Peter Kerslake says "Not a soul in sight here at a deserted but clearly well cared for Harlech station, despite it being July of 1954, and such a contrast to the scene regularly enjoyed on the days when the local Livestock Markets took place, when the station was a scene of hectic activity and the little "Dukedog" class locomotives from Portmadoc would be in demand here on both passenger and freight workings. Some ten miles from Barmouth, and overlooked by the nearby Harlech Castle, the station had the fine looking station buildings seen here on the Down Platform which incorporated the stationmaster's dwelling and usual offices together with the typical Great Western design of "Pagoda" shelter on the Up platform serving passengers travelling to Dovey Junction and beyond. Beyond the goods siding on the right of the Up Platform were a couple of "grounded" carriages used for storage and as offices, especially on Livestock Market days, together with a yard for the many cattle lorries which would arrive here with their animals".