17 May 2024
The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership is excited to announce the launch of its new website, designed to promote sustainable travel and outdoor exploration along the scenic railway route.
The website features an array of engaging content, including a series of short circular walks originating from railway stations along the line, meticulously mapped out by walking guide Lisa Denison of Quiet Walks.
One of the distinctive features of the newly launched website is its emphasis on bilingualism, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Wales. The circular walks are presented in both English and Welsh, providing accessibility to a wider audience and championing the Welsh language and culture. Each walk is accompanied by comprehensive route instructions, Ordnance Survey maps, and GPX files, ensuring ease of navigation for both novice and seasoned hikers.
For the first time ever, the Heart of Wales Line Trail route instructions are available in Welsh, a significant milestone in promoting linguistic diversity and inclusivity. This initiative not only facilitates a deeper connection with the local community but also fosters a greater appreciation for Wales’ linguistic heritage.
The launch of the new website and the introduction of circular walks from stations along the Heart of Wales Line coincide with National Walking Month, a nationwide celebration of walking and its benefits to health, well-being, and the environment. As communities across the country embrace the joys of outdoor exploration, the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership invites travellers and locals alike to discover the hidden gems nestled along the picturesque railway route.
Commenting on the launch, Owen Griffkin, Community Rail Officer said:
“We are delighted with the new layout of the website. There is so much information packed into it, it is easy to navigate and more accessible for all users. With a lot of patience and expertise provided by Neil from Touchdown Design it is now a much cleaner user experience which looks as good on mobile as it does on desktop. This has allowed us to increase the amount of walks hosted on the site, with these wonderful new circular walks from stations along the line, some of which link with the Heart of Wales Line Trail.”
Lisa Denison, Quiet Walks said:
“The new website showcases the walks from Heart of Wales Line stations brilliantly. I really hope that anyone wanting to do these short scenic circular walks along the line can now do so confidently, using the materials developed. The walks are nice and easy and they complement the longer walks on the trail ”
Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategic Lead for Transport for Wales said:
“At TfW we want to encourage more people to travel sustainably, and these walks are great for those who want to explore somewhere new. We already have a number of family walks and guided walks from stations and we’re hoping these will be just as popular”
Discover the beauty of Wales on foot and embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Heart of Wales Line. To learn more about the circular walks and plan your next excursion, visit www.heart-of-wales.co.uk
Notes to editors
Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership
The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership is an accredited Community Rail Partnership, which is a formal recognition by the Department of Transport and Welsh Government that the Partnership operates to a high standard and with objectives and activities that are supported by government. The accreditation is administered by Community Rail Network and applies to those Community Rail Partnerships operating in England and Wales. The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership is hosted by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.
The Partnership exists to support, promote and develop the line for benefit of communities, businesses and passengers. The Line connects Swansea with Shrewsbury via Llanelli, Llandovery and Llandrindod Wells. Train services are operated by Transport for Wales and serve 34 stations along the 121 mile route.
Community Rail Network
Community rail is a growing grassroots movement made up of Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) and groups across Britain. Working alongside local, regional and national partners, CRPs engage communities and help people get the most from their railways, promoting social inclusion, community wellbeing, economic development and sustainable travel. They also work alongside train operators, contributing to improvements and bringing stations back to life.
Community Rail Network provides support and advice to the community rail movement through their membership. They share good practice and connect community rail partnerships and groups together, while working with government, the rail industry, and the wider voluntary and community sector to champion community rail. communityrail.org.uk
