Cambrian Coast Railway at Barmouth (Image: Getty)
An in the UK has been named one of the 10 best in the world – and a ticket to ride can cost you less than a tenner.
The Cambrian Coast Railway is a scenic rail line in . It runs along the beautiful coastline of , stretching 120 miles from Dovey Junction near in Mid Wales to in North Wales.
Major stops include Tywyn, Barmouth, Harlech, , and others.
And it also connects with other lines at Machynlleth, linking to the main Cambrian Line that goes to and
The Mawddach Estuary viaduct is one of the UK’s most dramatic railway bridges (Image: Getty)
The railway hugs the coast, providing breathtaking views of estuaries, beaches and the sea. It passes through beautiful Barmouth, which means the historic wooden viaduct crossing the – one of the most picturesque rail crossings in the UK – is on the line.
Passengers can enjoy vistas of the mountains of stunning Snowdonia National Park. The route is a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Harlech Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the heritage Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.
– a quirky, picturesque Italian-style village – is also nearby, close to Pwllheli and Porthmadog. As is Criccieth, a charming coastal town with another striking castle.
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Harlech Castle is a UNESCO site (Image: Getty)
It’s an ideal destination for walkers and cyclists, as it provides access to coastal paths and countryside trails. However, the railway has industrial roots – and was initially developed to transport slate and other goods from inland quarries to coastal ports.
Nowadays, its trains cater for both commuters and tourists – and their large windows give glorious views of the stunning scenery. Rail passes or day tickets can provide flexibility for hopping on and off to explore multiple locations – and explorer tickets cost around £18.
The ‘Cambrian Coast Rail Rover’ provides unlimited travel for 1, 3, or 7 days along the line. This is perfect for exploring multiple stops at your leisure.
Spectacular Snowdownia is within easy reach (Image: Getty)
The best time to travel is probably during the spring or the summer – the landscapes are lush, the weather is pleasant, and many of the attractions along the route are fully open.
However, autumn offers quieter travel and stunning foliage along the route – and the winter sees fewer crowds, but be prepared for some reduced services.
The is close by and offers spectacular mountain-top views. The train leaves from Llanberis Station – and goes all the way to the summit of Snowdon, Hafod Eryri.
Other amazing – and cheap – UK train journeys include the This route spans 73 miles of stunning countryside – and offers picturesque views of the Dales and the North Pennines in their most rugged and isolated beauty.