Valleys and Railways of Mid Wales

Today meet with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers and
check into the 4-Star Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod
Wells, where we enjoy a welcome dinner together this evening.

This morning we board the steam-hauled* Rheilfford Talyllyn
Railway. Tucked away in the wildflower meadows of southern
Snowdonia, the beautiful Talyllyn Railway paints its merry red
trail over the bridges and through the forests of North Wales. This
was the first heritage railway in the world - originally opened in
1865, and the society created for the upkeep was established in
1951.We enjoy the 7-mile journey which takes us past waterfalls and
streams and through the delightful Merioneth mountains.

You have free time here, where you may wish to take a look
around the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum and discover the world of
locomotives through the delights of video, sound and plenty of
displays. See how the Welsh slate industry was transformed by
narrow gauge railways. There is also a recreation of Reverend
Wilbert Awdry, author of the much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine book
series. Awdry was also a volunteer on the Talyllyn Railway.

*Steam-hauled where possible

Today we enjoy an excursion to Elan Valley, location of the
mighty, and incredibly photogenic 6 dams. A particularly beautiful
dam is Craig Goch, which is built in the 'Birmingham Baroque'
style, a style which can be seen echoed slightly in the other 5
dams due to the water that it supplies to Birmingham, and the tower
on the top of the dam.

Here we enjoy a guided tour by a local ranger and view the
stunning architecture on display at the dam sites. Afterwards, we
continue to Devil's Bridge, where we join the steam-hauled* Vale of
Rheidol Railway for a scenic journey through Welsh valleys to
Aberystwyth.

One of the many wonderful Welsh railway journeys which
criss-cross this mystical nation, the Vale of Rheidol Railway is a
heritage, narrow-gauge railway which runs between the Devil's
Bridge and Aberystwyth. Winding through the verdant green Welsh
countryside, the Vale of Rheidol Railway makes its way on a
historical journey in restored carriages to give a true taste of
the Wales of the past. You have free time in Aberystwyth to explore
and you may like to take a journey on the Aberystwyth Cliff
Railway.

Today we explore medieval Powis Castle and its attractive formal
gardens. The castle dates back to the 13th century, and was built
by Prince Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, who wanted to establish
independence from his enemies, the princes of Gwynedd. The gardens
are a paradise steeped in history. They look truly marvellous all
year round with something to see in every season. As the days
become warmer, the gardens offer a fantasic burst of spring
colours. Drawing into autumn, there is a glow about the gardens
with the hazy, golden sunshine.

Later, we travel by coach to Welshpool, where we board the
steam-hauled* Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway for a heritage
journey through the heart of Wales.

Making the most of the wild and dramatic Mid-Welsh countryside,
a green canvas of deep forests and impressive mountains, the
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was first opened in 1903.
Its route, taking passengers from Welshpool to Llanfair, is one of
the British Isles' most historic rail journeys, having been in
operation for over 100 years. The charming old carriages and green
steam engine run on a narrow gauge railway, recalling the halcyon
days of train travel.

*Steam-hauled where possible

After breakfast, your tour concludes and you are free to depart
in your own time.

Please note that while every departure of this tour features the
same excursions, they may not necessarily be in the order listed
above.