Continue your adventure on foot with a Ramblers walk
Our railway stations are starting points for plenty of scenic walks found in and around villages, towns and cities the length and breadth of Wales.
Check out these Ramblers Cymru walking and wheeling routes that start as soon as you’ve gotten off the train. You’ll find something for all abilities and you can do them at your own pace, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike.
Ramblers’ routes are made by walkers for walkers. They’re about making it easier for us all to get active, stay healthy and enjoy Wales’ great outdoors. Why not continue your adventure on foot? Have a look below and find a rail trail route near you.
Aberdare
From the station, head into the bustling town centre before venturing into the lovely surroundings of Aberdare’s Grade II-listed Victorian park and its boating lake. Why not call at a local café or shop on your return journey and enjoy some refreshment on your way back to the station? This is a great one to try if you have children or use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, with safe and accessible road crossings, pedestrian bridges and plenty of play areas in the park, which also has public toilets.
Aberystwyth
Exit the train and head to the beautiful South Beach and harbour. Stroll inland following the River Ystwyth on a meandering path past scenic farmland. Next, follow the footpath past Plas Tanybwlch before rejoining the Ceredigion coast at Tan Y Bwlch beach. If you fancy extending your walk, why not take a detour up the ancient Pen Dinas Celtic hillfort? This walk’s not too difficult, but it’s a long one with some uneven terrain. You’ll also find a café and toilets in the town centre.
Bangor
Get off the train at Bangor and you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the town. The walk doesn’t take too long and you can take in the majestic Menai Strait en route to the pier. Bangor is a cathedral city which also happens to be the oldest in Wales. You’ll pass lovely parkland on this route and find cafés and toilets in the town centre and at the pier. This is a great one to try if you’re travelling with children, who’re able to visit the pier for free.
Barmouth
From the station head to the beach, passing the promenade, lifeboat station and historic harbour - once one of the major shipbuilding centres in Wales. Follow the Wales Coast Path across the Grade II listed Barmouth bridge, the longest timber viaduct in Wales and one of the oldest in regular use in Britain. Walk around the estuary and follow the Fairbourne miniature railway to find a café and toilets. Once you’re ready, you can hop on the ferry for a relaxing sail back to Barmouth.
Barry Island
Leave the train for a walk along the beautiful Wales Coast Path. You’ll get fine views across the Severn Estuary, pass National Coastal Institution and Second World War coastal artillery buildings, before getting a chance to stroll along the famous promenade and beach. This route’s accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies. You’ll find public toilets in Whitmore Bay and plenty of places where you can get refreshments along the promenade and in the town.
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Leave the train and pass through the charming high street surrounded by the mountains of Snowdonia National Park. Follow the famed ‘slate trail’ before a steep climb that rewards you with stunning views across to the Moelwyn mountains and Stwlan dam. You’ll find plenty of uneven terrain here, so be sure to bring your walking boots. There’re toilets in the town centre as well as cafes and a pub if your hike leaves you feeling peckish, or thirsty.
Caergwrle
From the station, walk through the village up to Caergwrle castle. Built between 1278 and 1282 by Dafydd ap Gruffudd, it was the last castle to be built by a native Welsh prince and the short climb is well worth the effort to explore the old ruins. You’ll also cross the ‘packhorse bridge’ with its V-shaped niches that allowed pedestrians to keep clear of the packhorses which once thundered across it. You’ll find cafés near the station and in the village if all that history makes you hungry.
Cardiff Bay
From the station, pass the vibrant restaurant scene of Cardiff Bay as well a landmarks like the Senedd, Wales Millennium Centre, Roald Dahl Plass and Pierhead Building. Next join water’s edge and follow the Wales Coast Path and Cardiff Bay Trail where you’ll also catch a glimpse of Cardiff’s famed Norwegian church. This one’s an easy walk that’s accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users. It’s a great way to experience Wales’ thriving capital and quiet coastline all in one go.
Colwyn Bay
Leave the train and follow the picturesque Wales Coast Path, skirting the edge of the beach. The path takes you to Rhos on Sea where you’ll find plenty of shops, cafés and toilets. You may want to stop here for a while if you’re travelling with children and spend some time by the seaside or at the nearby playground. Further along you’ll find tiny St Trillo’s Chapel on the seafront. It’s alter is built over a natural spring thought to be an ancient holy well.
Criccieth
Leave the train and follow the path that crosses the tracks to begin. You can explore the lush greenery of a nature reserve on your way as you follow this trail to the beach, the historic lifeboat station and the mighty fortress of Criccieth Castle. Stroll across the seafront or the prom, it’s your choice. You’ll find plenty of cafés in the town centre and beachfront if your walk’s given you an appetite. There’re also public toilets in the town centre and near the beach.
Flint
Leave the station and you’ll quickly find yourself at Flint’s mighty castle, one of the earliest and most unusual of Wales’ English-built castles and well worth a visit. Back on the coast path, you’ll get some excellent views across the Dee Estuary to the Wirral. This is a great place to birdwatch when the tide is out, with many species to be found in the saltmarsh. You’ll see the ‘Flintshire Guardian’ that looks out to Hillbre Island from Flint Point. You’ll also find plenty of cafés in the town centre.
Gwersyllt
Exit the train at Gwersyllt for the beautiful Alyn Waters Country Park, passing the local cricket club on your way. At the park, why not spend some time enjoying a peaceful stroll along the banks of the River Alyn and its weir? Next, take a gentle climb up to the visitor centre where you’ll find a café, toilets and a playground, great if you’re travelling with children. This is an easy trek, but it will take some time, so remember to factor this in.
Hawarden
Leave the station and follow the footpath, perhaps stopping off at the playground on the way if you have children. Continue your walk past the church, which is often open to visitors. Well worth a visit is the historic Gladstone Library, home to a collection of more than 250,000 printed items, including the theological, historical, cultural and political. Next, you’ll venture past Hawarden’s Grade I-listed medieval castle, which you can view from the beautiful surrounding parkland.
Llandeilo
Get off here for an easy woodland stroll that takes around an hour. The main route will take you past Parc Penllan and its bandstand where you can stop to take in a scenic view of the surrounding hills. You’ll pass through serene woodland as you head to the beautiful National Trust site of Dinefwr Park. You’ll find refreshment options and toilets here and in the town centre on your return journey. There’s an accessible route you can take into the park if you’re a wheelchair or mobility scooter user.
Llanrwst
From the station, walk through the market town before crossing the River Conwy on the Pont Gower suspension bridge. You’ll cross some stiles and pass through lush green fields, following the banks of the river, but take care as it can get quite marshy here after heavy rain. If you have children, you’ll find a playground just before you cross the river again on a magnificent stone arch bridge. There’re cafes and toilets in the town centre if you fancy refreshments, or just feel like taking a break.
Penrhyndeudraeth
Exit the train and briefly follow a road before reaching Gwaith Powdwr nature reserve. Once the site of a world-renowned munitions factory, it’s now managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust. Continue your trek uphill to reach an area of heathland before heading back to the station. This is a short walk, but it’s a steep climb in some areas with uneven terrain, so it may be worth bringing your hiking boots. You’ll find cafés and toilets in the town centre a short distance from the station.
Prestatyn
Follow the path of Offa’s Dyke, the ancient earthwork that once formed the barrier between England and Wales. Climb Prestatyn hill for splendid views of the surrounding area before descending to the small village of Bryniau on your way to the National Trust site of Graig Fawr. Further on, you’ll reach the path of a disused railway that once served the mines and quarries of the surrounding hillsides. This is a long, adventurous walk with steep and uneven terrain - so be sure to come prepared.
Pwllheli
Leave the station and walk a short distance through the scenic wetland area to reach the seafront. From here you can either stroll along the beach or the promenade. Follow the path past Crochan Berw (which translates as “boiling cauldron”), a rocky outcrop just above the sea which offers stunning views of the Eryri mountains. You’ll find cafés in the town centre and on the beach front as well as playgrounds in the town if you’re bringing children along for the walk.
Rhosneigr
Exit the station and head past the golf club on your way to the memorial clocktower in the middle of the village. From here you’ll get views to RAF Valley and Mynydd Twr (Holyhead Mountain), the highest mountain on Holy Island, Anglesey. Situated on the Anglesey Coast Path, Rhosneigr has plenty of local shops and cafés if you fancy taking a comfort break here. Continue to the seafront to explore the sand dunes and get great views across the coast. You’ll also find public toilets here.
Trehafod
Exit the train to begin a leisurely trek down the Rhondda valley, once the beating heart of the South Wales coalfield. These days you’ll see crystal clear waters and scenic woodland, getting a sense of both history and nature. Take some time to explore Barry Sidings Country Park, where you’ll find a playground, café and toilets. Feeling adventurous? Take a detour up the mountains to see the Rhondda from up high. This trail ends at Pontypridd; enjoy what its bustling town centre has to offer.
