Barmouth Bridge Temporary Closure – alternative routes

by | Aug 16, 2023 | General News, Walks and Bike Rides

Work on Barmouth Bridge | ycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail

Barmouth Bridge closure 2023

Barmouth Bridge enters the final phase of  a multi million pound restoration programme in Autumn 2023. The iconic viaduct across the Mawddach Estuary will be closed on the following dates:
 

From Thursday 31st August to Sunday 3rd December 2023 – Footpath across viaduct closed. Railway also closed to trains.

 

Alternative Barmouth Cycle Trails

Although you will not be able to travel over the bridge to Barmouth from Graig Wen’s side of the estuary during this period, you’ve still got the Mawddach Trail to explore all the way to the seaside at Fairbourne and you don’t need to miss out on epic views of this extraordinary structure and many other brilliant trails to discover around Snowdonia cycling. There’s still scenic routes over to Barmouth.
 
Here’s our tips for alternative routes from our Snowdonia accommodation on the Mawddach Trail:
 

The Mawddach Trail to Dolgellau, Fairbourne Beach

 
Cycle or walk the Mawddach Trail past Morfa Mawddach train station, crossing the rail tracks at the established crossing. Continue along the Mawddach Trail to the beach at Fairbourne – it’s a stunning stretch of the trail with big open views.  You can enjoy wonderful views of the bridge as you go and see the engineering workers and their machinery right out in the estuary and on the bridge. Continue into Fairbourne for drinks, ice-creams or a meal at The Penrhyn Bar and Grill or one of the cafes. You can get good picnic food at the convenience stores (try the Keralan pasty!) there’s also a fish and chip shop and Kebab shop. Fairbourne beach is long and lovely (sandy when the tide goes out) and dogs are welcome on most of the beach all year.
ycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail
ycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail
ycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail

Take the ferry from The Point

The passenger ferry runs until the end of October (weather permitting) between The Point and Barmouth. Bikes, dogs and pushchairs all welcome! The trip only takes a few minutes but there are fantastic views of the bridge. The ferry goes from the beach opposite Barmouth, just beyond the Fairbourne steam railway terminus. It costs around £2.50 each way until 4pm ish.
 
The fun way to get to The Point is on the Fairbourne Steam Railway (check timetable first). You could also cycle or drive and walk the last few hundred meters. There is free but limited parking near The Point.
Barmouth Ferry | ycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail
Barmouth Ferry number | ycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail
Cycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail
Fairbourne railway, Snowdonia family attraction

Drive to Barmouth via Penmaenpool Toll Bridge

 
The Penmaenpool Toll Bridge is another Grade 2 listed wooden toll bridge suitable for cars and small camper vans. It is currently open until 9pm until mid-September when it will close slightly earlier. Drive across it for the scenic road route to Barmouth.  Stop off at the George III pub by Penmaenpool Toll Bridge for a pint or pub grub.
When this toll bridge is closed, you can always drive around the main road which just takes a few minutes longer.
 
Walk from Morfa Mawddach around Fegla Fawr
 
Explore the interesting headland of Fegla Fawr and you can watch the work on the bridge en route. From Morfa Mawddach, walk along the Mawddach Trail towards Barmouth Bridge. Take the signposted footpath on the right through a small gate.  Read more about the historic curiosities on this walk here.
Penmaenpool Toll Bridge | ycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail
George pub near Graig Wen holiday accommodation, Snowdonia
George II pub, close to Graig Wen snowdonia accommodation
ycle friendly accommodation Snowdonia | Snowdonia Cycling | Barmouth cycle trail | the Mawddach trail Dolgellau | Traws Eryri trail

Travelling to Graig Wen by train

During the period Barmouth Viaduct  is closed you can still reach Graig Wen easily by public transport.  A bus replaces the train from Machynlleth to Fairbourne but it follows a similar route around the coast to the train and doesn’t take much longer.

Barmouth Bridge restoration work

The £30 million restoration project has been taking place in phases over the last 3 years. The contractors are working hard in all weathers, sometimes 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The bridge looks spectacular lit up at night while they work. This year they are replacing the large metal span elements of the viaduct.

Check the latest updates from Network Rail here

Barmouth Bridge closure
Check dates and book