Aber Info

Machynlleth is a typical small Welsh market town that provides somewhat of a contrast to Aberystwyth.

The town centre is a short stroll away from the station and has quite a few small traditional shops and a growing number of little art galleries. The main visitor draws are the Tabernacl gallery and the Celtica centre which studies the history of Celtic peoples.

Machynlleth Guide

A strange station indeed - two platforms and a shelter located in the middle of nowhere. The only real reason it still exists is to let people change between trains when it's not possible to do so at Machynlleth.

If you do fancy exploring, the station footpath runs from the Aberystwyth end of platform 1 to the tiny village of Glandyfi three-quarters of a mile away. Turn right at the end of the path (towards Aberystwyth) and within 20 minutes' walk you can be in Eglwysfach for the Ynyshir nature reserve, or just slighty further the picturesque Dyfi Furnace.

These two stations are located at either end of Aberdovey, a small seaside resort very popular for sailing and with a couple of good places to eat.

The sand dunes by Aberdovey station and the large sandy beach have superb views across the estuary to Ynyslas and are great on a sunny day.

Also worth a few minutes is an estuary path which clambers along the rocky banks of the Dovey (Dyfi) River from the small gardens by Penhelig station.

Aberdovey Guide

Another resort town, but quite a bit bigger than Aberdovey with lots of houses and a busy high street.

The beach is a few hundred yards form the station, past the huge radio transmitters which could be throught to be something to do with the military presence in the town but actually only transmit BBC Radio Five and Radio Wales.

The main tourist draw here, apart from the caravan parks, is the Talyllyn Railway - a preserved steam railway which chuffs off into the hillside towards Abergynolwyn.

Tal-y-llyn Railway

Quieter neighbour to Barmouth. The 2-mile stretch of sandy beach is still edged with concrete wartime fortifications.

Fairbourne is the terminus of the Fairbourne & Barmouth Steam Railway. This runs from the mainline station, along the seafront and then along a pier sticking out into the Mawddach Estuary. From the Pier, there's a ferry you can catch across the water to Barmouth.

Fairbourne & Barmouth Steam Railway

There isn't much to see here, although if you had a bike you could follow the Mawddach Trail along the estuary to Dolgellau.

You can also walk across the toll bridge shared with the railway as an alternative way to arrive in Barmouth. The views inland are lovely and walking gives you a bit more time to take everything in than when on the train.

Barmouth is one of the most popular destinations on the Cambrian Coast and during the holiday season it is very busy with tourists from the Midlands.

It's not a huge resort, but it boasts the usual attractions such as a big sandy beach, lots of fast food and ice cream places and amusements. There are a couple of interesting shops, such as the antiques and bric-a-brac centre housed in an old chapel.

Away from the bustling seafront, the town seems to be built almost vertically up the rocky hillside and there are lots of paths that lead to viewpoints high up above the town.

Barmouth Guide

The well-known castle at Harlech is a magnificent landmark, perched high up on the hillside looking out to sea. If you wish, you can pay to go inside and explore the remains, as well as admiring the exterior from outside.

If you've made the steep climb up to the castle, you can also explore the village - there are a couple of places catering for visitors and there's also a viewpoint looking out over the Irish Sea that is mentioned in the Welsh 'Mabinogion' legends.

Harlech Guide | Harlech Castle

Three tiny stations - no real reason to get off the train at any of them, but all are within walking distance of each other using the public footpaths in the area.

Tygwyn is just a house, level crossing and a road to the sea a mile away. Talsarnau serves the village of the same name, and a walk towards the waterside reveals a view of Portmeirion clinging to the hillside across the water. Llandecwyn has a tiny platform that will only accommodate one door of the train at once and offers an alternative to Penrhyndeudraeth for viewing the estuary.

These stations are within easy walking distance of each other, either end of the village of Penrhyndeudraeth.

Penrhyndeudraeth is just a large village, but the sandy estuary it is located by is rather spectacularly punctuated by the huge electricity pylons which originate at nearby Trawsfynydd power station.

Minffordd station has an interchange with the Ffestiniog Railway from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. It is also the closest station to the colourful, dream-like village of Portmeirion - well worth a visit.

Penrhyndeudraeth Guide | Portmeirion Village

Small town with a marina and harbour and a busy high street.

Porthmadog has two steam railways: the Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the shorter Welsh Highland Railway which is currently being extended.

Also to be found here is a maritime museum, and a museum of vintage cars and motorcycles.

Porthmadog Guide

Pleasant, large village neighbouring Porthmadog.

Try a walk along the seafront and beach, remembering to pick up an ice cream from locally-famous Cadwalader's (also found in Porthmadog).

Criccieth Castle is perched on a hill above the beach and although somewhat smaller than Harlech's it's quite a nice little place.

Criccieth Guide 1 | Criccieth Guide 2