One of the world’s most ‘epic’ train journeys can be found in the heart of mid Wales, skirting the north Wales coastline. The legendary Cambrian Railway runs for over 120 miles, with awe-inspiring natural beauty that has seen it rank as one of the most scenic rail routes globally.

Starting in Shrewsbury, close to the Welsh border, the main line runs westward. Along the way, passengers enjoy spectacular views of Welshpool, Newtown, Caersws, and Machynlleth.  At Machynlleth station, passengers have the option to hop onto the coastal line which heads northward, taking you alongside Wales’ western shoreline, stopping at picturesque havens such as Aberdyfi, Tywyn, Fairbourne, Barmouth, Harlech, Minffordd, Porthmadog, Criccieth, culminating at Pwllheli.

Or they can opt for the southbound service, which heads to the stunning coastal areas of Borth and Aberystwyth.

The line provides passengers the chance to see incredible landscapes, relax while exploring coastal trails, visit UNESCO-listed sites, or stop to visit ancient castles, Wales Online reports.

And the price is a bargain. An ‘anytime day return’ ticket between Aberystwyth and Pwllheli is just £23.10, offering an almost eight-hour round journey. 

The Cambrian Railway, completed in the 1860s, has been hailed by Visit Wales as an “incredible feat of Victorian engineering”.

Karen Willans, representing the Welsh Government’s tourism body, said: “The railway line is pretty dramatic; in places, it clings to high cliffs and burrows through tunnels hewn from the rock.

“The train ride itself can be a day out but there’s also loads to do along the way. There’s something for everyone outdoor and watersports enthusiasts, heritage and history fans, and families looking for that perfect sandcastle-making beach.”

She added: “Whatever you decide to do try to finish off your day watching a spectacular Cardigan Bay sunset from the train or settle down in one of the many seaside pubs or restaurants before catching the last train home.

“Being west-facing the vivid sunsets really are something special. Just like the Cambrian Line.”

The Cambrian Railway attracts visitors from around the world, with The Guardian previously listing the route from Dovey Junction, north of Aberystwyth, to Pwllheli among the world’s ’10 most epic train journeys’.

This prestigious list includes routes such as Switzerland’s Jungfraubahn and the journey from Chicago to San Francisco in the US.

The Guardian said: “From the solitary request stop at Dovey Junction, the Cambrian Coast line adheres so closely to the edge of Cardigan Bay that it frequently suffers damage from sea storms.

“Trains journey for nearly two and a half hours along one of Britain’s most picturesque railway lines, crossing the half-mile-long, 150-year-old Barmouth bridge over the Mawddach river.

“They then skirt the beautiful Portmeirion on the opposite side of the sandy Dwyryd estuary, providing prime views of Harlech and Criccieth castles.”