An incredible train journey in the UK has been named one of the 10 best in the world – and a ticket to ride can cost you less than a tenner.
The Cambrian Coast Railway is a scenic rail line in Wales. It runs along the beautiful coastline of Cardigan Bay, stretching 120 miles from Dovey Junction near Aberdyfi in Mid Wales to Pwllheli in North Wales.
Major stops include Machynlleth, Tywyn, Barmouth, Harlech, Porthmadog, and others.
And it also connects with other lines at Machynlleth, linking to the main Cambrian Line that goes to Shrewsbury and Birmingham.
The railway hugs the coast, providing breathtaking views of estuaries, beaches and the sea. It passes through beautiful Barmouth, which means the historic wooden viaduct crossing the Mawddach Estuary – one of the most picturesque rail crossings in the UK – is on the line.
Passengers can enjoy vistas of the mountains of stunning Snowdonia National Park. The route is a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Harlech Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the heritage Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.
Portmeirion – a quirky, picturesque Italian-style village – is also nearby, close to Pwllheli and Porthmadog. As is Criccieth, a charming coastal town with another striking castle.
It’s an ideal destination for walkers and cyclists, as it provides access to coastal paths and countryside trails. However, the railway has industrial roots – and was initially developed to transport slate and other goods from inland quarries to coastal ports.
Nowadays, its trains cater for both commuters and tourists – and their large windows give glorious views of the stunning scenery. Rail passes or day tickets can provide flexibility for hopping on and off to explore multiple locations – and explorer tickets cost around £18.
The ‘Cambrian Coast Rail Rover’ provides unlimited travel for 1, 3, or 7 days along the line. This is perfect for exploring multiple stops at your leisure.
The best time to travel is probably during the spring or the summer – the landscapes are lush, the weather is pleasant, and many of the attractions along the route are fully open.
However, autumn offers quieter travel and stunning foliage along the route – and the winter sees fewer crowds, but be prepared for some reduced services.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is close by and offers spectacular mountain-top views. The train leaves from Llanberis Station – and goes all the way to the summit of Snowdon, Hafod Eryri.
Other amazing – and cheap – UK train journeys include the Settle to Carlisle railway line. This route spans 73 miles of stunning countryside – and offers picturesque views of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines in their most rugged and isolated beauty.
