Rail trail to be launched in Craven Arms

Heart of Wales Line Trail will eventually weave between stations from on the line from Shrewsbury to Swansea, and the first section is now ready to be walked.

That is just what a group called the Rail Ramblers were set to do today on the section between Craven Arms and Knighton, which follows the Shropshire Way to Hopesay Common then via the forested hills of Hopton and Bucknell.

Members of the Heart of Wales Line Development Company and the trail steering group met with representatives from Arriva Trains Wales, Network Rail and Shropshire Council at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms at 9am, before moving on to the town's railway station for the unveiling of a banner.

Walkers were then set to board the 10.37am train from Craven Arms to Broome, then take a guided walk 5.5 miles back to Craven Arms.

The eventual aim is to create a 140 mile walking route that weaves between railway stations along the beautiful Heart of Wales Line, expected to attract walkers near and far, boosting tourism across the region.

Rachel Francis, speaking for the trail project, said the line between Shropshire and south Wales had long been a favourite with walkers because of the stunning countryside it gave access to.

She said: “Our trail-in-the-making will start in the old railway town of Craven Arms. It will pass through a diverse range of landscapes from pastoral farming through to remote uplands, and from mixed broadleaved woodlands to the estuarial saltmarshes of the Loughor Valley en-route to the Millennium Coastal Park.

“The trail is designed to make use of existing public rights of way and to intersect with some excellent and established walks, including the Shropshire Way, Offa’s Dyke Path and Beacons Way.

“It will be suitable for people looking for a long-distance challenge, but equally for those who wish to walk the trail in sections, using the train to access day or weekend walks and using local shops, cafes, pubs and overnight accommodation along the way.”

Jade Marriott-Lodge, marketing and development manager at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre said the walk would tie in with the what the centre does.

She said: “We are delighted to support this new long distance walking trail that takes in the Shropshire hills area, particularly Craven Arms.

"The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre attracts a large number of walkers who use our café and gift shop. It’s a great place to stop for refreshments and find out more about this special landscape in our exhibition," she said.