The green heart of Wales looks like this
The line Heart of Wales, linking the towns of Shrewsbury (England) and swansea, is a wonderful train journey that, as its name suggests, tour the most amazing landscapes in the heart of Wales.
The train is making its journey since 1868 , but the beauty of the landscape and the influx of tourists has meant that recently, besides on rails, a new way of enjoying the itinerary has been incorporated: walking.
Thus the **Heart of Wales Line Trail** has been created, a path that follows the railway line and coincides with its stops at the different stations, so that people can choose which sections of the road to do on foot and which by train or in which towns to spend the night.
The railroad as it passes through Sugar Loaf
"The entire road is 229 km long and could take about 10 days to complete," Rachel Francis, from Heart of Wales Line Development Co, tells Traveler.es
A TRAIL THROUGH THE GREEN HEART OF WALES
The trail is now open Shropshire, much of Carmarthenshire, and the city of Swansea and the full route – with the addition of the Powys section – is scheduled to open Starting March 28 this year.
“It is suitable for people looking for a long distance challenge and also for those who want to go through it in sections, using the train to come for a day or a weekend walk”, explains Rachel.
Infinite forests, green meadows, wild rivers, imposing mountains, charming villages... “Above all, it is the ideal location for those looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of Wales first-hand,” says Rachel.
Radnor Forest in Powys
FROM THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN TO THE DEEPEST FOREST
It is a route where lovers of nature and fresh air will enjoy each of the sections: “The trail begins gently at Craven Arms, Shropshire, but soon it rises to remote highlands, plunges into wooded valleys and, finally, arrives at the captivating salt flats of the Loughor Valley”, Rachel explains to us.
“The final stretch leads to Millennium Coastal Park and to the goal, llanelli , a city proud of its industrial heritage”, she concludes.
The impressive Cynghordy Viaduct
FIRST SECTION: ENTERING NATURE
Our adventure begins in Craven Arms (Shropshire), town we reached by train from Cardiff. here it starts the first section of the trail, the 33 kilometers that link the Craven Arms and Knighton.
Beginning with the Craven Arms, the Shropshire Hills are immortalized in Housman's poetry as one of the most tranquil places under the sun. Most of the population in the area are artisans and peasants and throughout the summer shows, open days and events where they show their products”, Rachel tells us.
If we keep walking, we'll see lush river valleys shaded by alder trees once used to make clogs. "These water meadows give way to green slopes that rise to forested hills, which were hunting grounds for our ancestors," she adds.
Forest near Llandovery
SECOND STRETCH: POWYS COUNTY
The Powys section begins in the town of Knightton. The first bit, about 7 kilometers long, will take you to Knucklas, where you will find its impressive viaduct. Make a stop in this small village near the Teme river, to admire its castle.
As you drive through Powys through the highland moors of the ancient county of Radnorshire, you will hear the sound of larks, pipits and red kites, also known as 'Red Kites'.
The spa town of Llandrindod Wells
This high ground gives way to Bwlch-y-ffridd, where patches of rough grass and tussocky grass dominate the landscape and the sheep graze freely.
“Watch out for special breeds of sheep: Beulah Speckled Face, Hill Radnor and Kerry Hill,” notes Rachel.
Along the entire path it is worth making a few stops at the ancient spa towns of Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Llangammarch Wells and finally, Llanwrtyd Wells.
You only have 18 kilometers left to the second viaduct on the route! Do we continue on foot or do we get on the train?
THIRD SECTION: THE BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK
After traversing (walking or on rails) the other great viaduct on the route, Cynghordy, located in Carmarthenshire, you will see the Brecon Beacons National Park, where you will find places as curious as Myddfai, a small town of barely 400 inhabitants famous for the legend of 'The Lady of the Lake'.
The most adventurous can not miss the views from Garn Goch, a hill to the western fringe of the Brecon Beacons.
Llandovery Castle Ruins
Also come to snoop around the ruins of the castles of Llandovery and Carreg Cennen. “South of Llandeilo the landscape changes and fills with old limestone quarries, industrial works and furnaces, while the cities remember their coal mining history," Rachel tells us.
Even if you go on foot, go visit Sugar Loaf, the most remote station on the Heart of Wales Line. His name is also the nearby hill, which has a curious resemblance to a sugar loaf and whose viewpoint invites you to enjoy a pleasant picnic with views.
FINAL STRETCH: THE WALES COAST
“When you arrive at Pontarddulais, you will be able to contemplate the Loughor Estuary and the Gower Peninsula . From there, it's hard to believe that the area was once a hotbed of industrial development, but within a mile there are remains of quarries and wells, and factories that produce coal, stone and tinplate for export around the world,” says Rachel.
The final stretch continues along the estuary to the village of Loughor for join the Welsh Coast Path and then heads west along the coast to Llanelli (Swansea).
"There's also an alternative route that is recommended when the tide is high and occupies the path”, notes Rachel.
Lookout near Llandrindod
“The trail joins the Camino de la Costa to Llanelli passing through the Wetlands Center and the Millennium Coastal Park Discovery Center in Llanelli, about 229 kilometers from the starting line that we left behind at Carven Arms”, says Rachel.
ALL READY FOR SPRING
At the end of March, coinciding with the launch of the Powys section, it will also be available a guide to the Heart of Wales Line Trail from Kittiwake Books.
As with the railway line, there is great support for the trail from the community . Each locality is in charge of taking care of its station, keeping it clean and cared for, and "we have also established groups called 'Campeones del Camino' to review and preserve it," says Rachel.
“This trail has been the dream of many walkers for many years, and it has finally come true,” And we couldn't be more excited to walk through the green heart of Wales!
The beautiful Loughor Estuary