The Heart of Wales Line has been named as one of the best train trips in the world by National Geographic, and is the only UK route to feature on the list of esteemed railway lines
The Heart of Wales Line has been picked out as one of the best train trips in the globe, standing shoulder to shoulder with such illustrious giants as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express and the Norient Express, according to National Geographic.
This Welsh gem, which links Craven Arms in England to Llanelli, is celebrated for its scenic three-and-a-half-hour journey that showcases “heathery mountains, cascading rivers and castles that glower darkly over the rails.” The route’s “lo-fi charm” and leisurely pace earned it a spot on the coveted list.
It shares the limelight with other spectacular train rides like Peru’s Hiram Bingham line, famous for its trek towards the iconic Machu Picchu, and the Rocky Mountaineer in the US, known for its breathtaking red rocky scenery between Moab and Denver, reports Wales Online.
Lavishing praise upon the only UK entrant, National Geographic hailed the Heart of Wales Line, saying: “The Heart of Wales Line is sometimes described as a railway line that time forgot – a sleepy, single-track artery that cuts diagonally across the centre of the country, clattering over castellated Victorian viaducts and through rustic stations where passengers must flag down services with a hopeful outstretched thumb.
“Railway aficionados ride it for its lo-fi charm – but holidaymakers, too, can use it to explore the quiet Cambrian hinterland at speeds rarely exceeding 30mph, alighting at quaint spa towns like Llandrindod Wells, discovering battle-scarred castles like those at Dinefwr and Llandovery or setting out on bracing walks in the uplands of Elenydd, where the treeless slopes brood over the rails. Seat from £18.”
Train enthusiasts are drawn to the Heart of Wales Line for its old-school charm, but it’s also a fantastic way for holidaymakers to explore the tranquil Cambrian hinterland. Travelling at a leisurely pace, rarely exceeding 30mph, you can hop off at charming spa towns like Llandrindod Wells, explore historic castles such as Dinefwr and Llandovery, or embark on invigorating walks in the Elenydd uplands.
Tickets start from just £18. On Tuesday, February 25, Transport for Wales unveiled the first of six revamped cycle travel trains on this line, set to accommodate up to 12 bicycles or e-bikes by summer. These bike-friendly carriages will offer 108 seats alongside space for 12 bikes.
If you fancy exploring the world and have a bit of time to spare, there is no better way to do it than on a train. Recently we highlighted five of the prettiest in the world.
On the list is Portugal’s Douro Line, which is a spectacular journey to ‘nowhere’. Stretching 99 miles, you will start off your journey by boarding a Wes Anderson-esque carriage, before meandering along the Douro River valley from Porto to Pocinho past vineyards and tiny hilltop villages.
The trip lasts 15 days, starting in London. The train the travels through Nimes in France, Madrid in Spain, Porto and Pocinho in Portugal — where the train stops — Vigo, Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastián in Spain and Bordeaux in France, before heading back to London. Prices start at £1,985 per person.