5 things the Guardian and Observer missed in the Heart of Wales Line article!
You may have seen the Guardian and Observer recently gave the Heart of Wales line some much needed publicity last weekend.
Although we were pleased to see that the 122 mile railway line that runs through the very “heart” of Wales from Craven Arms all the way to South Wales was given the platform to reach millions of readers throughout the UK (and the world) we were rather disappointed that many parts of and highlights linked to the line were not included.
The mural of the last native prince of Wales in Builth Wells (Credit: Visit Wales)
However rather than dwell on that fact we thought we would compliment the article by listing 5 other things you can see and do along the Heart of Wales railway line!
1. Prince Llewelyn Monument (Closest Station Cilmeri); The Prince Llewllyn monument at Cilmeri, less than a 5 minute walk from the quiet station marks the spot where the Welsh hero Prince Llywelyn the Last Native Prince of Wales was ambushed and killed in 1282. As well as the monument Cimeri has a cosy pub to stop for a drink and or a bite to eat and a 5 star rated B&B and Holiday cottages in the shape of Pwllgwilym to stay for a night or two!
2. Visit Spa Town of Builth Wells (Closest Station Builth Road) The Prince Llewelyn theme continues in the town of Builth Wells with a mural plastered across one the buildings in the town centre. However there is much more to Builth than a painting on a wall. There is plenty to see and do in this vibrant market town including the popular Wye Valley walk! Builth Wells is also a stones throw away from the Royal Welsh Show Ground, in the nearby Llanelwedd with events year round, the most popular being the Royal Welsh Show, the biggest agricultural show in Europe in July each year!
3. Discover the Elan Valley (Closest Station Llandrindod Wells) Although you will need to catch a bus or take a taxi (although we would recommend our very own Welsh Overland Safari “Grand Tour of the Elan Valley); the Elan Valley dams are not to be missed (24 miles from Llandrindod Wells station). Elan Valley is at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and as well as the 6 Victorian dams each with its own piece of history this International Dark Skies Park also has a vibrant Visitor Centre where you can walk from and gather information from the staff and rangers!
Guests enjoying a tour!
4. Explore the Brecon Beacons (Closest Station Sugar Loaf) The Brecon Beacons is one of 3 national parks in Wales and the Sugar Loaf station, recently announced as the station in the United Kingdom with the lowest footfall is one station to can get off and explore this national park. You are also only two and half miles north of the market town of Abergavenny which hosts an annual food festival each September!
5. Take a Welsh Overland Safari Tour (Closest Station take your pick!) Ok so we maybe slightly biased. But we have 8 set tours as well as the flexibility for you to tailor a tour to your needs and we can’t think of a better way to learn and see this beautiful part of the world in just one day! With flexibility to pick you up from a number of stations on the Heart of Wales line why not take advantage and enjoy a 5 star Trip Advisor rated tour with our tour guide Richard!