Heart of Wales Line Hailed as Europe's Top Rail Journey by Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet ranks the Heart of Wales railway line among Europe's best rail journeys, highlighting its scenic diversity from South Wales estuaries to medieval English cities.

 

The Heart of Wales railway line has been acclaimed by the esteemed travel guide Lonely Planet as one of Europe's premier rail journeys. This prestigious recognition places the Welsh route alongside other remarkable train rides such as France's Le Petit Train Jaune, Switzerland's Bernina Express, and the Brenner Railway that traverses Germany, Austria, and Italy.

Spanning nearly 200km from Swansea to Shrewsbury, the journey unfolds over four hours, showcasing a breathtaking array of landscapes. Travelers are treated to a visual feast that includes the sand-fringed estuaries of South Wales and extends to the historic charm of England’s medieval cities. The route meanders through picturesque villages like Llandeilo and Llandovery, before reaching the northern locales of Craven Arms and Church Stretton.

Marie Daly, from Transport for Wales, celebrated the line's international accolade, noting its appeal to both leisure seekers and those relying on it for essential connectivity in Mid Wales and the Borders. She invited potential visitors to embark on this journey, promising an immersive experience of Wales’ dramatic terrain and charming towns.

Transport for Wales is leveraging this recognition to promote sustainable travel options within Wales, directing visitors to explore the array of accessible attractions via public transport through their platform, www.walesonrails.co.uk.

Echoing the sentiment, Owen Griffkin, associated with the Heart of Wales Community Rail Partnership, expressed pride in the global acknowledgment of the line's scenic beauty. He anticipates that such recognition will boost tourism and provide economic uplift to the communities along the railway, underlining the strategic importance of this acknowledgment in future promotional efforts.