SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 2025

The Heart of Wales line is a rambling railway that time forgot, a single track that sets course from the once disputed borderland and Marches of Herefordshire and Shropshire, right across the hills and valleys of rural central Wales. 

With everyone on board we glide along the South Wales Mainline, through Newport, Cardiff and industrial Port Talbot, as our excursion heads for the Swansea District Line. From here we bear right and join the 90 mile Heart of Wales line, meandering diagonally across the rural heartland of Wales. The line follows the Loughor River to Pantyffynnon then into the Towy Valley between the market towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery. A climb up the Afon Bran valley leads to Cynghordy viaduct and on to Sugar Loaf summit, before descent to Llanwrtyd Wells, famous for its annual Bog snorkelling World Championships! 

From Victorian Llandrindod Wells we follow the rolling hill country to reach the tunnel marking the summit at Llangynllo, then down the the Heyop Valley to cross the castellated Knucklas viaduct. From here we drop down to Knighton, where the station straddles both Wales and England! 

We then pass through sheep country and to Craven Arms, from where we make for Shrewsbury, our destination. Here there will be around 90 minutes to enjoy the splendour of this county market town, set in the loop of the river Severn, with the station near to the centre.

Under way again the route leads south along the picturesque Welsh Marches, with rolling hills providing the backdrop as we skirt the Welsh Border. Before too long we cross the River Usk at Newport and rejoin the South Wales mainline towards England, returning passengers to their joining stations to end this wonderful day out.

A pair of English Electric Class 37 locomotives, courtesy of West Coast Railway Company, are expected to haul this train throughout. 

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ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and four course Evening Dinner
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

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