The Heart of Wales line is a 121-mile rural railway between Swansea and Shrewsbury going through Carmarthenshire, Powys and Shropshire, and has been named one of the best
A stunning Welsh railway route has been hailed as one of the “world’s greatest”, and given its awe-inspiring vistas of the lush Welsh landscape, it’s not hard to understand why. The Heart of Wales line, a 121-mile rural railway journey from Swansea to Shrewsbury, meanders through Carmarthenshire, Powys and Shropshire.
The Telegraph has featured this cherished route in its compilation of the “world’s greatest” train journeys. This beloved line offers a picturesque, leisurely way to soak up breath-taking views and experience a sense of nostalgia.
“It’s not the longest train journey ridden in full, just 120 miles over about four hours. But there’s a magic to it”, the publication noted, which collates insights from several of their writers on the world’s top train journeys.
Since its inception, the journey has won the hearts of countless travellers. It was gradually established between 1861 and 1868, finally opening as a complete route in 1868, with five different railway companies contributing to its construction over a span of 29 years.
Over time, it has evolved with varying schedules, new trains and progressive modernisation, reports Wales Online.
The publication added: “Boarding in south Wales, popping out in Shropshire, disappearing into wild borderlands in between, it’s a bit Alice in Wonderland, like you’ve gone down a very green rabbit hole.”
“The rural Heart of Wales Line connects the midst-of-nowhere communities of the Welsh Marches. Well, it does if you ask; many of its lyrical halts Pontarddulais, Llangadog, Llangammarch, Llangunllo are request stops, so you must stick out your arm.
“Along the way, it passes lovely Llandeilo, pointy Sugar Loaf hill, the handsome viaducts of Cynghordy and Knucklas. It’s accompanied by a Heart of Wales Line Trail, which you can use to walk between stations. Oddly, it’s busiest over winter: Welsh pensioners can ride for free from October to late March. So they do. My off-season journey was packed with over-65s out for the day, tables filled with nibbles and wine. Take your own. Raise a glass to Welsh wonderland.”
Described as a “rural lifeline”, the route is a gorgeous way to take in Welsh landscapes, as well as stop off at some amazing places along the way. As well as enjoying railway heritage, vibrant towns, independent coffee shops and restaurants and a whole range of places to stay, you could easily turn your journey into a weekend jaunt or a longer trip depending on how many stops you want to get off at around mid Wales and the borders.
Each stop along the Heart of Wales Line is characterised by the Heart of Wales as a “gateway to a community.”
As they point out on their website: “Unlike urban stations with a high footfall, we have few commercial cafes or newsagents on stations along the Heart of Wales Line, other than at the larger stations either end. Instead, stations are made available to local people – gardeners, rail enthusiasts, small rural enterprises and volunteers.”
For those who aren’t in a rush, it’s certainly an ideal opportunity for a couple of adventures. Judging from the accolades it has garnered over time, the Heart of Wales journey tends to leave a lasting mark on travellers as it offers them a chance to truly experience a different lifestyle depending on their chosen mode of travel.
