A Day Out on the Cambrian Line. Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth with Transport for Wales.

[@thomasfrancis5747]

My memory of that trip is in the snowy late 70's where at Shrewsbury they announced that they had "lost" the Aber train. Borth is a bit bleak - memory of an agricultural field trip when the lecturer got us all to hold hands in a circle and jump up and down on the bouncy bog/marsh. Vale of Rheidol railway museum next to Aber station well worth a look round.

[@darylyatestransportblogs]

Done the whole route the Machynlleth-Pwllheli section is very scenic.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It is Daryl. A few years now since I went all the way to Pwllheli - a long run but worth it 👍

[@SavingPrivateBob]

Everyone should experience this train journey at least once

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Agree. I would say go all the way to Pwllheli (though the line is closed atm).

[@GAZ77780]

I love Borth had many great holidays there

[@PaulGodfrey]

As a regular Train Pal user the only thing I would say is to take a screenshot of your ticket as ticket inspectors always turn up when you have no cell phone coverage

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Good advice, cheers Paul.

[@dazzlingdaz187]

Also make sure you have enough charge on your phone, especially if the power points on the train aren't working😢

[@improperrunner]

Isn't that the truth

[@garethburton4198]

Shame it doesn't give u the choice to book 1st class or sec class tickets

[@PaulGodfrey]

@@garethburton4198 There is a rather hidden option near the end of the booking to look for 1sr class too. Hopefully that helps. The app interface is not the best. But you do save money.

[@lja8187]

I'm a Shrewsbury fan so particularly enjoyed this.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, I bet (like me) you prefer the old meadow - reminds me every time I go past there!

[@lja8187]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I do but no way we'd be in League One now if still there. Tho happy memories (mostly!).

[@damianwalls1262]

Nice little trip

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Damian, it’s definitely worth a couple of hours or so of your time 😊👍

[@melian2003]

Thanks for mentioning the Dyfi Wildlife Centre, a wonderful place to visit!

[@johncarr712]

Great video. I've done the line from Bham to Penychain myself where I went to a conference and then from Newtown to Porthmadog with my family where we boarded the blaenau ffestiniog railway. Will definitely do again for the Welsh Highland railway and more and also to Aberystwyth for Vale of Rheidol etc. Keep it up mate.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers John and yes, many ‘great little trains of wales to try’. WHR is probably my favourite tbh. Amazing scenery.

[@mikedown1250]

This guy knows what he's doing (video wise) and then his info are comments are always top notch.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Well thanks Mike, I’m flattered and appreciate your comment. Cheers 😊👍

[@neilcoram3495]

Another really enjoyable video. The 158 is a great versatile unit. I worked them with 159 when based at Waterloo. I have recently retired so will be doing more trips myself now.

[@mercilessmage7300]

I’m pleased to see that you had a wonderful trip travelling between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. The Cambrian line is a real gem. One can never get tired of the views! I hope you can get out to cover more Welsh lines in the future Mark. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers, thanks for the comment. I’ve done most of the Welsh lines now in earlier videos. Really enjoy them and hoping to get back up to Pwllheli again at some point. 👍

[@melglobus]

What a gorgeous journey. Loved the updates on how busy the train was along the way. Fabulous video as always Mark, thank you for your work

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks mate, your comments always appreciated. Cheers 😊👍

[@gexu2864]

Thanks for your nice trip & TrainPal code sharing!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Zuuu40]

Fantastic video and thank you so much for adding subtitles

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Zuuu1, apologies I haven’t gotten round to doing much on the subtitles front recently. Things have been super-busy!

[@Zuuu40]

@@LetsMakeaTrip No worries

[@keithwatkins7908]

As a Shropshire lad (Bridgnorth), our family would holiday in Borth, it was a reasonable drive over the border to Wales. There seemed to be nothing for us as kids at Borth, but the sea! Never ever caught the train, but your trip looked excellent. Weather was not bad, and Wales really is a beautiful country. I always thought you needed a car to get around, you show otherwise. Thank you again for being the best trip advisor.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Keith (and I’m flattered, honestly). I tend to agree, once you get to Aber, you can get anywhere up and down Wales with Traws Cymru buses. Bus station right outside the railway station and off you go! Public transport doesn’t have to be too difficult and yep you can easily get around with a bit of planning 👍

[@cryzcryz2345]

Beautiful journey! Thank you 🤗

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@StuFliesAroundCornwall]

I used to get the train to Aberystwyth a lot when I went to uni there. One trip the train hit a cow, which seemed to explode all over the train and we had to get a bus replacement service down the winding roads through Cambrian

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Doesn’t surprise me about the cow. I saw a dead one once and it looked twice as large as normal. Imagine that exploding! And the smell was pretty grim!

[@jamessmith6402]

lovely video as per usual 👍Thanks Mark

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers James, thanks for watching 😊👍

[@steve-marsh]

Oh this is perfectly timed as I research Wales :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Steve, well there’s p,entry to do down here. Let me know if I can be of any help 😊👍

[@steve-marsh]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Thanks mate!

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Great journey loved the views of the estuary, take care and stay safe,cheers.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Simon. Yep the weather helped and it is nice heading south from Dovey Junction BUT (imo) the Pwllheli route is even better 👍

[@fishcereal9940]

I've been to Borth two times. It looks a lot better once you're in the main town area. The station has this lovely museum and I got shown around by some friendly locals.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, didn’t realise there was a museum in the station. I’m assuming that’s railway-related, will have a look next time😊👍

[@matthewodwyer3615]

Borth Station (heavily in one particular episode) and Aberystwyth heavily feature in the series Hinterland. That's always made me want to go and explore that part of Wales.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I had a bit of a look around Aber - some interesting bits I might release a mid-week bonus vid at some point 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Nice to see you setting out from Shrewsbury. I really enjoyed every minute I spent at the station t'other month. A real gem, and you are lucky to kick off many of your adventures from there. Best wishes from Devon 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yes I probably don’t appreciate it much having lived here for ages. Great connectivity with TfW into Wales and on a good day the Cambrian Line (as you know) can be lovely.

[@Timstravels01]

What a pleasant journey. The TfW trains look great.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yes it was hugely enjoyable. I should do it more really, seeing as I do actually live down here! The line north to Pwllheli is even better 👍

[@williampayne7678]

Try The Vale of Reidol Railway it's a great one it Runs from Aberystwyth to Devis Bridge.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’ve been to Aber loads of times never done the VoR believe it or not. You’re right, i should try it 👍

[@TravelJackJourneys158]

Fantastic video Mark the Cambrian Coast Line is my favourite Line always fantastic views I used to do it regularly

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Jack, haven’t done the Aber bit for years tbh but glad I did.

[@TravelSignal]

Great video, looks suitably scenic! One to add to my growing list of journeys to take!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yep I’d definitely recommend it and the branch up to Pwllheli 👍

[@paulyates4093]

This was brilliant footage as we live in shrewsbury we usually drive so will give this a go sometime

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Paul. Yep I normally drive too tbh but this is a nice relaxing change.

[@VVellieMan]

Nice video blog, as always. Then thanks for the Trainpal bonus - perfect timing as I was just about to purchase a railcard. Nice one..!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Ah cheers mate, my sponsors will be happy! 😊

[@Camymanc]

My favourite line. I hope you enjoyed it mate

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I did. Next time, all the way to Pwllheli I think 👍

[@spark_6710]

A very nice ride & views !! I'd love to visit Aberystwith someday soon !! Too bad that it's not a step free station ( if it was ,I'd love to take my mom with ,she has mobility issues ) ! 👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🚈💞

[@luisstransport]

Great trip report

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Luis 😊👍

[@Danny-mv9qj]

I love the cambiran line! Mostly because I have a poster of a British Railways 'Rail Rover' advertisement on my wall, taking across Dovey! Also I love the 158s and do hope they find a new home after the 197s come into service (perhaps Chiltern for extra capacity or GWR to replace Castles?).

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Danny, agree it’s very picturesque and well worth a trip. I remember 25’s going over Barmouth Bridge back in the day. Things have changed a bit since then but yep, the 158’s have been a good servant 👍

[@Danny-mv9qj]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I bet the mark 2s were great along there!

[@jeffreypaget6298]

The only place where my wife will go on holiday is Borth so have been many times the beach is better than Aberysrwyth but not much goes on here which I guess is why we like it.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I need to give it a go at some point. The beach in Aber isn’t great I agree.

[@fiveYqueue]

Leg room is variable on the 158's. Sometimes you could choose an airline=style seat and find a metal box underneath the seat in front which was very restrictive. I was interested by your surprise when you arrived at Shrewsbury station and was half-expecting another type of train to take you to Aberystwyth...impossible I am afraid because of a signalling system only 158's and specially adapted diesel locos can traverse this line. Frequently I have boarded an Aber train at Birmingham or Wolverhampton in the full knowledge that the units provided as far as Shrewsbury will not be able to go beyond that point requiring a change of train and, often, a delay. Single track west of Shrewsbury, with the odd passing loops at Welshpool and Newtown and Talerddig meant that delays, once encountered, were difficult to recover from.

[@andydeakin7914]

Been to Gay Meadow a few times Mark, sad to hear it’s no longer there. Great video as usual, I really enjoy your presentation style. How about a trip on the new trains on Southend pier? It’s the longest pier in the world and they have new trains, well worth a visit! 🚂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Andy, cheers mate appreciate the comment 😊 Southend - I have never been! So yep, definitely a possibility, probably be a while tbh as most of my stuff is planned in for 23 but sounds interesting 😊👍

[@alanshelly7068]

A very good Tuesday evening buddy from Alan in Lowestoft buddy

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Alan, good evening to you too!

[@andrewdales8136]

Who did you get your ticket from again not sure if I made you mention it lol

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

You might need to re-watch the video a few times Andrew if you can’t remember!! 😂

[@SeanMidlandstransporthub]

Great video mate, as a fairly long term viewer of the channel I'm glad you're at a stage where you're being offered sponsorships! Proud of the progress you've made 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers MTH, truly appreciate the support. Thanks 😊👍

[@d1nonlytimcouk]

Borth is great if you want peace and quiet there is literally nothing but a beach and sand dunes it used to be our go to place for a week when we used to rent a cottage on the main street but sadly this has been sold so probably no more Borth. Abber has become too expensive and Weymouth is now about the same cost to rent for a week in better accommodation and beeches with a similar , must all be shut bar the pubs by 5.30 attitude , although a bugger to get to by bus/train/car/pony and trap from Brum.

[@PaulGodfrey]

I believe the signalling system is RETB. Radio Electronic Token Block. Wikipedia has a good article on it.

[@martinweaver4000]

Used to be but ertms now

[@improperrunner]

Thanks Mark. I love Trainpal. Bought the two together railcard with your discount :) great video too. Not been to Aberystyth in years

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers for watching 😊 glad you found it useful too. Tbh, I could’ve done with this when I bought my two together card, think I only got 10% off at the time! Aber was looking good too, definitely worth another trip 😊👍

[@SionsTrainVideos]

great 158 spin to aber

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Clean, everything worked, on time. What more can you ask for 😊👍

[@SionsTrainVideos]

@@LetsMakeaTrip a trolley maybe

[@derisleybrittain]

Excellent 🥇🥇🥇🥇🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌💝💝💝💝💝💝🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks mate 😊😊😊😊😊😊🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🏔️⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️🏖️🏖️

[@GAZ77780]

What day did you go seem quiet

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I think it was a Friday 👍

[@opagodaswirling9383]

Splendid video and helpful trainpal info which I will pass on to friends in my old home town of Didcot ( where getting a good deal on train tickets is a Herculean task ). I must admit , ever since hearing you were from Shrewsbury I have been waiting for this trip to emerge ! I gather that the Beecham Report decimated plenty of small branch lines . I was pleasantly surprised to find that another controversial figure ( the Wetherspoons guru ) had taken advantage of the empty space at Aberystwth station to create a decent pub.I know -- not always the case with their chain , however the Yr Hen Orsaf was not at all bad .

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers, hope the code was of some benefit. Aber, it has certainly changed a bit when you arrive in and yep, you have the pub there but at least like you say they’ve done something with it. Outside the station, you have the Traws Cymru buses so from Aber you can easily get down the coast towards Fishguard, Cardigan etc (I might try that myself one day). All the best, Mark

[@seankane8628]

Is the line to Shrewsbury the Pre-Cambrian line?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I see that 😊😉

[@garywoodley6155]

Thanks for the tip mark great vlog

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Gary, appreciate the support 😊👍

[@ElvaShaw-j4n]

wow,thanks for the code ~! i love it~!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Glad to help, cheers 😊

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Welshpool station is hideous. The old one was so much nicer. 😢

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Totally agree!

[@worldtravelbucketlist]

Got the deal. Good saving on two together railcard. Thanks for that. I do think TrainPal saved a lot of money by split the tickets

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That’s good to hear, thanks for letting me know 😊

[@improperrunner]

i ve just used the discount for my son's 16-17 year old railcard, as well as the two together I have with my partner. It definitely pays to be a subscriber and paid channel member for sure. £2 a month is a bargain :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Fantastic! My two-together’s just ran out too so I’ll be doing the same 😊👍

[@JessyP-u6q]

South indian trains are not so sophisticated as shewsbury trains ...... Who could ever travel to such destinations !

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Completely agree!

[@enricomonti156]

Never ever heard of Train Pal to be fair. Might be because I happen to live in a country which has no functional railway at all. Yet I have to take Wales off my bucket list

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That is true 😂 but yep I do use them a lot actually prior to this video tbh. Give it a go next time you’re over 😊👍