Lakeside (RWS)

Lakeside is a station on the northern end of the Skarloey Railway, reached by a loop line.

History
In 1963, the Skarloey Railway began preliminary work to construct a loop around Skarloey Lake. The loop line was completed in time for the railway's Centenary Celebrations in June 1965. It deviates from the main line at Lakeside Junction, and runs round and above the lake on a ledge cut in the hillside among the trees. Lakeside is the sole station on the line, and serves a picnic area. The loop was mostly financed by the sale of the old Ward Fell slate quarry to the Ministry of Defence.

The loop line has proved its worth as a successful tourist attraction. From Easter to Christmas all passenger trains between 10.30am and 4.00pm run round the lake through magnificent scenery; but for the rest of the year, when traffic is mainly local, the old main line direct to Skarloey station is used.

Appearances
Railway Series=

The Railway Series

 * Very Old Engines - Duck and Dukes
 * Great Little Engines - Pop-Special

Trivia

 * Although Lakeside's Talyllyn Railway equivalent is Nant Gwernol, the two extensions are very different. The Lakeside extension actually pre-dates the TR's Nant Gwernol extension.