There is a comprehensive guidebook with detailed descriptions about the landscape and culture of South Shropshire and Mid Wales. Each section is set out with its own sketch map and details of additional 'station links' if you wish to visit those stations that the Trail does not pass through. The book is available to purchase from Kittiwake Books or through your local independent bookseller.

Where to stay

We prefer trail walkers to use local campsites or holiday accommodation along the trail, WILD CAMPING IS NOT RECOMMENDED. We have a page dedicated to local accommodation providers if you are looking for somewhere to stay during your Trail walk.

Who We Are

The trail is supported and promoted by a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) that was established in late 2023 called ‘The Friends of the Heart of Wales Line Trail’ and a group of ‘Trail Champions’ who undertake inspections and maintenance, in conjunction with local authorities.

The trustees of the ‘FHWLT’ are the founder members of the trail plus some new recruits. They are always keen to hear from anyone interested in supporting their work either as a trustee, a committee member, a member of the organisation or as a trail champion.

Having originally been a sub-committee of the Community Rail Partnership, a strong link continues between the organisations. The CRP support with online and social media presence and promotion, as well as offering professional support for fundraising and partnership work.

Support The Trail

To support the ongoing development of the trail and keep it open and accessible you can become a member for £15 a year using the Charities Aid Foundation donation system. Simply click on the button below and follow the instructions to set up a Direct Debit donation or make a single payment. Once you have made a donation, you will receive a message confirming your membership. If you prefer to pay by cheque send an email to heartofwalestrail@gmail.com All support is gratefully received as the organisation receives no core funding.

Where it all began…

The Story of the Heart of Wales Line Trail

The Heart of Wales Line is one of the most scenic rail routes in Britain. Walkers have used the line for many years to access marvellous walking country that is often hard to reach without a car.

In 2015, a handful of walkers and rail enthusiasts met in a pub to discuss building a rail-based walking trail from Craven Arms to Llanelli, weaving between stations along the Heart of Wales Line.

We asked two local experts, Professor Les Lumsdon and Alison Caffyn to carry out a feasibility study for the Trail. The work was funded by Arriva Trains Wales.

You can’t just plan a 141-mile long-distance walking route in the comfort of your office - you have to go out there and walk it. You have to get out in the weather, meet the farmers, work with what you find. If there is no route across a stream, the question is – should we find a different route or build a new bridge? If a path you thought existed has been diverted, you go back to the drawing board.

We have based the route on existing rights of way, starting in the old railway town of Craven Arms. The trail passes through remote upland areas including Shropshire AONB, the Radnorshire Forest and Brecon Beacons, glorious woodland and the salt marshes of the Loughor Valley en route to the Millennium Coastal Park in Llanelli. 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.

In January 2017 the trail steering group launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise money to help build the trail. We have been overwhelmed by the support from communities up and down the line, from walking groups and from council Rights of Way teams. The crowdfunding launch got us on TV and radio – most of us for the first time, giving interviews in Welsh and English and enjoying some really good coverage in the local press too. This support was just what we needed.

The completed trail is 227 km (141 miles) in length and might well take a walker 10 days to complete. We hope that you enjoy walking it.

Our Partners

Together we have created a unique, rail-based walking trail that weaves between railway stations along the beautiful Heart of Wales Line. THANK YOU to all the people and organisations who supported us:

Arriva Trains Wales

Network Rail

Transport for Wales

Community Rail Network

The Heart of Wales Line Travellers’ Association

Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust

The Long Distance Walkers Association

Rail Ramblers

Lower Wye Valley Ramblers

Walkers are Welcome (Llandovery)

Lampeter and Llanelli Ramblers

REPTA

Rights of Way teams in Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire and the City and County of Swansea

And all the many groups, local councils, individuals and families who have donated to help fund the trail.