Heavy Rain Triggers Major Landslide on Welsh Highland Railway

A major landslide has struck the Welsh Highland Railway in Gwynedd, depositing trees and around 100 cubic metres of mud onto the tracks. The Ffestiniog Railway Company (FRC) said the incident occurred near Tryfan Junction, approximately 4.5 miles from Caernarfon, during heavy rain on the morning of Thursday, December 18.

The “considerable” landslide was discovered during a full inspection the following morning, ahead of planned train operations. As a result, today’s Santa special services from Caernarfon will run on a shortened route while the damage is assessed.

FRC is deploying engineers and geotechnical consultants to examine the site and determine how quickly normal services can resume. A detailed action plan will follow once inspections are complete. The company expects to provide an update on service impacts between Christmas and New Year on Tuesday, December 23.

Paul Lewin, FRC’s director and general manager, said:

“The landslip occurred in a location close to a river which has seen land movements historically. When the railway was rebuilt in this area it was strengthened to better protect it. Early indications are that this worked effectively. But that has not prevented a torrent of slurry-like mud from being deposited on the line during the intense rain storm. It is pleasing to note that our safety inspection regime identified the problem promptly before any trains operated in the area.”

Image: The Ffestiniog Railway Company