The railway stretches more than 120 miles and offers spectacular coastal and mountain views
One of the rail journeys dubbed “most epic in the world” can be found in the heart of mid Wales and runs along the stunning north Wales coastline. The Cambrian Railway, stretching over 120 miles, offers some of the most breath-taking views and is considered one of the most scenic routes globally.
Starting from Shrewsbury, close to the Welsh border, the main line meanders westward through Welshpool, Newtown, Caersws, and Machynlleth, then heads south to the seaside towns of Borth and Aberystwyth. At Machynlleth, you can also opt to hop change trains and travel along the northbound coastal line, running along the western Welsh coast with stops at picturesque locations like Aberdyfi, Tywyn, Fairbourne, Barmouth, Harlech, Minffordd, Porthmadog, Criccieth, and finally Pwllheli.
This rail adventure is a chance to see incredible landscapes, wander coastal trails, and discover World Heritage sites and ancient castles. And best of all, it’s an inexpensive day out. An anytime day return ticket between Aberystwyth and Pwllheli costs just £23.10 for a nearly eight-hour round trip, Wales Online reports.
The Cambrian Railway, completed in the 1860s, has been described by Visit Wales as an “incredible feat of Victorian engineering”. Karen Willans from the Welsh Government’s tourism team said: “The railway line is pretty dramatic; in places it clings to high cliffs and burrows through tunnels hewn from the rock.
“The train ride itself can be a day out but there’s also loads to do along the way. There’s something for everyone outdoor and water sports enthusiasts, heritage and history fans, and families looking for that perfect sandcastle-making beach.
“Whatever you decide to do try to finish off your day watching a spectacular Cardigan Bay sunset from the train or settle down in one of the many seaside pubs or restaurants before catching the last train home. Being west-facing the vivid sunsets really are something special. Just like the Cambrian Line.”
The Cambrian Railway has been internationally recognised, with The Guardian previously ranking the journey from Dovey Junction, north of Aberystwyth, to Pwllheli among the world’s top ’10 most epic train journeys’. This list includes glamorous routes such as the Jungfraubahn in Switzerland and the journey from Chicago to San Francisco in the US.
The article reads: “From the solitary request stop at Dovey Junction, the Cambrian Coast line adheres so closely to the edge of Cardigan Bay that it frequently suffers damage from sea storms. Trains journey for nearly two and a half hours along one of Britain’s most picturesque railway lines, crossing the half-mile-long, 150-year-old Barmouth bridge over the Mawddach river. They then skirt the beautiful Portmeirion on the opposite side of the sandy Dwyryd estuary, providing prime views of Harlech and Criccieth castles.”