Transport for Wales has teamed up with Wales' leading walking charity, Ramblers Cymru, to launch new walks from railway stations across Wales - and you can pull on your walking boots now. The aim of the scheme is to encourage residents and visitors to be more active and explore Welsh communities as well as the lesser known places using public transport.
All the walks start and finish from various railway stations across the Wales and Borders network, with maps available on the Transport for Wales website. In north Wales there are 15 routes, which includes Gwersyllt (Wrexham), Flint, Barmouth, Caergwrle, Prestatyn, Rhosneigr, Penrhyndeudraeth, Newtown, Aberystwyth, Hawarden, Llanrwst, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Pwllheli, Porthmadog and Criccieth. Linear walks could include Colwyn Bay, Bangor and Rhosneigr.
In south Wales, there are seven locations which include Merthyr to Pentrebach, Cardiff Bay, Aberdare, Heath Low Level in Cardiff and Barry Island. Additional linear walks for the south area include Llandeilo to Dinefwr Park, Trehafod to Pontypridd or Cardiff to Penarth.
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According to Transport for Wales, the family-friendly or beginners walks are all under 5km and are relatively easy walks. The partnership between Transport for Wales and Ramblers Cymru coincides with the Visit Wales theme of the Year of the Trails, which is all about finding forgotten treasures, embracing journeys of the senses, and making memories along pathways around attractions, activities, landscapes, and coastlines.
Keep an eye on the website here to join organised walks. These rambles, which have allocated leaders for each trip, include walks from Blaenplwyf to Aberystwyth, Welshpool Circular via Nant-y-caws, Snailbeach to Stiperstones, Ludlow Circular via Gallows Bank, Oakengates to Wellington, Crickhowell to Abergavenny, as well as Corwen to Cynwyd.
However, if you feel like going it alone or with a group of friends, your family or dog, then Transport for Wales alongside Ramblers Cymru have also created a list of walks you can do across Wales. Our railway stations are starting points for plenty of scenic walks found in and around villages, towns and cities the length and breadth of Wales.
So far, Transport for Wales has announced 10 out of 22 walks, with more said to be added soon. Here are the ramble routes you can take across Wales.
Aberdare
From the station, walkers will need to head into the town centre before venturing into the lovely surroundings of Aberdare’s Grade II-listed Victorian park and its boating lake. Walkers can call at a local café or shop on their return journey and enjoy some refreshment on your way back to the station. According to Transport for Wales and Ramblers Cymru, this walk is a great one to try if you have children or use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. There are safe and accessible road crossings, pedestrian bridges and plenty of play areas in the park, which also has public toilets.
Barry Island
Leave the train for a walk along the beautiful Wales Coast Path. On this walk, you can see the Severn Estuary, National Coastal Institution and Second World War coastal artillery buildings. You can also take a stroll along the town's famous promenade and beach. This route’s accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies. You’ll find public toilets in Whitmore Bay, as well as shops and cafes to buy and enjoy refreshments along the way.
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Transport for Wales recommends that you leave the train and pass through the charming high street surrounded by the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. You can follow the famed 'slate trail', where at the top you can see the stunning views across the Moelwyn mountains and Stwlan dam. As there is plenty of uneven terrain here, it is recommended that you bring your walking boots. There are toilets in the town centre, as well as cafes and a pub for once you've completed your walk.
Cardiff Bay
There is plenty to see and visit in this corner of the capital city. From the station, pass the vibrant restaurant scene of Cardiff Bay as well a landmarks like the Senedd, Wales Millennium Centre, Roald Dahl Plass and Pierhead Building. You can then join the water's edge and follow the Wales Coast Path and Cardiff Bay Trail where you'll also catch a glimpse of the Norwegian church. According to Transport for Wales, this one is an easy walk, which is accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
Criccieth
Leave the train and follow the path that crosses the tracks to begin. You can explore the lush greenery of a nature reserve on your way as you follow this trail to the beach, the historic lifeboat station and the mighty fortress of Criccieth Castle. You have the option to stroll across the seafront or the prom, and you’ll find plenty of cafés in the town centre and beachfront if your walk’s given you an appetite. There’re also public toilets in the town centre and near the beach.
Gwersyllt
Once you exit the train at Gwersyllt, you can head over to the beautiful Alyn Waters Country Park, where you'll find the River Alyn as well as a visitor centre and cafe. You'll also find toilets and a playground, great if you’re travelling with children. This is an easy trek, according to Transport for Wales, but it will take some time, so remember to factor this in.
Hawarden
Leave the station and follow the footpath. If you have children, you can stop off at the playground on the way. As you continue on your walk, you can see the church, which is often open to visitors. It is also worth visiting the Gladstone Library - home to a collection of more than 250,000 printed items, including the theological, historical, cultural and political. Next, you can venture past Hawarden’s Grade I-listed medieval castle, which you can view from the beautiful surrounding parkland.
Llandeilo
Get off here for an easy woodland stroll that takes around an hour. The main route will take you past Parc Penllan and its bandstand where you can stop to take in a scenic view of the surrounding hills. You’ll pass through serene woodland as you head to the beautiful National Trust site of Dinefwr Park. You’ll find refreshment options and toilets here and in the town centre on your return journey. There’s an accessible route you can take into the park if you’re a wheelchair or mobility scooter user, according to Transport for Wales.
Llanrwst
From the station, walk through the beautiful market town before crossing the River Conwy on the Pont Gower suspension bridge. You’ll cross some stiles and pass through lush green fields, following the banks of the river, but Transport for Wales advises that you take care as it can get quite marshy here after heavy rain. If you have children, you’ll find a playground just before you cross the river again on a magnificent stone arch bridge. There are cafes and toilets in the town centre if you fancy refreshments, or just feel like taking a break.
Trehafod
Exit the train to begin a leisurely trek down the Rhondda valley. You can explore Barry Sidings Country Park, where you’ll find a playground, café and toilets. You can also take a detour up the mountains to see the Rhondda from up high. This trail ends at Pontypridd, a town rich with history.
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