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More tip top Cambrian Trailways launched5/05/2009

Pictures: Participants at the launch event enjoying walk No.5 and some well deserved refreshments at the Ysgethin Inn, Talybont - one of a number of local businesses which it is envisaged will benefit from the initiative.

The Cambrian Railways Partnership has launched four new walks in its award winning Cambrian Trailways series.

Developing on  the popularity of the leaflets launched last year which won a national Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport award, these new routes following recognised rights of way between the stations have been produced:

• No. 5 Dyffryn Ardudwy - Talybont
• No. 6 Llanaber - Barmouth
• No. 7 Aberdyfi - Tywyn 
• No. 8 Y Drenewydd - Welshpool

A launch event was organised to showcase and raise awareness of the new walks on Friday the 1st of May 2009.

The launch involved participants from a wide range of local businesses and bodies such as the Ardudwy Regeneration Group, Tourism Partnership Mid Wales, Mid Wales Tourism, Gwynedd Council, Ramblers Association and Arriva Trains Wales amongst others including pupils and staff from Ysgol Dyffryn Ardudwy walking route No.5 between Dyffryn Ardudwy and Talybont.

Local Community Councillor Bill Moss, Chairman of the Ardudwy Regeneration Group said, "We hope these new leaflets will encourage people to visit the area specifically to undertake the walks as well as appealing to people who are already coming to the area as an added attraction and means of seeing more of the wonderful countryside than they may have otherwise. Holding the launch in the area also helps raise the profile of another local initiative to develop the longer distance route: The Ardudwy Way."

Gordon and Dot Hayes from the Wirral who have visited Benar Beach Touring and Camping Park, Talybont for over twenty years also took part in the walk, Mr Hayes commented "We really enjoy and look forward to visiting this part of Wales - as keen walkers these new leaflets are an added attraction."

Provided in the Trailway leaflets is a detailed strip map for each route and other useful information including the wildlife that may be encountered, points of historical interest and the availability of refreshments and how to source accommodation locally.

Speaking at the launch Gwynedd Councillor Eryl Jones-Williams warmly welcomed the initiative, "Today's launch is another example of how the local community is further developing its relationship with the railway.

"We have an active Station Adoption group at Dyffryn Ardudwy and Talybont that is working with Arriva Trains Wales to enhance the stations and their appearance; this work coupled with initiatives such as the Cambrian Trailways will make a real impact in promoting the area in general as well as the railway."

Gerwyn Jones on behalf of the Cambrian Railways Partnership commented, "What we have found from feedback on the initial four walks is that they appealed to local people as much as to visitors to the area.

"In extending the series we have included two shorter walks of between three and four miles as well as two more challenging ones of between ten and fourteen miles to appeal to a wider spectrum of walkers."  

The new leaflets are available from local Tourist Information Centres and Staffed Railway Stations on the network.

The entire set of eight, along with other information relevant to the Cambrian Railways is also available to download here

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