Ramblers Cymru is inviting walkers to come and celebrate this weekend (6/ 7 June), the 20th birthday of Rail Rambles, by joining walks around some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales at Machynlleth.
Rail Rambles 20th birthday walking weekend - Machynlleth
Saturday 6 June
7 mile moderate circular walk via Gallt y Gog, Garth, Pont-ar-Ddyfi and Brynglas.
10 miles energetic circular walk via Pont-ar-Ddyfi, Foel y Geifr and Twllnodwydd
12 miles strenuous circular walk via Tarrenhendre, Foel y Geifr and Cwm Gila
Sunday 7 June
8 miles moderate circular walk via watermill, Felin-y-Coed and Glyndwr’s Way
11 miles strenuous circular walk via Glandyfi, Coed Llechwedd Einion and Glaspwll.
Started in 1989 by Alan Howard, a keen walker and a past Ramblers chairman, Rail Rambles has gone from strength to strength and now has over 50 walk leaders and 200 walks taking place year round in Wales and the Marches.
Over the celebratory weekend Ramblers Cymru is offering walkers the chance to take part in 7 free led walks enjoying the views in the Dyfi Valley. There’s a choice of lengths between 7 and 12 miles and will start from Machynlleth Railway Station at 10.47am when the train arrives from Shrewsbury.
Anwen Parker, Promoting Walking Officer of Ramblers Cymru said “The success of the Rail Rambles programme is due to the dedication of our volunteers who’s hard work and enthusiasm to produce these amazing walks has really paid off.
This weekend of walks is a great opportunity to leave the car at home, hop on the train and explore the Machynlleth area with respected Ramblers walk leaders.”
The Rail Rambles programme, supported by Arriva Trains Wales and Ramblers Cymru, is a series of guided weekly walks from railway stations across Wales. It relies on its keen volunteers to keep the programme jam-packed and appealing to a range of walkers who might enjoy not only the train journey but the spectacular views that can be seen whilst on the train and of course whilst walking!
As with other walks offered by Ramblers Cymru, they are free and a variety of distances are offered – from half day strolls to day long adventures. Many will be circular walks, but Rail Rambles gives new opportunities to walk from one station to another.
Gwyn Lewis, a Rail Ramblers volunteer and walk leader said “Going for a walk using the train is an excellent chance for people to explore further afield without the hassle of driving. An added bonus of not using a car is being able to walk from one station to another and not have think about collecting the car.”
