Welsh Wilderness Railways
With few good roads across this remote unspoilt wilderness landscape, these heritage railways allow us to fully appreciate the magnificent surroundings.
With few good roads across this remote unspoilt wilderness landscape, these heritage railways allow us to fully appreciate the magnificent surroundings.
Escape to Wales’s high country – it’s an inspirational place with muscular mountains and green curvaceous hills. The landscapes are laced with clear flowing rivers – in fact there’s water everywhere from reed fringed pools to beautiful deep lakes. The Cambrian Mountains region is a well kept secret, a hidden gem offering history and tradition in a truly unspoilt wild open wilderness. With only a few good roads across this remote landscape our tour also utilises rail and canal to fully appreciate your magnificent surroundings.
ITINERARY
SUNDAY - Morning departure from Dorset, cross the Severn Bridge into Wales and stop at Abergavenny for lunch. Continue to Llandrindod and after check-in & porterage enjoy dinner.
MONDAY - Morning tour through the Elan Valley with a ranger guide - an area of outstanding beauty and a "must see" of mid-Wales. The lakes have been formed by damming the river valleys to provide water for the English Midlands. A stop at the Visitor Centre provides a historical background and an insight into the geology, nature and heritage. Afternoon free to explore Llandrindod Wells, a spa town since Roman times, renowned for its health-giving waters.
TUESDAY - Tour through the Cambrian Mountains to Aberystwyth it has an impressive promenade, a ruined castle and the longest cliff railway in the UK. This afternoon we shall join the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge. The steam train provides an unforgettable journey through spectacular scenery, twisting and turning as it clings to the hillside. A single journey takes 1 hour and there will be time at Devils Bridge to view the waterfalls while the coach catches up.
WEDNESDAY - We visit the town of Brecon, nestling at the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The historic cathedral houses the original colours of the South Wales Borders Regt from the Zulu Wars. This afternoon we shall board Dragonfly Cruises narrow boat on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal - a 2½ hour cruise on this historic waterway that is a feat of engineering. We cruise through a canal lock and cross an aqueduct over the River Usk taking in the fabulous waterside sights.
THURSDAY - Drive to Pant Station near Merthyr Tydfil and join the steam hauled Brecon Mountain Railway for a journey alongside the beautiful Taf Fechan Reservoir. At Pontsticil you can alight, admire the view and stroll alongside the lake. On return to Pant 1½ hours later there is time to visit the loco sheds. An opportunity to get lunch here before returning to Dorset by late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
METROPOLE HOTEL, Llandrindod Wells
A family owned and managed hotel whose reputation assures high standards and a warm welcome. Wonderful surrounding countryside complements the splendour of this Victorian style hotel which is conveniently situated close to the town centre. 120 bedrooms all offer private bathroom with toiletries and hairdryer, telephone, trouser press, tea tray, radio and colour tv, free wifi and all accessible by lift. The restaurant maintains a reputation for fine cuisine and there is a spacious lounge/bar in which to relax. For the more energetic the hotel also offers a spectacular indoor leisure pool, a gym and sauna.
TOUR PRICE : £565.00 per person
Single Room Supplement : £60.00
Price Includes: All coach travel • 4 nights hotel accommodation • Half board meals • Rheidol Railway fare • Brecon Canal cruise • Brecon Railway fare • Elan Valley Ranger Guide • Entry to Elan visitor centre •
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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