All of the walks are less than 5km in length, and all are suitable for families and beginners. They are relatively easy walks and designed to encourage local people and visitors to become more active, and to use public transport to explore both their local communities and lesser-known places.
Each walk has been conveniently designed to start and finish at railway stations across the Wales and Borders network. Maps of the walks can be downloaded from the “Guided Walks by Train” page on Transport for Wales website at https://tfw.wales/guided-walks-by-train
There are seven walks in South Wales including Merthyr to Pentrebach, Cardiff Bay, Aberdare, Heath Low Level (Cardiff), and Barry Island.
There are also linear walks from Llandeilo to Dinefwr Park, Trehafod to Pontypridd, and Cardiff to Penarth.
In North Wales, there are 15 routes walks, including Gwersyllt (Wrexham), Flint, Barmouth, Caergwrle, Prestatyn, Rhosneigr, Penrhyndeudraeth, Newtown, Aberystwyth, Hawarden, Llanrwst, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Pwllheli, Porthmadog, and Criccieth.
Further options in North Wales could include linear walks between Colwyn Bay, Bangor, and Rhosneigr.
Transport for Wales's partnership with Ramblers Cymru coincides with the Visit Wales theme of the “Year of the Trails”. That is intended to encourage visitors to find forgotten treasures, embrace journeys of the senses, and make their own memories by taking in pathways around attractions, activities, landscapes, and coastlines.
Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with responsibility for transport, Lee Waters added: “If you fancy a change of scenery, what could be easier than hopping on a train and visiting some of the fantastic things that Wales has to offer.?? This initiative provides a great opportunity to encourage people to stay active, travel sustainably and help boost local communities all at the same time.”
Melanie Lawton, TfW Community Rail Strategy Lead said: “We're really excited to launch these short walks from railway stations throughout Wales. They offer people the opportunity to travel on a train, with family and friends, visit a new area, have a short walk within the local community and enjoy well-being time in the outdoors.”
“At TfW we want to encourage more people to travel sustainably, and these walks are great for families or those who simply want to explore somewhere new.”
“We've already delivered six guided walks from our stations and we're hoping these will be just as popular.”
Angela Charlton, director of Ramblers Cymru said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Transport for Wales on this project to develop walks. Ramblers Cymru wants to see walking at the heart of communities and an outdoors that is more accessible to more people.
“We hope that the family-friendly routes will showcase some of the hidden gems across the train network to encourage people to explore more of Wales spending money and bringing economic benefits with them as they discover the people and communities along the way.”
