Railtrail Main Brochure 2023 FULL PROOF

H eart of W ales S team & the B recon B eacons

Introducing four great preserved steam railways and a scenic mainline on one great rail holiday based in the Heart of Wales spa town of Llandrindod Wells. View coastlines, vales, reservoirs and mountains from your window on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, the Heart of Wales Line, the Brecon Mountain Railway and last but not least, the Talyllyn, the world’s first ever preserved railway.

DAY 1 We arrive in Llandrindod Wells , where our hotel is situated in the hear t of this spa town. There is time to get to know your new surroundings before our evening meal. (D) DAY 2 A morning at leisure allows you to relax in the hotel’s leisure facilities or explore Llandrindod a little, as a small market takes place today. At around midday we step aboard the ‘Heart ofWales Line’ , one of Britain’s prettiest rural routes, travelling through tranquil scenery en route to Llandeilo. Here we transfer to medieval Aberglasney House and Gardens , one of Wales’ finest gardens set in the beautiful Tywi Valley, before returning to Llandrindod. (B,D) DAY 3 Today we depar t Llandrindod by coach, heading to coastal Cardigan Bay for a journey special to anyone with an interest in railway heritage. The Talyllyn Railway runs for seven miles from Tywyn to Nant Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Travel along the picturesque Heart of Wales Line ★ Enjoy magnificent Aberglasney House and Gardens ★ Experience the Talyllyn Railway, the original preserved railway ★ Steam on the Vale of Rheidol Railway – one of the Great Little Trains of Wales ★ Visit Aberystwyth & Devil’s Bridge ★ Explore the unique industrial landscape of the Blaenavon UNESCOWorld Heritage site and visit the IronWorks and Big Pit Museums ★ Marvel at reservoirs and mountains on the Brecon Mountain Railway Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home

Fares From £645

5 DAYS

Talyllyn Railway

© DWrye

Gwernol through the Fathew Valley, passing Dolgoch Falls. Opened in 1865 to carry slate, the railway fell on hard times in the early 1950s. A team of pioneering enthusiasts took over the running of the line and built the world’s first preserved railway. Our coach then transpor ts us south to Aberystwyth , where there is free time to take lunch before our journey by steam train through the beautiful Rheidol Valley. The Vale of Rheidol Railway is one of the Great Little Trains of Wales, running betweenAberystwyth on the Cambrian coast and Devil’s Bridge. See the countryside change as you travel through wide open fields, woodland and rugged mountain scenery, the line twisting and turning as it clings to the hillside. (B,D) DAY 4 We travel by coach to the Blaenavon UNESCOWorld Heritage site and visit the preserved IronWorks and the Big Pit Museum to uncover the rich industrial heritage of South Wales. If free time allows you can also opt to travel on the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, which transpor ts visitors through the heritage site. This afternoon we continue to Pant for a journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway . Formerly par t of the Brecon & Mer thyr Railway, the line passes the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir on its way toTorpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons. (B,D) DAY 5 Bidding farewell to Llandrindod Wells, we depar t on our homeward journeys. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 4 May 2023 Thursday 15 June 2023 Thursday 17 August 2023 Thursday 14 September 2023

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia SouthWest Midlands Yorkshire Nor th East Nor thWest SouthWales Nor thWales Hear t of England

FIRST* £865 £875 £919 £945 £859 £779 £699 £855 £969 £789 N/A £789 £925

STANDARD

£749 £765 £779 £795 £749 £705 £679 £759 £819 £699 £709 £715 £779

Scotland

HOTEL The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells Situated in the spa town of Llandrindod Wells, the 4-star Metropole Hotel is a great base for exploring the varied attractions of the Hear t of Wales. The hotel is also a great place to relax, as its Victorian style conservatory houses an 18 metre pool, thermal suites, Jacuzzi and gymnasium. Join & Leave at Hotels £650 £5 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Single Room Supplement £55 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast &Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel por terage

Aberglasney

© BMR © Marilyn Barbone

Brecon Mountain Railway

Vale of Rheidol Railway

©VRR

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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