour, has formed the 'masthead' for the FR Heritage Group Journal since its inception.

Trains passing - 2004

[edit] Company Access Statement for Tan y Bwlch

Details Last updated June 2009. For general details see here
Situated off a minor road and having a rough gravel car park, this station has an island platform which is mainly accessed by means of a footbridge. However, there is a flat crossing with a gate into the car park situated half way along the platform. Please note this facility is not available when there is a train in the platform so please arrive early if you wish to join here

There is a small café which is open at busy times. There is ramped access into the café and a designated table for wheelchair users close to the door. There are also tables and seating outside, some of which are under cover. The toilets are outside and to the left of the café. There is a small step into the Ladies’ and the Gentlemen’s toilets. The accessible toilet has level access and also contains nappy changing facilities.

• Bessie Jones
• Multimap Location
• Wikipedia Entry for Tan y Bwlch
• FR Stations