Whilst on your train journey, have you ever wondered what the landmark you’re passing is, or would you like to learn more about the geography, history, and culture of the area you are travelling through?
Passengers on the Cambrian Line can now connect to the world outside the train window as they travel on one of Wales’ most scenic railway lines with the launch of the first-ever bilingual Window Seater Audio Guide.
The Cambrian Railway Partnership has partnered with Window Seater to bring passengers geolocated, localised, bilingual, audio stories as they travel along the route from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and along the coast to Pwllheli.
The Window Seater app connects rail travellers to the world outside their window, free of charge, with place-based audio guides that draw on stories from communities along the line.
It is hoped the introduction of the Window Seater Audio Guide will encourage those visiting the area to engage more with local activities once they complete their train journey. It could also support local social and economic development whilst visitors to the area shift to greener travel.
The project has been funded by the Community Rail Development Fund, Transport for Wales Challenge Fund, and the Cambrian Railway Partnership.
Claire Williams, Cambrian Railway Partnership Development Officer, said: “We hope passengers agree that use of the guide will enhance their train journey in a fun and engaging way, making for a more satisfied and sentimental experience. The guide will be available to listen to in English and Welsh and aims to promote our region’s culture and identity.”
Marcus Allender, Window Seater Business Development Director, said: “The Window Seater guide harnesses the passion and knowledge of locals into an easy-to-use app, allowing Cambrian Line passengers to connect to the people who know the stories along the railways best – getting beneath the surface of the most famous sights and uncovering hidden gems of history, geography, culture and more.”
Even if you can’t travel on the Cambrian Line, you can still listen to the stories and perhaps reminisce on your previous journeys. Download the Window Seater App on the App Store or Google Play.
Keep up to date with future news, projects, and events from the Cambrian Railway Partnership via their website.
