An audio guide to what can be seen from train windows along the Cambrian Line has been shortlisted for an award in the Tourism and Leisure category at the Community Rail Awards.
Up for the award which is sponsored by sponsored by Scenic Rail Britain is the Cambrian Line Window Seater Audio Guide. The Community Rail Awards are now in their 19th year, and are designed to recognise the important work carried out by the unheralded group of people, often volunteers, who work throughout Britain's rail network making railway stations welcoming spaces for both passengers and visitors.
Many of these groups also engage with their local communities, including schools, colleges, and other local groups, to help educate and secure the passengers of the future, which as that critical to making sure our railways continue to provide an inclusive, sustainable, and healthy way to travel.
A high-profile Awards Ceremony will be held in Swansea on Monday, 18 March 2023 when the winners will be announced; the event is being sponsored jointly by Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales.
The Cambrian Line is recognised as one of the World's most scenic railways, and the Cambrian Railway Partnership wanted to enhance passenger journeys on the line by taking them beyond the views from the train. They wanted to take passengers into the local communities and hear their stories of history, culture, and language, as told by residents. By reaching beyond a simple train journey, the Partnership aimed to encourage sustainable travel and support the local economy.
After asking for people to submit stories about the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and along the Wales coast to Pwllheli, 10th August this year saw the official launch of the Cambrian Line Window Seater Audio Guide.
The Cambrian Line Window Seater Audio Guide is one of a number of audio guides for railway lines in England and Wales. However, the Cambrian Line guide is the first bilingual guide, and has been created bilingually to encourage the use of the Welsh language and recognise the Welsh culture and identity.
The Cambrian Railway Partnership owes a debt of gratitude to the businesses and local residents for their phenomenal contribution to the project, which was funded by the Cambrian Railway Partnership, Transport for Wales, and the Community Rail Development Fund.
To find out further information about the Cambrian Line Window Seater Audio Guide click here.
