The current timetable is based on a presumption that the Corwen extension has opened which has not happened at the time of the visit. Consequently the train spends a long time at Carrog which is about 2.5 miles closer to Llangollen. Once the extension to Corwen is open Carrog will no doubt become much quieter, so perhaps for the station owners the disruption is only temporary. Parking in Llangollen close to the station is somewhat limited so travelling into the town is much easier, especially as we were already at the western end of the line.
Motive power on Friday 6 June was “Jessie” a Hunslet 0-6-0ST, works no 1837. The loco is painted in a distinctive “Thomas” blue which is I suspect a major money spinner. Passenger accommodation was 4 Mark 1 coaches in GWR chocolate and cream livery. Quite a bit of holiday places change over in North Wales on a Friday and loadings are low and some other railways do not operate on Fridays because of this practice.
The line itself is a delightful wind through the green and very lush Dee valley not doubt driven by the heavy winter rains. The river here is flowing eastwards from Snowdonia (rising near Dduallt) to the discharge at Chester Weir. We leave Carrog at 12 00 and we head east as well. Our trip in this direction is almost entirely down hill. The run to Llangollen is about 7.5 miles. We stop briefly at Glyndyfrdwy station. After Deeside Halt we run very close to the river following its meanderings.
We pass through Berwyn Tunnel which at 689 yds is the longest single-bore tunnel on a preserved railway – not to be confused with West Hoathly (Sharpthorne) Tunnel on the Bluebell which is actually longer! At Berwyn Station we are high above the river looking down on the Chain Bridge Hotel on the other side of the river which looks a good place to sit and watch the trains go by.
The extensive dmu resources held by the line are easily visible from the train as we approach Llangollen and it is best to sit on the north side of the coaches to enjoy the river views. The loco shed is believed to be at high level on the edge of Llangollen and other motive power was not visible. There are some new build projects based on the line.
The loco has to work much harder on the return journey as it is all uphill and must avoid stalling in the tunnel as that would be pretty unpleasant.
The Corwen opening is dependant on completion of a new East Corwen station Track is in place and ballasted so perhaps the opening will not be long – there are regular updates on that link.