Caernarfon
| Caernarfon | |
| Previous Station | Terminus |
| Status | Station Open Northern Terminus |
| Next Location | Pont Seiont |
| Next Station | Bontnewydd |
| Latitude | 53:08:16.88N |
| Longitude | 04:16:23.34W |
| Grid Reference | SH480625 |
NGR:SH480625 Lat / Long :53.13802 / -4.27314
| Customer Facilities | ||
Caernarfon from 'y Gaer yn Arfon' meaning "the fortress in the land opposite Anglesey" lies at approximately 5m (16ft) above mean sea level (OS datum), and a distance of approx 39.44km (24.5 miles) from Porthmadog.[route 1][wikipedia 1]
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Caernarfon lies on the estuary of the Afon Seiont (hence the Roman name Segontium, as with Kanovium on Afon Conwy and Deva on the Dee). The most prominent feature of the town is the large castle designed by the master mason (= architect) James of St George for his client King Edward I from 1283. The octagonal towers and the horizontal sandstone stripes on the walls are said to have been built to make the castle resemble the Theodosian Wall at Constantinople, because an ancient legend had it that the Empress Helena was born here and married the emperor of Rome; their son Constantine built the city named after him. The tale may or may not have been true, but at the time it was - and by some still is - believed.
The current northern terminus of the reconstructed Welsh Highland Railway is on the former standard gauge LNWR trackbed at the south end of the tunnel beneath the town centre. The tunnel has been adapted to serve as a relief road. The SG formation in this area was wide enough for double track; it carried the parallel lines for the branch from Caernarfon to Llanberis and the single line southwards, through Dinas, towards Afon Wen. The addition of a platform means that there is only room for a run-round loop at the WHR station, rather than the more usual sidings for spare carriages and services that might be expected. The station building remains a wooden semi-permanent structure, though the initial - very frugal - provision of 1997 was improved and expanded in time for the 2004 season. The station stands almost under the shadow of the famous Caernarfon Castle, adjacent to the historic slate quay once served by the Nantlle Railway and just across St Helen's Road from the historic buildings that once housed the de Winton works. Until the plans to improve and develop this area of Caernarfon are settled by the Harbour Trust and the Council, it is unlikely that the WHR station can be further upgraded. The loop has been extended to hold ten carriages, but is the shortest loop on the line.
1 = Bridge 1 on the railway - probably numbered back in 1997
WHR 20 = notional kilometre distance marker - starting at 20 removes similarity with FR numbers
OB 20.00 = using a standard system for locating structures on the line
Rheilffordd Eryri leaves the platform end on a sharp gradient of 1 in 48, climbing past the Llanberis branch junction, over the twin-span viaduct (designed by C. E. Spooner about 1867) over Afon Seiont. It then joins the alignment of the Nantlle Railway at Coed Helen, crossing and recrossing this 1828 line on the way to Dinas. It is thought that this section of railway may be the only line in the country which has run passenger services on three gauges - 3ft 6in (1828-67), 4ft 8in (1867-1969) and 2ft (1997 onward).
The southern end of the station was modified to extend train capacity to ten carriages in late 2005.
[edit] Car Park
There is a level rough gravel car park, with parking for about 30 vehicles.
There are extensive car parks on the Slate Quay (400 yards/m) and on the north side of the walled town, half a mile (1km) away. The easiest approach on foot is from the Maes or Castle Square in the middle of the town along Segontium Terrace (NB - not near the Roman fort of Segontium!) 200 yards/m and down the footbridge to the station.
[edit] Company Access Statement
For general details see here
This is our main terminus station situated close to the castle. We recommend that you start your journey from here.
The booking office / shop are accessed via a gentle ramp. There is a drop off point by the car park entrance. There is a low level counter. The ladies’ and gentlemen’s toilets are situated behind the main building. There is also an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities situated inside the shop within the main building.
The platform is accessed by a gentle ramp.
[edit] References
