One of the world's most “magnificent” train journeys traverse the North Wales coastline and lies in the heart of Mid Wales. The legendary Cambrian Railway runs over 120 miles, and its adoring natural beauty ranks as one of the most scenic railway routes in the world.
Starting at Shrewsbury, near the Welsh border, the mainline runs west. Along the way, passengers enjoy spectacular views of Welsh Pool, Newtown, Carls and Machinless. At Machynlleth Station, passengers have the option of jumping on the northbound coastline, taking them along with the Welsh West Coast Line and dropping in picturesque shelters of Aberdyfi, Tywyn, Fairbourne, Barmouth, Harlech, Minffordd, Porthmadog, Criccieth and Pwllhelimation.
Alternatively, you can choose Southbound Service. Southbound Service heads towards the stunning coastal areas of Bose and Abelistis.
The line offers passengers the opportunity to see incredible landscapes, explore coastal trails, visit UNESCO-listed sites and visit ancient castles, a Wales online report reports.
The price is a bargain. “Any Time Day Return” tickets between Aberystwyth and Pwllheli cost just £23.10 and offer a round trip of almost eight hours.
Completed in the 1860s, the Cambrian Railway has been hailed by Visiting Wales as “an incredible feat of Victorian engineering.”
“The railroad lines are pretty dramatic, where they cling to high cliffs and holes running through tunnels except from the rocks,” said Karen Wylan, representing the Welsh Government Tourism Bureau.
“Train rides themselves can be on the go for a day, but there are things to do along the way. There are outdoor and water sports enthusiasts, heritage and history fans, and families looking for the beach that will make that perfect sandcastle.”
She added:
“To head west through a vibrant sunset is truly special, like the Cambrian line.”
The Cambrian Railway attracts visitors from all over the world, and the Guardian has previously listed the routes from Doby Junction north of Aberystwyth to pwllheli in the world's “most epic train journey.”
This honorable list includes routes such as John Fraburn in Switzerland and trips to San Francisco from Chicago in the US.
The Guardian states: “From the halt of solitary demands at Dovey Junction, the Cambrian coastline is so closely stuck to the edge of Cardigan Bay that damage from ocean storms is often found.
“The train travels for nearly two and a half hours along one of the most picturesque railway lines in England, crossing the 150-year-old Barmouth Bridge, half a mile long along the Mauddach River.
“They will then skirt beautiful Port Myrion on the other side of the sandy Dwide Estuary, offering a major view of Harlek and Clitchie's castle.”
