The launch of the northern end of the trail from Craven Arms to Knighton could not have expressed so effectively the widespread support for the project. Over 65 people attended the opening session at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (which has a superb exhibition and café and is well worth a visit…only 10 minutes’ walk from Craven Arms Railway Station). Over 90 people then joined the train to Broome and 80 walked back 5 miles to CA via Hopesay Common.

Heart of Wales Line Trail

Rail & Bus for Herefordshire has donated to the trail and that is being put to good use as the route between railway stations on the line is being upgraded this autumn and next spring. In Powys, the County Council is working with the trail team of volunteers to offer high level walking from Knucklas to Llandrindod Wells with links to Dolau and Pen-y-Bont stations. In Carmarthenshire and the City and County of Swansea work has commenced on sorting out problems in the Cynghordy area and towards Ammanford in the south. The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is also currently checking out the route from Llandeilo to Carreg Cennen and down to Llandybie.

To make the trail happen we need support from groups and individuals. If you would like to make a donation send a cheque made payable to Howlta and write trail on the back. Ensure that you include your name and contact address. Send off to Howlta, POBox 778, Swansea SA45BL.

Every penny donated is invested in route furniture-gates and bridges and the like-and even if you can only spare a £5 it will be put to good use. The end result will be a trail which will encourage more travellers on the line year in year out.

Les Lumsdon, Heart of Wales Line Trail Steering Group 12 September 2017