Top 5 Walks off the Train
Aberdyfi - Tywyn
From the Trefeddian, the closest walk off the train is from Aberdovey Station. Hop on board the train to the next stop and disembark at Tywyn. From Tywyn station, walk down towards the beach. At low tide you can have a beautiful 4-mile sandy walk all the way from Tywyn to Aberdyfi. On a very low tide you can see the remains of the submerged forest. The once thriving landscape has now been taken over by rising sea levels after the last ice age. The exposed peat and tree stumps can be seen on the foreshore. Local legend has another story about the submerged forest. The hidden kingdom called Cantre’r Gwaelod, extended 20 miles west into Cardigan Bay had gates that had to be opened and closed at high and low tide to drain the land. One stormy night, there was a party at the Kings palace and the gates were left open, 16 villages were flooded by the sea. Whichever version of the legend you choose, it is said that if you listen closely, you can hear the bells of the lost city ringing out from under the sea, especially on quiet Sunday mornings, and particularly if you’re in Aberdyfi.
Morfa Mawddach – Barmouth
Jump onto the train at Aberdyfi, going north towards Barmouth. Morfa Mawddach is a request stop, so make sure to tell the guard! Follow the footpath alongside the railway line. The walk takes you along part of the Wales Coast path onto the beautiful Barmouth Viaduct. The grade II listed structure was completed in 1867 to covey goods and people between Pwllheli & Machynlleth. Passenger trains still operate on this line and when walking across the viaduct, they may even pass you. The viaduct is almost 900 meters long and consists of wooden and metal spans. It is the longest timber viaduct in Wales and one of the oldest in regular use in Britain. The metal section was originally made of iron but now steel and was opened to let ships pass. The mechanism for the swing span remains in place. The views along the estuary towards the Cadair Idris range make this walk so worthwhile. Theres an honesty toll at the end of the bridge before you reach Barmouth. After a stroll around Barmouth you can either walk back along the bridge and flag the train down at Morfa Mawddach, or jump on the train at Barmouth Station and enjoy going back across the bridge as a passenger along the line to Aberdyfi.
Tywyn – Dolgoch - Nant Gwernol
Our third walk off the train is from the Talyllyn steam railway in Tywyn, not the mainline! Hop aboard the worlds first preserved railway that opened in 1865. The steam train (which inspired Rev Awdry book series of Thomas the Tank Engine) trundles up the Fathew Valley for over seven miles. You can hop on and off at any point. One of the stops is Dolgoch Falls where you can walk alongside the stunning set of waterfalls and explore the upper and lower falls. Back on the train and all the way to the end of the line is where you would disembark at Nant Gwernol. In the heart of the forestry, there are many signposted walks with varying length and difficulty. You can walk back towards Abergynolwyn from here and have a drink or bite to eat at the Quarryman’s Cabin before getting back on the train for your return journey back to Tywyn.
Aberdyfi – Llwyngwril
A beautiful trip on the train is just north along the coast to Llwyngwril from Aberdyfi. Once here, enjoy a wonderful stroll around the village and follow the “Llwyngwril Magic of the Knitted Trail”. You can purchase a map from Maiden Arts Interiors or Hendre Hall and follow the map to discover the hidden knitted treasure from Gwril the giant, Gwenhidw the mermaid, Morgan the sea sprite and a water horse. There’s also the Barmouth serpent and lots of soot sprites - little balls of mischief, and even a dragon! After spotting all the yarnbombing delights, have a look around Maiden Arts at the wonderful selection of gifts and interiors for your home before calling into Hendre Hall for their coffee shop selling delicious cakes and a farm shop selling a great range of food, you can’t go home without buying a famous pork pie, before returning to the station for the train ride back to Aberdyfi.
Aberdyfi – Minffordd
For our final walk from the train, why not head north to the station at Minffordd. From this station, it is about a one mile walk to Portmeirion. Combine your train journey with a wonderful day out at the Italian inspired village built by Sir Clough Williams Ellis. His vision began being constructed in 1925 and wasn’t fully completed until 1975. It is now a glorious collection of individual, colourful and attractive buildings arranged around a central piazza. There is so much to see to make a day trip worthwhile from buildings and gardens, shops and places to eat. You may even recognise the village from the 1960’s cult television series, The Prisoner that was filmed here. Take the 1 mile walk back to the station before enjoying the scenic train journey back along the Cambrian coast to Aberdyfi.