The Most Isolated Station in Wales - Dovey Junction

[@geofftech2]

With apologies for my appalling pronunciation of the the placename 'Pwllheli' !! 😁

[@axqrew]

😂

[@LoBr_Football]

Don’t worry, mine would be a lot worse 🫣

[@Itsjustesh]

Don't worry about it.

[@largegrainofsand]

My Granddad lives there and I still don’t know how to pronounce it 😭

[@el_es]

Looks like polish for 'i now need a new screen mine got water logged from the tea' ;)

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Dovey Junction had the only mechanical Signal Box in the country that worked semaphore signals in 3 different counties (Gwynedd, Dyfed and Powys). The track layout until the 15th of May 1984 had a passing loop on both the main (Aberystwyth) and Branch (Pwllheli) lines and at times you would have 4 trains there at the same time. It took 90 moves (Pulling and Putting Back) the levers to cross the 4 trains, the Main and Branch Loops were as long as their respective platform lines, at one time the two platforms were even longer going towards Machynlleth and were wooden but the wooden section was removed in the 1970's. The station house at the end is the old Glandyfi Station, great video Geoff,thank you for making it.

[@geofftech2]

Great info andrew, thank you!

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@geofftech2 Your very welcome Geoff, the Main Platform was as long as it is now in the 1960's when the same moves were taking place whereby a Down Train came through the Main loop to the Aberystwyth end of the platform whilst an Up Train was at the Machynlleth end of the platform. The only difference then was that the points to the Main Loop were near Glandyfi so the Aberystwyth train had to go right up to the foot crossing to make the connection. A similar thing was done daily in the Branch (Pwllheli) Platform with the Down train going through the Branch Loop onto the Bridge and then Setting Back (Reversing) into the platform with a hand signalman protecting the rear end of the Up Train at the Machynlleth end of the Branch Platform. If you think Dovey Junction is Isolated you should see the site of the former Bala Junction Station which was even more isolated, you could not even buy a ticket to Bala Junction it was just an interchange station. I have just subscribed to your channel as I am very impressed with your video.

[@alistairkewish651]

90 moves! Gosh that sounds like quite hard work.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@alistairkewish651 Thank you for your reply, yes it was quite hard work, if all the trains arrived in the correct order and at the correct time it took 19 minutes to do that includes 4 tokens coming in and 4 going out. The hardest part is remembering that each lever requires a different amount of pull strength to make sure points go over correctly and you can lock them correctly and get the Signal arms to travel through 45 degrees, even the air temperature makes a difference as signal wires expand and contract with temperature changes.

[@seanquinn5634]

@6:30 I cycled there with my friend at the end of a four day bike packing trip across wales. We started from Knighton station which is pretty much on the border and cycled to Dovey Junction, nearly all off road. I am glad that we did not have the common belief that there was no access, otherwise we may not have done the trip! It was an epic bike ride i will remember it forever.

[@richardmellor9625]

Ahhhh, my favourite station in Britain. I visited two years ago, and had it all to myself on a sunny day - sheer heaven. From the end of the footpath, it's about 30 mins walk up the road (in the Aber direction) to the stupendous Ynyshir RSPB reserve, which sprawls back down to the estuary and is involves sections of forest and boardwalked marshes. (There are only pavements for some of the walk along that road, but it never once felt dangerous.) The acclaimed Ynyshir restaurant is up there too - and so was my brilliant Airbnb. Happy memories :)

[@barbaramcmillan3835]

So you didn't see any memorial flowers along the road, in memory of those lost ? Quite common when I've been, between there and Machynlleth

[@richardmellor9625]

@@barbaramcmillan3835 I did not - well, not knowingly, alas.

[@davidwright9013]

Ah, Dovey Junction, many is the time I sat on the train thinking 'there really isn't anything here!' while travelling between Aberystwyth and Birmingham New Street...

[@pavelpolonskij6931]

Same. I was a student in Aber ('98-'01), and often wondered as to who used the station.

[@mrsp3992]

Or Dyfi Junction, as us locals call it........

[@joshtaylor7881]

Cheers for the video Geoff. I was a guard based at Machynlleth back in the early 2000s and worked every single one of the TfW 158s! The video brought back some great memories. I'm not sure if anyone lives in the house over the viaduct on the Pwllheli branch anymore, but certainly back in my time on the Cambrian there was and they had to get permission from the signaller to walk over the bridge. I remember picking up the person who lived in that house on Wednesdays to go to Machynlleth market. Basically they had their own private railway station!

[@geofftech2]

hey Josh, lovely comment - thanks! i just published the Barmouth Bridge video too .. if you want more memories !!!

[@mrsp3992]

I believe the house is still occupied.

[@riggerthegeek]

You probably checked my ticket out of Aber then. Hello again

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Hi Josh, I was on the very first train you were the guard on down the Branch Line after you had passed out. I have been over the bridge at Dovey Junction in more recent times than you may have been and the house had lights on inside it in the evening. Back in the 1980's it was owned by a naturist from London he bought the place so they could live their lifestyle away from other peoples' gaze. Their possessions were taken down to the Bridge cottage by a train from Machynlleth I was told. I think it was our friend Arthur who was the Lamp Man at the time that told me, if it was not then it would have been one of the Signalmen. If you're still in Chester as a conductor I hope the jobs going well for you.

[@momatmach1]

As part of my job I drive up and down that path quite often, also acted as pilotman from there many times due to tidal flooding, the station house at the main road end is Glandyfi a closed station on the Aber line, the whole of Dyfi junction platform was recently raised a metre to stop some of the tidal flooding issues.

[@Nooticus]

Very interesting info thanks

[@ianmcclavin]

I changed trains at Dovey Junction a few years back. Coming from Pwhelli direction, I had a 5-minute connection there for a train to Aberystwyth, but the one from Pwhelli was running about 10 minutes late! Fortuneately, they held the Aberystwyth, and my sole experience of using Dovey Junction consists of a mad dash between the two platforms!

[@DavidShepheard]

Well done to the signaler to hold the other train back, so as to not screw over the passengers who needed to change trains. That is how the railways are supposed to be run.

[@Nooticus]

@@DavidShepheard Not quite David. In this specific case, and on other remote lines with literally one train per hour in each direction then yes, that is how they are supposed to be run. But the same is not true of highly congested mainlines which have to accomodate both fast and stopping services. If they hold a train on a mainline, it can easily create a serious cascading effect of delays that can result in delays that last for hours. In that case, it benefits more passengers in the long run to NOT hold the connecting train.

[@stanley3647]

10 minutes delay? Lucky one. On Pwllheli branch delays is new normal (in summer season almost no train is on time). 158's (two cars) are not fast enough to exchange plenty of passengers on station through narrow doors and gangways. We try to do this same route - our train was delayed as well, but Aberystwyth service didn't wait. So we need wait one hour to next (delayed) train. We arrived Abetyswyth more than 1 hour late than planned. Barmouth to Aberystwyth in 2 and half hour - not brilliant. I should mention: both trains was overcrowded as well?

[@enricomonti156]

I did this line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth one week ago. It was absolutely lovely. It is good that it is not completely isolated as other junction stations could be.

[@garthcox4307]

There were several summer Saturday Euston to Aberystwyth loco hauled services until the late 80s. They changed from electric to diesel at new st. They used pairs of 25s until 1983 or 84 then switched to 37s. There were 2 or 3 diagrams every Saturday so plenty of locos if you planned your changes right.

[@davidgreathead7322]

Sorry about the weather when you came on your trip. We live in Glandyfi and walk to the station very early every morning for exercise whatever the weather and it usually is windy and more often than not wet! A lovely hour's walk from home and always enjoyable whatever the weather. We really enjoyed your video - so well produced and informative. The remains of the old Glandyfi platform is at the back of the Station House but you probably already know this! Thanks again! Sue & Dave.

[@geofftech2]

oh HELLO! what a lovely comment, thank you. yes i had No Idea ( until i checked on the way home ) about the old Glandyfi station, and that's what the Station House is for!! ha ha. love Wales !! :-D

[@Zharkov1969A]

Seeing you get rained on in Wales reminded me of every family childhood holiday I ever had. Bleak but beautiful.

[@timandmargaretflynn7389]

Wow - my favourite station - make sure I pass through it every time I visit the UK from Canada. Thanks for sharing this, Geoff. First visited there while travelling between Aberystwyth and Tywyn on a sunny day back in 1982 - loved the location, with the sunlight playing on the hillsides and the constant ocean breeze. The station building was still there and tokens were still being exchanged. Visited again in 2017 with my son - we were staying at a nearby B&B, our host drove us to the footpath and we hiked to the station. In 2022, I was volunteering at the TR and my wife was arriving from Canada, but she first wanted to visit a long-time friend in Aberystwyth. Dovey Jct. was a great spot to surprise her on the train. Of course, we visited the station again last year during TR/FR volunteering stints. We'll return in 2025.

[@ethan46441]

Lovely video Geoff. Reminded me of my second year at Aberystwyth University in 2012 when my friend (in their final year) lived in the cottages opposite the station entrance. Walking along that footpath with a pair of head torches in the pitch dark returning from a night out will always stay with me - such an eerie experience with just the sound of the river and the wildlife

[@melian2003]

Thanks for mentioning the Dovey Osprey/Wildilfe Centre Geoff!

[@AbsentHumans]

Ah, Dovey Junction. I pass through it when travelling between university in Aberystwyth and home. Always been curious about it, so glad to see you've finally done a video on it!

[@davidcronan4072]

Trent Junction station in the East Midlands was another example. It was just there for people to change trains and to get something to eat. This was before catering facilities were common on trains. The station linked trains between London, Nottingham and Derby. The only link to it was a footpath from Long Eaton. There was even a row of houses provided for the staff. The station is long gone, but the houses remain. You can see them between Beeston and Long Eaton stations.

[@stevegoodwin7138]

Thanks for the info , passed Trent many times and wondered about it’s history

[@stanmarsh14]

I know of the old Trent Junction very well, along with the old Long Eaton station in the town, plus Sawley Junction, which is now the current Long Eaton station. Go down the side of United Carpets to the crossing and look left, you can still see the old platforms. The 1970's ish Trent Signal Box is still there, after signalling got switched to the new place next to London Road, Derby.

[@SteveInskip]

@@stanmarsh14cheers Stan. That’s a great bit of info. I’ll have a stop-off at Long Eaton next time I’m passing through. Cheers bud!

[@davidcronan4072]

@@stanmarsh14 You also have "sheet stores junction" there, named after the tarps used to cover the old open goods wagons. These stores were where these covers were kept and repaired if necessary.

[@stanmarsh14]

@@davidcronan4072 oh yes, and a pub on High Street, called The Tappers Harker, a nod to the carriage works.

[@homelab-student]

Thanks for another great rural video Geoff!!

[@finndriver1063]

Honestly the bike shelter makes perfect sense to me. It just might be a mountain/gravel bike rather than a road bike.

[@sydshrimp]

On a cycling tour in 1963 I remember seeing the same BR Standard 2-6-4 Tank Locomotives at Dovey Junction which used to ply their trade on the LTSR line in the previous 10 years. Love the isolation of the place as you seem to do.

[@rhunl]

I used to live about four villages towards Aberystwyth from Glandyfi, and only once ever used Dyfi Junction. My aunt had tried to drop me for the train at Aberystwyth, but we missed it by about 2 minutes. Cue hectic drive back along the line and this was where a run along that path got me to my train! I swear the taka-ta-tum taka-ta-tum sound of 158s echoing over the estuary was one of the soundtracks of my childhood!

[@stevenmayhew4868]

I love everything about this

[@jakedovey7488]

I love the name of the station!

[@louisstanko86]

Interesting fact about Shrewsbury station, what is now the ground floor was the last to be added by excavating the car park and that’s why you go under to get to the platforms 😊

[@lathama]

I worked at the local RSPB reserve around 20 years ago. The only change to the station ive seen is the new bike racks and waiting shelter. When working at the reserve we used to do a weekly nightjar watch from the platform, which was free for RSPB members to attend.

[@johnvalentine2963]

I remember being in Peterborough and being told to change trains for Aberystwyth in Dyfi Junction " wherever that is!". The short stretch between the bridge and the River Llyfnant flowing into the Dyfi is the only part of Montgomery (or is it Merioneth?)that meets the sea, the Dyfi Estaury deeming to end at the bridge. I was on my good friend and colleague David Hides's licence to net sewin on this part of the Dyfi.

[@laura_shannon_]

When I was growing up my dad had a friend that lived in Dovey Junction (we lived a few towns over and it’d take about an hour to get there maybe shorter) and I always remember passing the train station wondering why there even was one because it was the tiniest place, my dad’s friend lived up a hill in a solitary house surrounded by fields and stuff and it was always muddy. I was just always excited to see his and his wife’s black lab called Jet

[@Beheaded02]

Love the vids! It's a similar situation in Manulla Junction over here in Ireland. You cannot enter or exit the station. The station is there to help those going to Foxford, Ballina, Westport or Dublin to get their connecting train.

[@alistairkewish651]

I didn’t know about that passing loop but it is good to know one has been installed. The legendary footpath away from this junction station remains obscure ,,,,,,,for the moment.

[@mccabedave]

Love this Geoff. Wales is such a beautiful place and even a cold windswept station makes me miss Wales.

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Thank you for the video Geoff, it was very interesting. ❤ I've done mountain-walking a few times in Wales. 🙂

[@paulbarber1960]

When i was a driver at st pancras i looked at moving to Machynlleth ❤ But my 1977 seniority date was about 20 years to junior 😢 I even looked at a house near Carno. But I'm happy in Norfolk and have a little used station near-by. Spooner row.

[@peterrichmond6133]

Lovely video Geoff, looks like a great place for a day trip!

[@tobytalksabout5461]

I used to get this train a lot when I was at uni in Aberystwyth. You definitely could get off an down the main road from Dovey Junction. Most trains split at Machynlleth with one end going toward Pwllhelli and the other going to Aberystwyth, so as long as you were in the right end of the train there was no need to change at Dovey Junction. I have seen people get on and off at Dovey Junction, but it was pretty rare

[@bipbipletucha]

What a lovely place and a lovely video

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

I must say that Dovey Junction is pretty much in Mid Wales where you got lots of mountains and hills all over and the view of it is breathtaking. The closest road to get to Dovey Junction station is the A487 and where Morben Isaf Caravan Park is located near to the railway station that is only a short distance by foot.

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

that's the best video you've done for a while

[@beetlesue]

Enjoyed your video - you missed a real treat not having time to visit he Osprey Project - a great reserve and excellent cafe there. My first visit to Dyfi junction was in 1961 on the Cambrian Coast express which I believe in those days used to actually be split at Dyfi, part went on to Abeystwyth and part to Pwllheli. We were going on holiday to Barmouth.

[@RandomRailways]

One of my favourite stations! The Dovey viaduct - that you can see in the drone shot - was rebuilt, along with a load of the other viaducts along the route when Barmouth bridge was rebuilt last autumn (see my recent article in Today's Railways UK) A couple of years ago I met a member of TFW train crew who lives nearby and has a key for the vehicle gate there, so they can park at the station & take their train to work!

[@phronsiekeys]

A hidden station, I like that you only walk in or ride in and that there's a local bus to pick you up and drop you off.

[@Nooticus]

Absolutely excellent video, one of your best in a while! Have been interested in this place for many years and the unusual operations of the station are so interesting too. Really looking forward to a new request stops video next ;)

[@MaximStepanov-y7b]

This video is looking awesome.

[@Chevy-jordan]

We should make things like the Seiryu Miharashi Eki Station in Japan. Just isolated stops for the sole purpose of enjoying the scenery. This, unintentionally, is such a station. Berney Arms also fits that feel.

[@TheWelshonesVideos]

Yes, some 197's are being fitted with ERTMS and will be used on the Cambrian Line. Great video, Geoff!

[@grahamaylott7449]

Many thanks Geoff! I'd hoped to walk to Dovey Junction last month on my way to Aberystwyth but it was absolutely pouring with rain. So I continued on my way, briefly stopped at the new Bow Street Station and then sheltered in the warmth of Aberystwyth Arts Centre! 🙂

[@Phil-oj5nr]

Been to Dovey Junction soon after it was rebuilt about 2012/13 or ‘14ish. We were staying at Aberystwyth and took the bus to Machynlleth to catch a steam special to Pwhelli. We got off at Porthmadog and went to Tan-y-Bwulch and back, catching the steamer on the way back. It was hauled by a Black 5 in BR livery with BR MarkI coaches in maroon livery. West Coast Railway ran the train I think. On another visit we were travelling on a Class 158 from Harlech to Shrewsbury (the section to Pwhelli was closed after storm damage) we had to take a bus from Porthmadog to Harlech. Thanks, Geoff for a very interesting video. Now semi-retired in Picton, South Island, New Zealand.

[@m1klgordon]

Hi Geoff, off topic but I thought you'd appreciate this. Last month I took a Scotrail day trip from Crianlarich to Glenfinnan and briefly got off to take a pic at Corrour. On the Ft William to Mallaig section, who should be the conductor but none other than the lovely lady who had her dog with her when you filmed for All The Stations. I had to laugh when she said she wished she'd her hair done!

[@Will_3rd]

Passed through this station many times on the way to and from Aberystwyth while I was a student there 😅

[@Gary0557]

Wouldn't it be nice to just go to that Station and sit there all day enjoying the quiet and scenery.

[@paulsengupta971]

And the wind and rain? Not sure...

[@Gary0557]

@@paulsengupta971 Obviously pick a nice day mate.

[@TheKing_moon]

i'm not from UK. (correct me if i'm wrong) but i love how isolated, little or least used statios most of the time are served by sprinters

[@soandso9204]

6:27 lol I'm a local and I've cycled to Dyfi Junction a few times, its a nice trick for a slightly shorter bike ride than cycling all the way to Machynlleth, since every train going north from Machynlleth will also stop at Dyfi Junction

[@grahvis]

I have actually got off a train close to the old Glandyfi station. After travelling along the estuary with the water up to rail height, the train stopped short of Dovey Junction with it being announced that the water was up to the platforms and the train would have to wait until it went down, that is until the tide started ebbing. After a few minutes it was decided a coach made more sense, so the train reversed back to Glandyfi where we all climbed down using the wooden steps carried for the purpose and walked back to the road.

[@DaveinLeeds]

Thanks Geoff. If possible try and get hold of a book called "Stopping Train Britain" by Alexander Frater from 1983. It has a feature on the Dovey Junction to Pwllheli line and relates how the line had, (maybe still has) serious flooding issues at Dovey at the highest of tides. There's a tale about how a signalman there decided it was time to get out, so pulled all the signals to danger and rapped out the Section Obstructed signal, then made off on hands and knees on the Aberystwyth route, waves breaking about his ears, to the safety of the nearest hillside!

[@Hooligan-F8F]

Been through at least four times - aged 9 in 1973, I've a memory of sitting at Dovey Junction for an interminable time awaiting the connection from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury - we'd arrived from Llwyngwril. I guess even 10 minutes can seem like a life time to a nine year old!

[@barbaramcmillan3835]

Brilliant. It rained when I was there too, but I did see the nest, it can be seen from the train. You can't walk to it, there's no path, which causes problems when it comes to ringing the chicks before they take flight The catering at the Osprey project is also out of this world, but you wouldn't be any nearer the ospreys, even at the Observatory, which could be seen distantly from one of your positions. Although I found it mesmerising, you missed the best part.

[@BenSenneck92]

When at uni in Aber - I heard that Dovey Jct was popular with tourists who would ride the train there then cycle back to Aber or the other way. Hence the bike shelter.

[@hughwilloughby8590]

The Castle is called Glandyfi (pr: glan-duv-ey) Castle and is a mock castle built by a barrister in 1819. It was for sale a few years ago (fantasies of owning it and having exclusive vehicle access to the station 😜). There was a much more ancient Aberdyfi Castle about another mile further to the coast, but only the motte remains.

[@johnstilljohn3181]

Marvelous...! I recall when Cambridge station was set up like that - total chaos...!

[@speedstyle.]

They do still use the split platform 1/4 and slide trains past each other in the middle. Not as often though now that southbound trains have plat 7-8

[@danwiddon3854]

Shrewsbury is our local hub station. Used to work in Aberdovey and Barmouth. Glad you enjoyed the Cambrian Line. Expecting an Osprey in flight shot!🎉

[@TeessideGeordieExile-jr8kd]

Hi Geoff, I used the train in 1970 to attend the Outward Bound School at Aberdovey. I started out from Newcastle upon Tyne Central Station via Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Machynlleth before alighting at Penhelig Halt. What a journey that was. On the return trip all the lads who were travelling home by train were told to change trains at Machynlleth. When we got to Dovey Junction the Euston Express from Aberystwyth was already at the station so a few of us got off very quickly and boarded the waiting train and managed to find seats. When it eventually got to Machynlleth all the passengers from our previous train were waiting on the platform and the train was in the sidings there to allow the express through. I remember the Euston Express must have had about six or eight carriages behind a diesel loco. This is probably why Dovey Junction has such a long platform on the Aberystwyth side.

[@hughwilloughby8590]

There used to be a 1-a-day direct diesel service to London, originally to Paddington, then latterly to Euston (when I used it in the ‘80s). 6 or 8 carriages behind a class 37 loco.

[@aldo5428]

I’m surprised nobody mentioned Malcolm Roots fantastic atmospheric painting of Dovey Junction in steam days, depicting Manor Class, 7820 Dinmore Manor calling at the station with the Cambrian Coast Express with a view down the wooden platform showing some of the station buildings on a wet and overcast day with a throng of passengers changing trains including schoolboys sitting on suitcases in shorts noting numbers. Have the Waddingtons jigsaw…

[@user-gc1ky2rf3y]

Quite amazing to see the ETCS signs at Dovey Junction.

[@smjrn63]

Isolated but with such a lovely view it would be worth a visit. I haved added it to my working list for next year when I make it back to the U.K. This Florida girl will have to bundle up it looks chilly😊

[@JB-ek4yx]

There's already a pair of 2car 197's based at Machynlleth shed for driver training and fettling with the ERTMS signalling system to get it working so TFW can give their 158's the boot.

[@Alexisamuppet]

I remember around 5 years ago I got off here to run along and grab a bus to Aberystwyth from a bus stop along the main road 😂

[@RomySews]

You should add defibrillator to your station checklist. I’m surprised and impressed that there’s one at such a remote station!

[@ystumanner1142]

The final batch of 2 car 197 units to be built by CAF at Newport will all be fitted with ETCS equipment to enable them to operate west of Sutton Bridge Junction in Shrewsbury. They will be based at Machynlleth. Delivery is expected to commence later this year and once testing and driver training has been completed, should come into service in 2025.

[@Sim0nTrains]

I remember looking at this route ages ago online and that Station house at the end of the path at 9:15 is that is site of the former Glandyfi Station which closed in 1965. Great Video Geoff and looking forward to the request stop video soon.

[@iancrane1188]

My family had a holiday in a camping coach at Glydyfi Station, around 1958. We walked along the path to the Junction to get a train to Pwllheli. All trains hauled by steam locomotives, of course. Thanks for the memories!

[@Beecosy]

Hi. Woah, first time I passed through Dovey Junction on the train was for my interview at the University college Aberystwyth in 1988. It really did feel like it was in the middle of nowhere :) The seats on those old trains were sideways in some carriages. It was a spectacular view of those hills. Thank you for the trip down memory lane also 🥰

[@harviemilligan1887]

I had a copy of "Stopping Train Britain" by (IIRC) Alexander Frater(?) when I was young, the author interviewed the signaller at Dovey Junction, and got to try working one signal - the effort made him imagine the signaller going home to tear up telephone directories to amuse his grandchildren. The chapter on the Cambrian had referred to the tide coming over the track, and made the place seem very isolated, so when I changed trains there heading from Aberystwyth to Pwlheli in 2004 I walked along the path to the main road and back, to see the "barbed wire" logo sign, and confirm to myself that it wasn't only for changing trains at. The new loop (when did that go in, it wasn't there in 2004?) is the same arrangement as Penrhyn on the Falmouth branch, a long platform with the loop points half way along.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

The new Main Loop was laid in and completed on the 25th May 2009 but it did not come into use until the 19th of March 2011 which I think from memory was when the ERMTS Signalling replaced the old RETB which itself replaced the old Mechanical Signalling on the 31st of October 1988. There used to be a Main Loop in Dovey Junction from its opening in 1867 through to the end of Mechanical Signalling on the 31st October 1988. Earlier there was also a Branch Loop which also was there from the opening to the 11th of May 1986.

[@andyt2510]

Wish I knew the platform layout before we changed here from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli just over a month ago! Only a 5 minute change between those trains! However, we did our first ever request stop of Penychan as this was our destination.

[@caiphillips3377]

Went to Cyffordd Dyfi a few weeks back on a university club trip up to Aberdyfi. A quirk of the system I must say.

[@lincolncityful1]

Great watch thanks

[@mattcanning5291]

From my limited understanding of Welsh pronunciation, Glandyfi is pronounced Glan-Dovey. Hence Dovey Junction / Dyfi Junction.

[@paulsengupta971]

Yes, I came down here to see if anyone had said that. I'm surprised Geoff didn't read the name of Dovey Junction in Welsh and put 2 and 2 together! :-)

[@SteveInskip]

Cheers Geoff. Very interesting…..loved it!

[@roderickjoyce6716]

Once upon a time Dovey Junction had lower quadrant semaphores and a signal box, and yes, there were passing loops on both sides and some rather forlorn sidings. I first visited the station in 1966, just too late to catch the last steam trains, although the MetroCammell DMUs did give you a better view from the front seats behind the cab. Welsh ospreys seem to like trains. The Dyfed nest isn't far from the station, and the nest webcam (also on KZbin) has shown passing trains in the background in the past (and a year or so ago had a note to say no trains were passing because of a strike). The Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn/Glaslyn Wildlife webcam shows the osprey nest near Port Croesor station on the Welsh Highland line - the cam is often panned to show the WHR trains when the ospreys aren't around.

[@dylanmcfarland8356]

I'm a local in Shrewsbury (even though I live in the outskirts of the town) and I must admit I knew about the exit from Dovey Junction into the main road to the next stop which is Borth, where I've stopped for a few days' holiday. The proof is that if you can look outside on the left-hand side from the train windows you can see it. Believe me, I've been past Dovey Junction before and even changed trains there from Borth to Tywin and vice versa.

[@heldvomerdbeerfeld]

Love these videos!

[@MikolajCzyta]

Very interesting video, Geoff. Keep doing more videos as interesting as this one, and the previous videos and I am sure the number of video like will increase and the number of subscribers will also increase!😊

[@roundhouses]

Some years ago we decided to catch the Aberystwyth portion of the train and change at Dovey Junction for the portion to Pwllheli as there was about 4 minutes in between them and it had been may years since being on Dovey Junction station. However we didn't know that the Aberystwyth platform had been extended that long and we had to run to make the Pwllheli train. We just made it. We passed through there only a week ago on our way from Barmouth to Cardiff on our travels.

[@geoffreyford7288]

In about 1960 the family had a holiday at Barmouth. I was only 10 but my brother who was 10 years older. I wanted to go to the Vale of Rhydal at Aberystwyth. We caught the train down but don't remember where we changed. On our way back we had to change at Dovey Junction as the two trains crossed at Machynlleth. While waiting a green light engine arrived from the Barmouth line. The signalman came out of his box and asked the driver 'where are you going to?' The driver replied Shrewsbury, so the signalman told him to go into one of the sidings. My brother thought this was a hilarious, i was too young to fully understand, but years later he would often have a chuckle if the conversation turned to the Cambrian Line.

[@bradleigh10]

Many many years ago we was on a family holiday to Aberystywth and wanted to catch the train to Barmouth. We got to the station but there was a long wait for the train and the ticket clerk said to drive to Dovey Junction as there was a train due in like an hour or so.. We did that and ran up the path to catch the train, my dad managed to get to the platform and tell the guard to wait as my mum in her flip flops was waaaay behind 😅 We managed to all get on the train, but the guard was not happy and I think we delayed the service by about 5 minutes. IIRC it was a 158 in Central trains colours.

[@anthonyjames5042]

As a former Aber student great to see love for Dovey Junct

[@John2Ward]

You must be a lovey Dovey...

[@domc8247]

I pass this nearly every year on my way to Barmouth great video

[@holdingpointaviation]

1:52 The 197's are coming to the Birmingham-Shrewsbury-Aberwystryth/Pwhelli and Birmingham-Shrewsbury-Holyhead/Llandudno/Chester line as the last batch because they need to feature ETCS, which is why only the 158 150 and 153's serve B'ham with TFW, 175s did not have ETCS and did not operate this route. The last197s will feature ETCS to be able to operate this line

[@stuartshurlock5925]

I once travelled to Barmouth from the Shrewsbury direction a while ago and the journey planner told me to change at Dovey Junction. Luckily I soon twigged that the train actually split at Machynlleth. However I got into talking with a lady who had previously travelled from Barmouth to Shrewsbury and been similarly advised to change at Dovey Junction, which she attempted to do. Fortunately she was rescued by a kind local who drove her to Machynlleth to avoid waiting in such an exposed place in the dark! Sadly, the OS map fails to show the path to the main road, with not even a grey dotted line. OpenStreetMap does show it, but only if you zoom in close.

[@mrmouse7642]

I love that area. Reminds me of when my now adult daughter was little and she and I would visit that area from Milton Keynes area doing everything by train and bus. Truly wonderful. Always wondered why anyone would change at Dovey Junction when you could change at Machynlleth as all relevant trains split at Machynlleth. Over to you Geoff. PS I'm/was called Geoff (Geoff with a G, by my third name for the first 18 years of my life), who of our generation has that name? I may be a bit older born in the 60s. Had our daughter been a boy she would have had the dubious honour of being named Geoffrey after both her grandfathers and me.

[@RichyRail_]

As a former local to this area, I would love to see Geoff try to pronounce all the stations along the Cambrian Coastline. Have fun with Penrhyndeudraeth!

[@geofftech2]

Oh I saw that one and just thought, “nope!” Ha HAA 😅

[@llwyde1104]

I could teach you in 10 minutes flat😅

[@BrianMurfitt]

Hi Geoff, this was a great video. I'd never heard of this place before, it looks so remote, but so interesting and windy. It's a pity you didn't take a walk to the bird sanctuary and the castle, but I could see you weren't prepared for it (you should have worn warmer clothes)! Can you do another video of Dovey Junction again in the summer and then video/visit the bird sanctuary and the castle? That would be brilliant. 🕊️🏰🤗

[@ystumanner1142]

The Aberystwyth platform at Dovey Junction was always this long. It enabled the portion of a train from Pwllheli to set back onto the portion from Aber sitting in the platform and still have the whole train platformed. Such trains as the Cambrian Coast Express. There were run-round loops for both platforms, enabling loco movements. I'm not sure how long after the end of steam (early 60s) such arrangements lasted and clearly, from your old photos, the track had been rationalized by the early 80s.

[@geofftech2]

fantastic info, thanks!

[@grahvis]

It would also allow for passengers changing from the long holiday trains to Aberystwyth, the platform there is very long. There was some rationalisation during the 80s, for example Caersws lost its passing loop, which interestingly was not at the station itself but the other side of the road. When in use, trains to Machynlleth after stopping, reversed back on to it,

[@TheLondonguy]

Awesome video

[@ajbonmg]

Fancy going to Wales with no suitable coat! 🌧🎐😄

[@southcalder]

I suspect the “path” is more for the convenience of Network Rail and TfW staff. The last thing anyone would want in the event of a points failure is to have to wait on the Machynlleth S&T walking miles down the track. Also, platforms 20/1, 19/2 and 7/11 at Waverley in Edinburgh have similar mid platform points, as does Penryn in Cornwall. It’s a great idea for rural stations as the cost of a new second platform would scupper the hopes of a passing loop otherwise (mainly due to modern and quite right requirements for access for all, imagine having to put in a lift at Dovey Jcn?).

[@mittfh]

There is a rumour that once upon a time, RagAberRag had a "Dovey Junction Challenge" - take the last train out in the evening, camp on the platform overnight, then take the first train in the morning back...

[@GlobeSync1]

Great and informative video Geoff! I would have never known about somthing so intresting eithout your channel, keep making great video's!

[@jamyt123]

In 2013 I was part of the Aberystwyth University Real Ale Society's first (well only...) Dovey Junction Beer festival on the platform. Probably the only thing to have happened there before and since!

[@adrianpeters2413]

No video filmed in Wales, is complete without rain .... good video as your latest one on barmouth bridge 😊😊😊😊.....

[@6666steved]

Goodness Geoff, you're getting around a bit these days with Guildford, Highgate and Dovey Junction in three successive videos. Nice.

[@katesonanadventure]

1km from Station Entrance to platform? I wonder if there are any which are further on the UK rail network. Maybe on the tube somewhere perhaps? St Pancras front entrance to the far end of the EMR? Who knows

[@fromabove2024]

4 carriages to Aberystwyth is very rare 😮

[@geofftech2]

Good spot! the guard told me that there was a techinical fault one of the sets, so they were being moved/taken out of service. on the way back [ same train, four carriages ] the rear two weren't in use, and they weren't letting passengers on them.

[@tom201090]

I have left a train at Dovey Junction before and walked 3/4 of a mile (15-20 mins) to the nearest road to catch a bus.