Walkers from as far afield as Aberdeen and London joined a series of walks organised by the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) on 4-7 July to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the launch of the Heart of Wales Line Trail.
The Trail is an end-to-end walking route between Craven Arms and Llanelli, which weaves along the Heart of Wales Railway Line, passing through, or near, to each of its stations.
Since its launch, a growing number of walkers have used the Trail either as a long-distance, multi-day challenge, or for shorter walks, often in combination with a journey on the line. The Trail has brought new leisure travellers to the line and to the area, delivering benefits to local communities and businesses, as well as providing route options for local walkers.
To celebrate the success of the Trail so far, the Heart of Wales Line CRP were pleased to organise four one-day walks. The timing and routes of the walks were designed to allow attendees to arrive and depart on the Heart of Wales Line service.
Those enjoying the walks included Richard Whiting, the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Officer; Les Lumsdon, the author of the Heart of Wales Line Trail Guidebook; and members of the Trail Steering Group, who have been instrumental in establishing the Trail and its success so far.
On Day 3, the Heart of Wales Line CRP were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Llandovery, Handel Davies, who joined the walk from Cynghordy to Llandovery. He said: “I was delighted to be able to support the Heart of Wales Line Trail and to see the beauty of the route and surrounding landscape by joining their anniversary walk from Cynghordy, where I was born and raised, to Llandovery where I live now.
“I know that the whole length of the route offers further opportunities for wonderful walking, through a variety of beautiful landscapes, and my wife and I hope to enjoy many more in the future, both locally and further afield.”
Martin Clarke, Support and Sustainability Manager from Community Rail Network, attended on Day 1, and said: “The Heart of Wales Line Trail is a great example of how Community Rail can support and deliver projects which encourage active travel, complement the rail service, and bring benefits to local communities through providing opportunities for leisure activity and encouraging visitors to the area.”
For more information on the Heart of Wales Line Trail route, visit the CRP’s website.
