(Arriva Trains Wales' own corporate web pages may be accessed at http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk)
(Left) Two colourful
examples of ATW trains meet in mid Wales.
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Stations served by ATW
Preserved railways served by ATW
In the railway privatisation process, the South Wales and West Railway Company
franchise - like that of the Cardiff Railway Company - was awarded to Prism Railways, and
the official hand-over took place on October 13 1996.
With the introduction of the 1997/8 Winter timetable, the company changed its name to
Wales and West Passenger Trains, which better describes the area it serves, and at the end
of October 1997, the company moved from Swindon to new headquarters in Cardiff.
From September 30 2001, the company had another name change - to Wales and Borders - in
anticipation of all rail services in Wales coming under one franchise.
The franchise was eventually awarded to Arriva Trains Wales, which now operate
most train services in Wales, many of which serve places outside the
principality.
Arriva Trains Wales operates its services using four types of rolling stock:
Class 143 Pacers; Class 150 Sprinters; Class 153s; and Class 158s.
Pacers, officially known as Class 143s, are two-car units based on a bus-body
design, have a top speed of 75mph (120kph), with a capacity of 122 seated passengers and
standing room for another 43. Introduced in 1986, but having just undergone a complete
refurbishment programme including being re-engined, the Pacers were intended for short
commuter routes, their principal use on ATW services is on the Swanline between
Bridgend and Swansea. West Glamorgan County Council - the forerunner of the present City
and County of Swansea council - sponsored three of the units which now bear the names Bewick's
Swan (143617); Mute Swan (143618); and Whooper Swan (143619). The former
counties of Mid and South Glamorgan also sponsored units.
Sprinters, or Class 150/2s, were introduced into South Wales in 1987, and were
designed to replace the 30-year-old first generation Diesel Multiple Units. As a general
purpose utility vehicle, they can be seen on duty on most routes in South Wales. They seat
149 and have a top speed of 75mph (120kph).
Class 153s are single units which have evolved from Class 155s, the first
generation of two-car Super Sprinters which were designed to provide improved standards of
comfort on provincial services throughout Great Britain. Introduced in 1987, the 155s were
plagued by mechanical problems, and eventually a decision was made to re-engineer them
into single car units for use on socially necessary routes where operating costs needed to
be kept low. ATW's prime use for the units is on the Heart of Wales line, and on West
Wales services to/from Pembroke Dock. Many are appearing in scenic livery depicting views
of places served by the trains, or the routes where they run.
Class 158s are the flagship of ATW services, and have standards of
comfort which compare favourably with those of main line trains. Introduced in
1991, and with a top speed of 90mph (144kpm), the fully air-conditioned two car
units have carpeted floors and airline-style seating. There is dedicated
wheelchair space for disabled travellers, and an on-board telephone.
Among the improvements on the Marches Line in recent years, has been the introduction of one express service in each direction Monday to Friday, which cuts the journey time to around four-and-a-half hours by running non-stop Shrewsbury/Newport or Abergavenny/Shrewsbury.
Monday to Friday
From Holyhead, trains leave at 4.25am, 5.32am (non-stop between Shrewsbury
and Newport); 2.27am, 8.05am, 10.33am, 12.38pm, 2.32pm and 4.36pm. There are
slightly changed timings on Saturday, and the non-stop service does not run.
From Cardiff, trains run at 5.10am, then two-hourly at 20 minutes past
the hour between 7.20am and 3.20pm. 4.15pm (the return non-stop service
running non-stop Abergavenny to Shrewsbury, 4.50pm, 5.50pm and 7.34pm. There
are slightly changed timings on Saturday, and the non-stop service does not run.
Sundays The only direct services to/from Holyhead run from Cardiff at 3.20pm and 5.20pm. From Holyhead trains run at 10.20am and 4.25pm.
Places of interest
Italicised station names are request stops. Figures after station names show the approximate journey times from Holyhead, with journey times from Chester in brackets.
Holyhead (115 minutes) is reached via the 1,250-yard long Stanley Embankment
which joins Anglesey to Holy Island - on which Holyhead stands.
The station adjoins the Irish Ferry to Dun Laoghaire, on the outskirts of Dublin. Holy
Island boasts some spectacular cliff scenery, an ideal location for the Roman fortress of
Caergybi around which the town developed, and from which it takes its Welsh name. In the
town, parts of the medieval church date from the 13th century, but is built on the
foundations of a monastery founded in 550 by St Cybi. Restored in the late 1870s, it
features the work of pre-Raphaelites Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris. There are
spectacular views and an Iron Age fort at the top of Holyhead Mountain to the north of the
town.
Valley 9 mins (102)
Close by is the Royal Air Force station and the broad expanse of Cwmyran Bay.
Rhosneigr 11 mins (96)
A quiet holiday village, with caravan site and a sandy bay enclosed by rocky headlands.
South of the village is another bay, Traeth Llydaw, backed by sand dunes and the lake of
Llyn Maelog.
Ty Croes 15 mins (93)
Serves a small village set in undulating countryside dotted with remote farms and hamlets.
Bodorgan 19 mins (89)
Bodorgan House dates from the late 18th century.
Llanfairpwll 39 mins (79)
Boasts the longest station name on Britain's national railway network: in full it is
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyndrobwllllantisiliogogogoch;
which translates into English as: The church of St Mary in the hollow of the white hazel
close to a swirling whirlpool and the church of St Teilo near a red cave.
Of course, it wasn't always thus, but was created in the middle of the 19th century by
combining the names of two villages - Llanfairpwllgwyngyll and Llantysiliogogogoch - for
the bemusement of tourists. The station is now privately owned, but the original platform
nameplate is preserved in Penrhyn Castle. A half-mile east of the station is a statue of
Admiral Nelson and on the headland 600 yards south of that is the Anglesey Column,
commemorating the Marquis of Anglesey, who fought with the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo.
When a cannon ball deprived the Marquis of one of his legs, Wellington is reputed to have
said: "By God, you have lost your leg!" which brought the matter-of-fact reply:
"By God, so I have."
Bangor 69mins 73)
A university city facing Anglesey across the Menai Strait, its history as a religious site
can be traced back to the fifth century. Over the ensuing centuries, battles and uprisings
have taken their toll, and the present cathedral dates from the twelfth century, most of
what can be seen results from a number of restorations and rebuildings between 1866 and
1971. It contains a number of important relics and documents, including the Mostyn Christ,
a 16th-century wooden statue showing Jesus bound and wearing a crown of thorns, seated on a rock.
In the grounds of the Bishop's Palace is the Bible Garden, filled with the plants, shrubs
and trees which are mentioned in the holy book. In the upper part of the town, the
University (right) was formed as part of the University of Wales in 1884, though the
present buildings date from 1911. Theatre Gwynedd is part of the University complex, where
plays in Welsh and English are staged. North of the city centre, the pier stretches far
out into the Menai Strait, half way to Anglesey.
Conwy 60 mins (57)
Three bridges
cross the Conway estuary: Telford's Suspension Bridge, Stephenson's Tubular
Railway Bridge with its castellations at either end, and the newer road bridge
carrying the A55. On the far shore, the train is dwarfed by the battlements of
Edward the First's Conway Castle and, rather less so, by the medieval walls
which have enclosed the town since the end of the 13th century. The town claims
the oldest house in Britain, and also the smallest - the latter, a former
fisherman's cottage, has a six-ft frontage, is ten-ft high and measures just
over 8ft from front to back. Aberconway House dates from the 15th century, while
Plas Mawr, an Elizabethan palace of 1580 houses the Royal Cambrian Academy of
Art.
Llandudno Junction 60 mins (56)
As its name suggests, the station serves as an interchange for visitors to the resorts of
Deganwy and Llandudno proper, both stations on the route through the
Conwy Valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Colwyn Bay 68 mins (44)
A busy seaside resort in its own right, a three-mile promenade links Colwyn Bay with the
resort of Rhos-on-Sea. Its sheltered location and mild climate, makes it a year-round
attraction, equally popular in the winter months.
Abergele and Pensarn (not served by Cardiff to/from Holyhead trains)
The station is in Pensarn which is mostly residential, but does provide access to the
beach. Abergele, its larger near-neighbour, is a short distance to the west. An extensive
caravan park separates the railway from the beach, while the town also boasts an eighteen
hole golf course.
Soon after leaving the station, from the train can be glimpsed disused Gwrych Castle, a
castellated mansion a mile inland, which was built in the early nineteenth century. With
18 towers, battlements and bastions set against wooded limestone outcrops of rock, its
gothic virtuosity challenges many Edwardian castles for dramatic power.
Rhyl 78 mins (33)
Though Prestatyn may disagree, Rhyl considers itself the premier
holiday resort of the North Wales coast, with sandy beaches, the 260-ft Skytower
(pictured left), Ocean
Beach Amusement Park, and the Sun Centre, an indoor all-weather leisure facility in the
style of a tropical lagoon, replete with palm trees and surf.
Prestatyn 84 mins (28)
Like Rhyl, its rival just along the coast, Prestatyn vies to attract the most visitors to
its resort. Latest attraction is the Ffrith Beach Pleasure Gardens. There is also the Nova Centre with a selection of
water-based entertainments which is open all year round. Sport is catered for at the North
Wales Bowling Centre, and the golf courses which separate Prestatyn and Rhyl.
Flint 97 mins (14)
In the town square, the 'Tudor' town hall dates from only 1840. Flint Castle was the first
in Wales to be built by Edward the First and is located behind the main street on a site
overlooking the estuary of the River Dee - a view that includes more than its fair share
of factories and industrial estates. The most famous feature of the castle is the circular
donjon, based on the Constance Tower in Brittany.
Shotton (not served by Cardiff to/from Holyhead trains)
Only a tinplate works and light industry remains of the extensive Shotton Steel works. The
Deeside Ice Rink is in nearby Queensferry. 13th century Ewloe Castle and Wepre Park are
close by, where nature trails through the woodland and ranger activities are among the
attractions on offer. A short walk to the High Level station gives access to the Wrexham-Bidston Line.
Chester
115 minutes
To the Romans, the fortress of Deva, and there is a reminder of that phase of its history
in the wall which encloses the city. The two mile walk along the Roman wall is a must and
also takes
in relics of later eras: Viking, Norman, the Middle Ages, the English Civil War, and the
Industrial Revolution.
There is the largest Roman Amphitheatre ever uncovered in Britain with space for
7,000 spectators. In 'The Rows' are found half-timbered shops which date back to
the Middle ages, while the ornate clock, erected in 1897 in Eastgate (pictured
atop the Roman Wall) is said to be the most photographed timepiece after Big Ben
in London. Parts of the Cathedral date back to 1092, while the museum of
broadcasting is of somewhat more recent vintage. There are boat trips along the
Dee, a Zoo, and horse racing at the historic Roodee. Throughout the year, there
are various festivals to cater for all tastes, including film, boating,
transport, youth, music, and the Civil war Spectacular held in August.
From Chester, services run via Wrexham to
Shrewsbury.
Figures after station names show the approximate journey times from Chester,
with journey times from Newport in brackets.
Wrexham General 16 mins (174)
Served by two stations. Wrexham Central is about a ½-mile distant.
The town is dominated by the 140-ft pinnacled and decorated tower of St Giles' Church -
once considered one of the seven wonders of Wales. In the churchyard is the grave of Elihu
Yale who gave his name to the famous Connecticut University. In the Clywedog Valley, south
of the town, are reminders of the area's industrial past: A heritage trail through the
valley includes the Minera Lead Mines, the Bersham Ironworks and Heritage Centre - where
cannon for the American War of Independence were cast - and the wildlife centre at Nant
Mill. Two miles south is Erddig Hall, a restored mansion house. Bangor-on-Dee National
Hunt racecourse is three miles south east of the town.
Shrewsbury
55 mins (100)
Perhaps, the best-preserved medieval town in England, it
has a history which dates back to the 6th century. Set on rising ground in an
almost-complete loop of the River Severn, two reminders of its role as an England/Wales
border town are the Welsh Bridge and the English Bridge across the western and eastern
loops, respectively, of the river. The castle - located close to the station - has Norman,
Edwardian and Civil War connections, with a tower added by Telford, the 18th century
engineer and architect better known for his work with roads, canals and railways. Many old
half-timbered buildings remain. The site of the Battle of Shrewsbury - between Henry IV
and the rebellious Sir Henry Percy (the Harry Hotspur of Shakespeare's play) - lies three
miles to the north.
Church Stretton (Not served by direct services between
Holyhead and Cardiff) 14 minutes from Shrewsbury (94)
is a market town on the east slope of Long Mynd. There is a shuttle
bus service connecting with train services on Saturdays and Bank Holidays, which takes
ramblers onto the slopes of Long Mynd, with two circular walks back to the station.
Craven
Arms (Not served by direct services between Holyhead and Cardiff) 23
minutes from Shrewsbury (85)
Owes its name to one of the old coaching inns on the road between North and
South Wales. Close by is Stokesay Castle (left), a 13th century mansion whose half-timbered
gatehouse is decorated with a depiction of Adam and Eve. Parts of Stokesay Church date
back to Norman times.
Ludlow 85 mins (75)
was, until 1689, the administrative centre of the Council of Wales and the Marches, so it
is hardly surprising that it contains many old buildings.
The castle is Norman while St Lawrence Church dates from the fifteenth century. Also of
interest is the 14th century grammar school and the 17th century Feathers Hotel, while a
graceful arched bridge crosses the River Teme.
Leominster (Not served by direct services between Holyhead and
Cardiff) 42 minutes from Shrewsbury (60)
(pronounced Lemster) claims a dubious association with Leofric, the 11th century Earl of
Chester best known through the exploits of his wife, Godiva, who rode naked through the
streets of Coventry in protest at the taxes which Leofric had imposed. The town stands at
the confluence of the Rivers Pinsley and Lugg, and though its charter is dated 1553, its
history as a frontier town on the England/Wales border goes back to the 7th century. Its
church was restored in the 1880s, but was built on the site of a Benedictine priory, of
which only the west door and nave remain. Preserved is a medieval ducking stool, last used
for the detection of witches in 1809.
Hereford 109 mins (55)
is an historic border city: its has been a See since 676; was enclosed by the Saxons; and
its castle built by the Normans. The present cathedral dates from 1079, after the previous
1012 edifice was destroyed. In the cathedral is held the priceless Mapa Mundi, the 14th
century map which places Jerusalem at the centre of the world. Among other sites of
interest are the Episcopal Palace, the churches of All Saints' and St Peter, and Black
Friar's monastery. Hereford was the birthplace of Nell Gwynne, the mistress of Charles II.
At Kenchester, 4 miles to the west, is the site of the Roman city of Magna.
Abergavenny 133 mins (24)
is located on the River Usk in a shallow bowl surrounded by hills which offers walks to
the summit of Sugar Loaf, Skirrid and the Blorenge mountains. Of its Norman Castle, only
the restored keep and hunting lodge remain, while the market centres on the Victorian Town
Hall, which also houses a theatre. The Norman church of St Mary Priory contains many
interesting monuments and tombs.
Pontypool and New Inn 143 mins (15)
As Pontypool Road, the station was one of those located some way from the town of the
station name, but in Pontypool's case, the town has expanded to bring the station within
the confines of its outer suburbs, likewise the township of New Inn. To reflect this, the
formerly-dilapidated Pontypool Road station was refurbished, and renamed Pontypool and New
Inn on 19 May 1994.
Although later superseded by coal, the town was built around the tin-plate - which was
first successfully produced here, though other areas became more wealthy from the
discovery - and steel industries. The heritage museum contains a record of the town's
fluctuating fortunes. Pontypool Memorial Park is the home of the town's rugby union side.
Five miles to the north is Blaenavon, with Big Pit mining museum, the remains of Blaenavon
Iron works and the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway
Cwmbran 147 mins (11)
was the first community in Wales to be given New Town status in 1949, since when it has
expanded to become the sixth largest conurbation in the principality. Nothing remains of
the former coal mining industry, but the town's eminence has increased since 1974 as the
administrative centre of the County of Gwent. To the west, high above Cwmbran on the top
of Mynydd Maen, is the overgrown ruin of a chapel said to be the burial place of 1st
century King Bran after which the town is claimed to be named. (A less fanciful derivation
is the Welsh for Valley of the Crow). Outside the town, places of interest include the
Roman town of Caerleon and the remains of Llantarnam Abbey.
Newport 158 mins
See next section (Chepstow to Bridgend)
Chepstow 37 minutes
is located on the River Wye which forms the historic border between
England and the old county of Monmouthshire (Gwent). Rising spectacularly out of the river
atop high cliffs is the Norman castle, parts of which date from around 1070. From the same
period is the Benedictine Abbey Church of St Mary. The old town walls are largely intact,
and include the West Gate which straddles the High Street. Crossing the Wye are the iron
road bridge which dates from 1816, and Brunel's tubular structure (1852), though the
impact of the latter has been diminished by the removal of the tubes during reconstruction
in the early 1960s, and its proximity to the more-recent addition of the motorway bridge
which parallels it.
The town's racecourse is in Piercefield Park in the north of Chepstow, while three miles
to the south is the first Severn Bridge which opened in 1966, joined thirty years later by
the second Severn Crossing, further down stream.
Newport 12 minutes
Straddling the River Usk, Newport was the principal port of
the old county of Monmouthshire. The central area contains the shopping centre, library
and museum, cinemas and theatres; and is surrounded by steep hills. The town was at
the centre of the Chartist rebellion of 1839, and there are many reminders of the
uprising. John Frost Square is dedicated to the leader of the rebellion, and was dominated
by Andy Plant's massive sculptural clock called "In the Nick of Time." On the
hour, the 31-ft tall, stainless steel construction emitted smoke before splitting asunder with
alarming clanks and groans while devils and skeletons appeared at various windows.
Unfortunately, the town centre regeneration has meant that the unique clock has
been dismantled and placed in storage. It will be placed on display again,
though where and when is undecided.
One of Newport's more famous literary figures is the tramp-poet W. H. Davies, and there is
a sculpture in the Square based on one of his most famous lines: 'What is this life if
full of care....'
At the top of Stow Hill is St Woolos Cathedral, while down river is one of the unique
features of the town: the recently restored Transporter Bridge (pictured). One of only
three in the world, cars and passengers are taken across the river in a gondola suspended
by cables from a motorised overhead trolley.
During the week of July 31 2004, Newport hosted the National Eisteddfod in
Tredegar Park on the western outskirts of the town. Tredegar House, a 17th
century manor house was occupied for 500 years by the powerful Morgan family,
but is now open to the public.
Cardiff...
...is the gateway to the coast and Valley areas of south east Wales.
A city since 1905, and the capital of Wales since 1955, Cardiff celebrated
both anniversaries in 2005.
The city stands at the mouth of the
River Taff (part of which was diverted in the mid-nineteenth century to clear a site for the what is now Cardiff
Central railway station). Noted for its Victorian arcades and pedestrianised shopping areas, it
also offers top class facilities for sport, theatre and the cinema.
Cardiff Castle (right) has undergone a three-year £8m refurbishment
programme, which included provision of a new
interpretation and visitor centre. The castle has Roman and Norman connections, but, apart from Roman remains
at the base of the south east walls, the Norman Keep and the 15th century
Western Apartments, what you
see is mostly a Victorian reconstruction.
Nearby, the civic centre is considered among the
finest in Europe, and incorporates the museum, law courts, the former Welsh Office
(now the secretariat of the Welsh Assembly), university
buildings and the City Hall. With a referendum in September 1997 narrowly voting for the
establishment of a Welsh Assembly to govern Wales, the City Hall was one of the venues
under consideration to house the body, but the Assembly - which first sat on June 1 1999 -
was first housed in Crickhowell House in Cardiff Bay but has moved into the
adjacent Senedd (Welsh for Senate) Building (see below).
Behind City Hall is
Alexandra Gardens with its imposing War Memorial commemorating two World Wars and more
recent conflicts.
In the city centre, the other building of great antiquity is St John's Church,
parts of which date from
the thirteenth century.
There are several malls off the pedestrianised shopping area, which also has St David's
Hall - renowned for concerts by top-class orchestras and entertainers - and the
Cardiff International Arena, the venue for conferences, pop concerts, ice shows, and the like.
St David's Phase Two, a new shopping mall on the southern
side of the city centre, opened on October 22 2009.
The New Theatre
celebrated its centenary a few years ago, and stages plays and other productions, including those
by the internationally-celebrated Welsh National Opera, until the WNO moved into
its new home: the Wales Millennium Centre for the Performing Arts (see below)
which opened in November 2004 with a spectacular Gala concert attended by Her
Majesty The Queen.
Close
to the city centre, on the banks of the river, the Millennium Stadium (left) is
the
home of Welsh Rugby. Opened for a Wales v South Africa friendly in June 1999, it took on
an international importance when it staged early rounds of the Rugby World Cup
that October,
and the Final on 6 November of the same year. It is now used to stage Wales' home games in
the Six Nations Rugby Tournament, international football matches, concerts and other
high-profile events. While Wembley Stadium was being developed it was also been the venue of prestigious
football matches, including the Worthington and FA Cup Finals. A very
versatile building, it also stages speedway, concerts and religious
conventions.
A mile to the south, the Cardiff Bay development is transforming the derelict docklands
area into a leisure, residential and light-industrial complex, while the barrage which
dams the mouths of the Taff and Ely rivers was
brought into operation on November 4 1999 to create a 500-acre freshwater lake.
It is now possible to walk from Cardiff Bay to Penarth over the barrage.
To the north of the city, is Llandaff Cathedral, which has been a place of worship for
more than 1,400 years. Partly destroyed by bombs during World War II, the cathedral was
rebuilt and rededicated in 1958, its nave overarched by the sculpture of Christ in Majesty by
Jacob Epstein.
On the city's western boundary is the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagan's, which
recreates the Welsh way of life in authentic buildings from all over Wales. Dismantled
from their original locations and reassembled at St Fagan's - itself a manor house dating
from the Civil War era - they provide a base for many practitioners of old crafts such as
pottery and woodcarving, and also includes a blacksmith's forge.
Cardiff Bay
The Cardiff Bay area has been developed as a waterfront park with leisure, residential
and light-industrial complexes on reclaimed derelict dockland, and is the start of the
Taff Trail which can be followed as far as Brecon, 57 miles away.
The major feature is the Barrage which can be reached by road train from its
stop outside the car
park in Stuart Street. You can also walk across the barrage as far as Penarth.
The Welsh assembly meets in
the Senedd (Welsh for Senate) the new debating chamber which has been built
alongside the Pierhead Building (pictured left, a striking
terracotta edifice that was once the headquarters of the Bute Dock and Railway Company, which opened
the first of the docks in 1839, and was the prime influence behind the Taff Vale Railway. It is now used as the Visitor Centre for the National Assembly.
The Wales Millennium Centre for the
Performing Arts opened in November 2004 with a
spectacular Gala Concert attended by Her Majesty the Queen. It is the home of Welsh
National Opera and seven other performing arts groups including the Urdd, the
Welsh organisation for the youth of Wales. Adjoining is Alun Hoddinot Hall which
is a base for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Outside the Millennium Centre is Roald Dahl Place - named after the children's writer who was born in Cardiff - built on the site of the basin of the Bute West Dock, now used
for street theatre and open-air concerts. The steel column with water cascading
down it (at extreme right in the photograph alongside) will be recognised by fans of Torchwood - the spin-off from the
successful BBC Wales television series Dr Who, both of which are filmed
largely in Cardiff and the surrounding area - as supposedly the entrance to
Torchwood.
A coffee bar and art gallery has been established in the Norwegian Seamen's Church where Roald Dahl was baptised as a child. A short distance away is 'The Tube' - a
cigar-shaped structure which houses the Cardiff Bay visitors' centre, and was the base for
the Spirit of Cardiff, a powerboat which attempted the fastest circumnavigation
of the world in 2002. The target was almost 25,000 miles in 50 days, calling at 26 different
countries, but a series of misadventures culminating in a heart attack suffered by one of
the crew, led to the attempt being abandoned, though not before a number of records were
broken,
Tied up permanently at the quay alongside The Tube is the Helwick Lightship, which was
stationed off the Gower Peninsular guarding a treacherous sandbank 50 miles
northwest of Cardiff, but is now used as a Christian Fellowship centre.
A little farther away,
Techniquest is a unique hands-on science centre which demonstrates scientific principles
and phenomena in colourful and surprising ways, while at Harry Ramsden's restaurant, it
is claimed, are served the best fish and chip meals in the world.
The St David's Hotel is one of only two Five-Star rated establishment in the city. Mermaid
Quay a is modern eating and shopping complex which also overlooks Plas Roald Dahl (Roald Dahl Place),
an open arena where concerts are held and street artists often perform.
Boats and water taxis (pictured left) ply their trade around the bay and up-river as far
as the Castle near the city centre. They will also land you on the Barrage itself, where
you can see the massive sluice gates in operation.
Continuing along the South Wales Main Line, the next station is:
Pontyclun 18 minutes
A town at the boundary of the former coal field, and the rural Vale of Glamorgan. Nearby
is Llantrisant, which has a charter dating from 1346, but is more famed, perhaps, for the
part played by one of its former inhabitants in legislating for the disposal of bodies by
cremation. Nineteenth-century druid and mystic Dr William Price settled in Llantrisant
and, in 1884, scandalised the town by burning the remains of his son named Iesu Grist (the
Welsh form of Jesus Christ), who had died in infancy. Brought to trial, he was acquitted
on payment of one-farthing costs. The Doctor himself was cremated in a field near the town
on January 31 1893, and a statue in his memory has been erected in the town square.
Pencoed 26 minutes
A mainly residential town on the River Ewenny, it is surrounded by green fields and
rolling countryside. In June 1998, it hosted the annual Welsh National Eisteddfod.
Bridgend 29 minutes
A market town, Bridgend gives access to the Vale of Glamorgan, and has a number of
medieval castle ruins in the area. Among these are Coity and Ogmore, the latter close to
stepping stones across the River Ogmore which also gives access to the Glamorgan Coastal
Path. Two miles from Bridgend is the village of Ewenny, with its pottery and Norman
Priory. North of the town are the formerly industrialised valleys of Llynfi, Garw and
Ogmore, while to the west is the traditional seaside resort of Porthcawl. Arriva
Trains Wales run services into the Llynfi Valley serving stations to
Maesteg. There are also connection with the
Vale of Glamorgan line to Barry and Cardiff.
Please note. The period of validity of the National Network timetables has
changed.
Any times and travel details given apply only for the currency of the
timetable valid from May 11 until September 5 2010.
Mondays to Fridays, trains leave Bridgend at
6.20am and 7.32am, then hourly at 48 minutes past the hour between 8.48am and
6.48pm, then at 7.45pm, 8.41pm, 9.41pm and 11.02pm.
On Saturdays, there is a similar service pattern to 6.48pm, then at
7.45pm, 8.41pm and 9.41pm.
Mondays to Saturdays, trains leave Maesteg at 6.46am and 8.00am, then hourly at 15 minutes past
the hour between 9.15am and 10.15pm.
There are no trains on Sundays.
Figures after station names show the approximate journey times from Bridgend with the approximate journey times from Maesteg in brackets.
Bridgend (23 mins)
A market town, Bridgend gives access to the Vale of Glamorgan, and has a number of
medieval castle ruins in the area. Among these are Coity and Ogmore, the latter close to
stepping stones across the River Ogmore which also gives access to the Glamorgan Coastal
Path. Two miles from Bridgend is the village of Ewenny, with its pottery and Norman
Priory. North of the town are the formerly industrialised valleys of Llynfi, Garw and
Ogmore, while to the west is the traditional seaside resort of Porthcawl. Arriva
Trains Wales run services into the Llynfi Valley serving stations to
Maesteg. There are also connection with the
Vale of Glamorgan line to Barry and Cardiff.
9 mins
(14) (Pictured right: A Cardiff to Maesteg service passes the signal box at Tondu.)Bridgend (43 mins)
A market town, Bridgend gives access to the Vale of Glamorgan, and has a number of
medieval castle ruins in the area. Among these are Coity and Ogmore, the latter close to
stepping stones across the River Ogmore which also gives access to the Glamorgan Coastal
Path. Two miles from Bridgend is the village of Ewenny, with its pottery and Norman
Priory. North of the town are the formerly industrialised valleys of Llynfi, Garw and
Ogmore, while to the west is the traditional seaside resort of Porthcawl. Arriva
Trains Wales run services into the Llynfi Valley serving stations to
Maesteg. There are also connection with the
Vale of Glamorgan line to Barry and Cardiff.
Pyle 7 mins (36)
Pyle is one of the stations opened by local authorities, resulting from the National Union
of Railmen-inspired Swanline initiative. Mainly residential with a light-industrial estate
nearby, to the west of the town is Kenfig Burrows, an area of sand dunes part of which
covers the buried city of Kenfig. Kenfig Pool lies at the heart of the nature reserve. The
dunes run westward into the Bristol Channel. At the southern extremity of the bay is Sker
House, made famous in the R. D. Blackmore novel: The Maid of Sker.
Port Talbot Parkway 13 mins (28)
Port Talbot is dominated by the steel works to the south and the oil refinery to the
north, but beyond the industrialised areas there are many areas of beauty and interest.
Aberavon, nearby, was once a seaside resort, but this function ceased soon after the
closure of the railway from the Rhondda and Afan valleys, on the course of which, the Afan
Country Park has been created. The revival of the town as a leisure-based resort
relies on the Aquadome watersport centre, and the multiplex cinema close by. Surfers are attracted to the beach area, where cross
currents and straight-off-the Atlantic breezes can whip up some pretty fair waves.
Three miles east of the town, is fifth-century Margam Abbey, around which has been created
Margam Country Park, which includes a boating lake and a narrow-gauge railway. The abbey houses a
remarkable collection of Celtic and medieval stone crosses.
Baglan 19 mins (27)
Opened as recently as June 2nd 1996, this was the fifth and last of the Swanline stations.
Mainly residential, the village is dominated by the oil refinery to the west. Close to the
station, there is an interesting church, the Bagle Brook Hotel, and the newly-opened Neath
and Port Talbot General Hospital.
Briton Ferry 22mins (21)
Site of a small wharf on the River Neath, the village is 'graced' by not one, but two
motorway bridges soaring overhead. The station serves a mainly residential community.
Neath 26mins (17)
Standing on the River Neath, the town has its origins in the Roman fortress of Nidum. An
attractive market town, here is the ruin of the castle and Neath Abbey which was founded
in 1129. Before the coming of the railways, the port was served by two canals - the
Tennant and the Vale of Neath - the latter having being restored in its upper reaches.
Outside the town are the Aberdulais Falls with its restored tin plate works, and,
rather
more distant, Cefn Coed Colliery Museum. Throughout the Vale of Neath, there are many
waterfalls and cascades, principal among which are the Melincourt near Resolven
(pictured), Ysgwyd Gwladys (the Lady Fall) and Ysgwyd Einon Gam near Pontneathvaughan.
Also reached by an hour's strenuous walk from Pontneathvaughan is Ysgwyd-yr-eira (the Fall
of Snow), remarkable because it is possible to walk behind the torrent of water from one side
of the valley to the other.
Skewen 31 mins (12)
This Swanline station serves a mainly residential area.
Llansamlet 35 mins (8)
On the northern outskirts of Swansea, Llansamlet is another Swanline station which serves
a largely residential area, though the Enterprise Zone is not too far away. Of interest as
the train approaches the station are four 'flying buttresses' over the track, designed by
the celebrated railway engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel to combat the effects of
subsidence in the area. After more than 150 years, they still demonstrate their
effectiveness. The Swansea Vale preserved railway is within walking
distance of the station.
Swansea is approached over the 389-yard steel viaduct at Landore, which
replaced an original Brunel structure. On the top of the hill to the right of
the train just before this crossing are the jagged stone ruins of Morris Castle.
Not really a castle at all, it is the remains of the first tenement building in
Britain - and possibly the world - built by John Morris to accommodate workers
at his Landore copper works. The town of Morriston is named after him.
Swansea 43 mins
Wales' second city, Swansea was extensively damaged during World War II. Over the years,
the bomb damaged areas have been replaced with modern shops and houses, a process
completed with redevelopment of defunct dockland to create the Maritime Quarter.
It has a modern shopping centre, with many attractive parks close by.
The Grand Theatre celebrated its centenary in 1997, and has been refurbished to a very
high standard. It was opened by the celebrated Italian soprano Madame Adelina Patti, whose
pavilion stands in Gors Lane.
A barrage across the mouth of the River Tawe, and the conversion of part of the former
dockland area into a picturesque marina, has given Swansea an attractive waterfront
quarter which harks back to its seagoing heritage. On the northern quay of the marina is
the Swansea Industrial and Maritime Museum - which will soon become the Welsh Industrial
and Maritime Museum - with extensive displays and artefacts which highlight that
heritage. Close to the Dylan Thomas Theatre is a statue of one of Swansea's most famous
sons: the writer, poet and playwright, most notoriously of 'Under Milk Wood' a wickedly
whimsical day in the life of the fishing village of Llareggub (try reading the cod-Welsh
name backwards!).
The city's university is located at Singleton Park, a public area which has a boating lake
amongst its many attractions.
Swansea is the gateway to west Wales, but closer at hand is the Mumbles, famed as the site of the world's first passenger railway, which used steam,
diesel, electric - and even sail - power in its 153-year existence from 1807 until 1960.
There were plans to resurrect the Railway using a revolutionary flywheel driven tram
system, but this has been abandoned, one reason - ironically - being that the original
route has been developed as a promenade and cycleway. Mumbles pier houses the
Swansea lifeboat station.
To the west is the Gower peninsular - the first region in Britain to be
designated an area of outstanding natural beauty - with numerous bays and inlets
and a coastal cliff-top path. The northern coast is flatter with salt marshes
forming the boundary with the sea.
After passing Landore depot on the right and burrowing through Cockett Tunnel, the train
arrives at
Gowerton.
The northern coast of the Gower peninsular is some distance away, but not inaccessible
from the station. In the town, St John's church is notable for its marble reredos.
The line crosses the River Loughor estuary in parallel with a more-recent road bridge, and
soon is joined by the
Near the
Guild-hall, a statue to General Sir William Nott - a hero of the Afghan Wars - stands on
the spot where, in 1555, Bishop Ferrar was martyred at the stake for his Protestant
beliefs.Stations on this branch are part of the Greenway initiative
supported by the South Pembrokeshire Action with Rural Communities (SPARC) forum, which
seeks to encourage green tourism in this very green area of the Welsh countryside.
With the aim of persuading visitors to leave their cars at home and utilise public
transport while holidaying in the area, packages are available which gives reduced travel
to stations in South Pembrokeshire, and discounted accommodation which ranges from
farmhouses, small guest houses or larger hotels.
Once in the area, there are further initiatives which enable visitors to explore the
region by foot, bicycle (cycle hire is available) or by train or bus. There are a number
of official cycleways, and a variety of walks of various lengths - such as the Landsker
Borderland Trail, or the footpath to the coast from Penally station especially created for
disabled visitors.
There is also a scheme whereby long-stay visitors can be collected from Whitland station,
taken to their overnight accommodation and, in the morning, provided with bicycles or
information about walking routes for them to complete the next of their journey. At the
end of their week's or fortnight's holiday, they are again taken to the railway station
for their journey home.
Details of the scheme are available from railway stations serving West Wales, or from
SPARC at The Old School House, Station Road, Narberth, Pembs, SA67 8DU. Tel; +44 (01834)
860965
Leaving Whitland, the line divides, and trains for Pembroke Dock take the left-hand
fork. From the train, the rural nature of the Landsker borderland (which separates the
English-speaking South from the Welsh speaking North of Pembrokeshire) is self-evident.
Narberth
is the first stop. The Arberth of the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh folk
tales and legends, where Pwyll, the prince of Dyfed met the hounds of the Underworld -
which all adds spice to a walk in the hills around the town!
In the old guild hall there is a museum, part of which is devoted to the Mabinogion, and
part to the Landsker. Three miles away is Oakwood Leisure Park, which includes Megafobia -
Europe's largest wooden roller-coaster - and the death-defying Vertigo, a 120ft-high swing
which reaches speeds of up to 60mph and is claimed to give the nearest sensation to flying
it is possible to attain.
Nearby, the Canaston Centre 2000 offers hi-tech Crystal Maze-style adventures in a
futuristic setting.
Kilgetty
was once at the heart of Pembrokeshire's coal mining district, but has long reverted to a
more rural style.
From here, the railway moves closer to the coast, and the remaining stations on the branch
are within walking distance of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, a 186-mile trail between
Amroth and Cardigan with some of the country's most spectacular cliff-top scenery.
Saundersfoot
station is set some way inland from the beach and harbour, surrounded by high cliffs which
give a strenuous but stunning walk along a section of the path to...
...Tenby
the principal seaside resort of Pembrokeshire, which can trace its history back to the
Viking invasion, though its popularity with holiday-makers dates only to the arrival of
the railway in 1860. St Mary's Church and the Merchant's House on Quay hill are both
medieval, while the ruin of the Norman castle overlooks the harbour, which, like that at
Saundersfoot, featured in the county's coal export trade.
Tenby boasts two beaches. Goscar Rock rises from the sands of North beach which has the
picturesque harbour at its eastern tip, while South Beach is dominated by St Catherine's
Rock, accessible at low tide, which is topped by a deserted fort (no longer open to the
public).
Penally
is reached after the railway has snaked across the golf course. The village has a 13th
century Church dedicated to Saint Teilo whose bones it is reputedly said to house, in the
churchyard of which is a carved Celtic cross.
Manorbier
has a castle which dates from the reign of Henry I, and was the birthplace of the medieval
historian Geraldis Cambrensis, famed for his account of a journey through Wales in 1188 by
Baldwin, Archbishop of Canterbury on a recruiting campaign for the Third Crusade. The
village also has a church of the same period as the castle.
Lamphey
has the ruins of the Bishop of St David's Palace (left), built in the early decades of the
14th century.
Pembroke
is dominated by the partially restored castle which is given further dramatic eminence by
its position atop a limestone crag. It was started around 1090, by one of the Marcher
Lords of Shrewsbury, and in places its walls are 20ft thick. At high tide, it is
surrounded by the sea on three sides, and on the landward side it is protected by a ditch,
but during the English Civil War its invincibility was breached when a traitor revealed
the castle's water supply to Cromwell's troops, who laid the castle to ruin.
From Pembroke, the line tunnels under Bush Hill, before emerging to arrive at
Pembroke Dock
station, close to the ferry terminal for Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland.
Monday to Saturday, Northbound trains leave Swansea at 4.36am,
9.15am, 1.16pm and 6.21pm; Llanelli at 4.53am, 9.35am, 1.35pm and 6.39pm. These
trains call at Craven Arms at 7.54am, 12.37pm, 4.37pm and 9.36pm,
arriving at Shrewsbury at 8.22am, 1.08pm, 5.10pm and 10.06pm.
On Sundays, trains leave Swansea 11.06am and (until July 11)
A3.04pm, (July 18 to September 5) B3.20, (September 12 to December
5th) C3.26pm; Llanelli at 11.29am and A3.26pm, B3.51pm, C3.26pm arriving
Craven Arms at 2.42pm and A7.00pm, B6.58pm, C7.00pm; and Shrewsbury at 3.13pm and
A7.29pm, B7.29pm, C7.31
Monday to Saturday, Southbound trains leave Shrewsbury at
5.19am, 9.05am, 2.05pm and 6.05; Craven Arms at 5.47am, 9.34am, 2.23pm
and 6.35pm.
Arrival at Llanelli is at 8.42am, 12.29pm, 5.32pm and 9.34pm; and at Swansea
9.08am, 1.06pm, 6.05pm and 10.10pm.
On Sundays (until July 11), trains leave Shrewsbury at 12.07pm and
4.18pm; and Craven Arms at 12.36pm and
4.47pm, arriving at Llanelli at 3.36pm and 9.47pm; and Swansea at
4.04pm and 8.15pm.
On Sundays (July 18 to September 5), trains leave Shrewsbury at
12.07pm and 4.18pm; and Craven Arms at 12.36pm and
4.47pm, arriving at Llanelli at 3.36pm and 9.47pm; and Swansea at
4.02pm and 8.13pm.
On Sundays (September 12 to December 5), trains leave Shrewsbury
at 12.07pm and 4.18pm; and Craven Arms at 12.36pm and
4.47pm, arriving at Llanelli at 3.36pm and 9.50pm; and Swansea at
3.59pm and 8.16pm.
Station names in italics indicate that these are request stops only.
Figures after station names show the approximate journey times from Llanelli
with the approximate journey times from Craven Arms in brackets.
Swansea 20 mins (235)
Wales' second city, Swansea was extensively damaged during World War II. Over the years,
the bomb damaged areas have been replaced with modern shops and houses, a process
completed with redevelopment of defunct dockland to create the Maritime Quarter.
It has a modern shopping centre, with many attractive parks close by.
The Grand Theatre celebrated its centenary in 1997, and has been refurbished to a very
high standard. It was opened by the celebrated Italian soprano Madame Adelina Patti, whose
pavilion stands in Gors Lane.
A barrage across the mouth of the River Tawe, and the conversion of part of the former
dockland area into a picturesque marina, has given Swansea an attractive waterfront
quarter which harks back to its seagoing heritage. On the northern quay of the marina is
the Swansea Industrial and Maritime Museum - which will soon become the Welsh Industrial
and Maritime Museum - with extensive displays and artefacts which highlight that
heritage. Close to the Dylan Thomas Theatre is a statue of one of Swansea's most famous
sons: the writer, poet and playwright, most notoriously of 'Under Milk Wood' a wickedly
whimsical day in the life of the fishing village of Llareggub (try reading the cod-Welsh
name backwards!).
The city's university is located at Singleton Park, a public area which has a boating lake
amongst its many attractions.
Swansea is the gateway to west Wales, but closer at hand is the Mumbles, famed as the site of the world's first passenger railway, which used steam,
diesel, electric - and even sail - power in its 153-year existence from 1807 until 1960.
There were plans to resurrect the Railway using a revolutionary flywheel driven tram
system, but this has been abandoned, one reason - ironically - being that the original
route has been developed as a promenade and cycleway. Mumbles pier houses the
Swansea lifeboat station.
To the west is the Gower peninsular - the first region in Britain to be
designated an area of outstanding natural beauty - with numerous bays and inlets
and a coastal cliff-top path. The northern coast is flatter with salt marshes
forming the boundary with the sea.
Soon, the train arrives at
The train now backtracks to the junction noted earlier, and soon reaches:
Bynea 5 mins (169)
The steelworks which overshadowed Bynea were demolished over 25 years ago, to leave a
pleasant town nestling on the edge of the salt marshes of the River Loughor.
Llangennech 11 mins (166)
is another former industrial town, built where the River Morlais flows into the Loughor.
Pontarddulais 13 mins (162)
was built around the tin-plate industry little more than a century-and-a-quarter ago,
though the fame of Pontarddulais now rests predominantly with its brass band and male
voice choir. There is an ancient church and castle motte on the marshes of the river
estuary.
Pantyffynnon 20 mins (156)
The century-old signal box which stands just outside the station controls all the
signalling for the branch until it reaches Craven Arms.
Ammanford 23 mins (153)
A former mining town on the edge of the anthracite belt of the South Field coalfield,
Ammanford is now the largest township on the HoW line.
From Ammanford, the true rurality of the branch soon becomes evident. The area around
Llandybie 32 mins (149)
is marred by limestone quarries, though the disused kilns have more than a hint of Gothic
Victorian in their architecture. The church dates from the 14th century, while the Plas is
the ruin of a 17th century mansion.
Ffairfach 35 mins (142)
is a small village located near where the River Cennen flows into the much larger Towy
Llandeilo 37 mins (137)
is named after one of Wales' most famous saints. St Teilo was a 6th century missionary
dedicated to converted Britain to Christianity. The station is located on the eastern edge
of the town near the banks of the River Towy, from where the road winds between brightly
coloured houses to the church and to ruin of Dynevor Castle.
Llangadog 49 mins (128)
church commemorates another of Wales' saints, this time St Cadoc who flourished toward the
end of the 5th century.
Llanwrda 52 mins (124)
was the site of the sister church to Llangadog, and is located up-river on the opposite
bank of the Towy.
Llandovery 59 mins (112)
is a busy market town, a mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture
surrounded by gentle hills. The ruins of the castle overlook the cattle market. The
Methodist chapel commemorates the best-known writer of Welsh hymns: William Williams of
Pantycelyn, who lived at a farm five miles outside the town. Llandovery College is one of only two
public schools in Wales (the other is at Brecon).
Cynghordy 69 mins
(104)
which name derives from a former meeting house, is the remote location
for two of the engineering wonders of the line; the 93ft high Cynghordy viaduct, and the
1,000-yard Sugar Loaf Tunnel. The viaduct is 650 feet in length and consists of 18 arched
spans. The mid-point of Sugar Loaf Tunnel is directly underneath the county boundaries of
Carmarthenshire and Powys.
Sugar Loaf Halt 77 mins (97)
Like Cynghordy, is remotely located, and both stations are ideal starting points for
rambles in the surrounding countryside.
Llanwrtyd Wells
83 mins (89)
(pictured left)
was established as a spa town as far back as 1732. Reputedly the smallest town in Britain,
and set on the edge of the Cambrian mountain range, red kite and other birds of prey can
be seen wheeling overhead. Near by, Lake Abernant offers fishing and boating facilities.
It is also the home of the annual man-versus-horse race, recently won by a man
for the first time in the competition's history, and the sport of bog
snorkelling, where competitors wearing snorkel and scuba fins swim 60 metres
along a trench cut into a peat bog.
Llangammarch 91 mins (83)
Yet another spa town, its waters are claimed as unique in that they contain barium
chloride, considered an infallible cure for all forms of heart complaint.
Garth 95 mins (79)
serves a quiet spa village, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Cilmeri 100 mins (74)
has great significance for patriotic Welshmen as it was here that Llywelyn, the last
native Prince of Wales, met his death in 1282. A stone monument which marks the spot can
be seen from the train, west of the station.
Builth Road 103 mins (71)
is two miles from the town of Builth Wells, where the pump room is a reminder of its spa
origins in the 1780s. The town stands on the River Wye which is crossed by an 18th century
stone bridge. Parts of the church date from the 13th century, and contains an effigy of
Sir John Lloid, a personal attendant of Queen Elizabeth I. At Llanelwedd, outside the
town, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show is held.
Llandrindod 114 mins (58)
(in English, the Church of the Trinity) developed as a spa town from 1749, but the
benefits of its waters were well-known for at least fifty years before. Every August, the
town steeps itself in Victorianna during its annual festival.
Penybont 127 mins (49)
was once the centre for horse races, in particular those employing the use of sulkies, a
light trap-like cart which carries the 'jockey'.
Dolau 132 mins (45)
Like most stations on the Heart of Wales line, it is looked after by local station
adoption groups, and is a frequent winner of the annual Best Kept Station award.
Llanbister Road 138 mins (39)
is ideally located for walks in the Radnor Forest, as is
Llangynllo 143 mins (35)
the next station along. Just before the 645-yard long Llangynllo Tunnel the line reaches
980 feet above sea level, the highest point on the branch.
Knucklas 149 mins (27)
is approached over a 465-yard viaduct a with distinctive castellated turrets which carry
the line 69 ft above the valley floor.
Knighton 155 mins (20)
straddles Offa's Dyke, the traditional boundary between Wales and England: the town in the
former country but the station located over the border. Though in Wales, the architecture
of Knighton's Norman Church is more typical of neighbouring Herefordshire.
The remaining stations are Bucknell, Hopton Heath, and Broome before Craven
Arms, which owes its name to one of the old coaching inns on the road between North
and South Wales, is reached. Craven Arms is on the Marches line which runs northward to
Shrewsbury, and southward to Hereford and Newport in the south. (See the North Wales and Marches section of the Wales and West pages.
ATW trains serve the following preserved railways in this survey, from stations at:
For details of connecting bus and rail services, including travel planner and timetables, visit the Traveline Cymru website.
Copyright © 1996/7/8/9/2000/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10 by Deryck Lewis.
All rights reserved.
Page created July 14 1996; Redesigned March 29 1999;
Updated May 17 2010
If you have any suggestions, comments, or glitches to report, please contact the author at
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