Barmouth Bridge Temporary Closure – alternative routes

 

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 Friday 24th November 2023 – Footpath across viaduct closed

From Saturday 2 September to Saturday end /Sunday 3rd December 2023 – railway across bridge CLOSED. Bus replacement service.

 

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 don’t need to miss out on epic views of this extraordinary structure and you can still get over to Barmouth.

 

Here’s our tips for alternative routes:

 

 

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.  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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.