My Bargain DIY Dining Experience on the Heart of Wales Line with Transport for Wales

Who needs trolley service when you can bring your own catering and spruce up the experience with a few carefully chosen 'accessories'! Not only that, but you can also do it for a VERY affordable price!
In this video, I'll show you My Bargain DIY Dining Experience on the Heart of Wales Line with Transport for Wales and how I travelled all the way down from Shrewsbury on the Heart of Wales line, passing through some of the most amazing scenery on one of the remotest single-track lines in the whole of the United Kingdom. I'll take breakfast at my table, then lunch before reaching Swansea where we change trains. I'll then be making this into a circular trip by journeying east to Newport and finally all the way back up to Shrewsbury via the much faster Welsh Marches line.
I'll be telling you how I got this 7-hour circular trip for an absolutely bargain price and detailing how it was done.
Thanks as always for your support. I had great fun making this video and I hope you enjoy it also.
Cheers for now!
Mark
If you'd like to buy me a coffee I have a Ko-fi page and shop here: ko-fi.com/lets...
I post regular photos of my trips on Instagram: / markswaintransport
I also comment post too much for my own good on Twitter: / lets_makeatrip
And here's my Facebook Page Link: / letsmakeatripwithms
#letsmakeatrip

[@adamanthony7465]

A wonderful inspiration for a winter outing..good to meet people where they are in the quiet places.

[@jeffreypaget6298]

The whole line is controlled by one signal box (Pantyfynnon) the small huts contain the single line token instruments. They are situated at the stations which have crossing loops but no signal box. The driver must be in posession of the correct token for the section of single line which he is about to enter. At Knighton the driver puts in the token which the Signalman at Craven Arms has given him and takes out the token for the next section to Llandrindod and so it goes on down the line till the train reaches Pantyfynnon

[@richardnei]

Great video. It’s these train journeys I really love. Getting to see parts of the country that you wouldn’t normally get to see!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks AFUK, yes I’m going to do a few more branch lines - heading down to Cornwall in a couple of weeks time, flying down on EZY and back with Loganair which should be good!

[@howlinwolf9894]

At Knighton, the driver must call the signaller to have a token that lets them have 'ownership' of the line between Knighton and Llandrindod which is one section. The others are Llandrindod to Llanwrtyd, Llanwrtyd to Llandeilo, Llandeilo to Llandovery and then on the main line at Llanelli. Hope that helps :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi HowlinWolf989, yes thanks for this. I presume it’s all to do with passing loops.

[@simonpilk]

The driver does swap single line tokens which they must be in possession of to move effectively from passing loop to passing loop. The controlling signal box is actually at Pantyffynnon towards the Llanelli end of the line.

[@CarolgTX]

I love this video! The views were lovely, the commentary informative. I have taken the Heart of Wales line, and found it took me back to a simpler time and place. Moreover, we are kindred spirits when it comes to elegant and creative dining experiences on trains with no trolley service. When I was in university, I took the train from San Juan Capistrano, CA to Fullerton, CA daily. My return home was always on a later commuter train, around 8 pm. As soon as I boarded, I'd run up the stairs to the top level to claim a seat at an empty table (not hard to find on the later trains). Once seated, I'd roll out my table cloth, set up my plate, cutlery, cloth napkin, mini wine glass, and serve myself a lovely light supper. A great way to relax after a long afternoon of classes - good food and the relaxing rhythmic sound of the train on the track.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Carol, great story! Reminded me of travelling on Amtrak - must be 20 years ago now from Boston to Emeryville, coast to coast really but I was too poor to afford a sleeper. Spent most of the trip in the observation car (Californian Zephyr) and sleeping in the seats. Food was ‘as and when’ really and mostly made by ‘chef Mic’! No tablecloths then unfortunately but I’m definitely going to do this again somewhere else. The HoW is a great line - a bit remote. I might do the Cambrian Coast line next from Shrewsbury to Pwllheli - some fantastic scenery on that and worthy of a glass or two of wine 👍

[@CarolgTX]

@@LetsMakeaTrip thank you! I loved those rides home. I can completely relate to your story, as I have taken Amtrak coast to coast without a sleeper too. Sore back after a while from sleeping in the seat! Ooh, the Cambrian Coast line sounds lovely! I look forward to seeing that video when it is filmed!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes, though they were really big seats with a decent recline! One of my best trips that was for lots of reasons (some of which I can’t really post on here 😂).

[@CarolgTX]

@@LetsMakeaTrip 🤣🤣🤣

[@alexn643]

Another fantastic video, excellent job. I have a few videos coming out in the next few days 😉

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks and I look forward to seeing them 👍

[@paulparry1197]

I thought that I was the only crazy person who cleaned the windows before filming. I've had many a strange look from railway staff, especially when I've used a wet cloth and washing up liquid, but it does makes big difference, Nice video , thanks for sharing.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, no you’re not alone! Thing is, my trip on the Kyle line was hampered by some really dirty windows and I vowed to clean them if I did another. As you said, it can make a big difference 👍

[@williamsdaf]

Excellent! New subscriber looking to do this trip and binge watch all your other videos 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, appreciate the sub! This was an early effort tbh but I hope you enjoy a few more, hopefully they’ve improved in quality a bit since then 😂

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Excellent video Mark! You should have told me there was a picnic and I'd have definitely come along. Cheers for now! 🤤😅

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

You’re always welcome over this part of the world Matt 😊👍

[@royhumphrey49]

Amazing. What a touch of class with the dining experience! Full marks! Eat your hearts out Dylan, and Daniel. 😄I travelled from Shrewsbury to Sugar Loaf, some 40 years ago, with my first partner, to backpack staying at basic youth hostels in an area then known as the Elenidd. And it was in that area that the RSPB were breeding Spanish Red Kites at secret locations to reintroduce a species of bird that had become virtually extinct in Britain. You have tempted me to go do that train journey again!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Roy, thanks for the comment. Living in Shrewsbury, it’s easy enough for me to do the Heart of Wales line (I should do it more often tbh). The dining ‘experience’ was just a bit of fun really, but it’s a long trip without a catering trolley! There are so many Red Kites in Mid-Wales now, I’ve worked in the area for over 30 years and it’s been a real success story. I’m sure you’ll see plenty if you do decide to do it again. All the best, Mark

[@joeewing2585]

Sugarloaf station is now open again. Well actually since August 2021 from what I’ve read 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Joe, yep I presumed it was post-cvid but haven’t had the chance to visit yet 😊👍

[@3kimcarter]

Must try this route, love the clichety clack of the wheels don't get this on main lines anymore 🚂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes,it’s certainly a route you can relive the past on!

[@KidCurry666]

Top trip, through some cracking countryside, keep up the good work 👍👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Steve, had some great fun making this 😊👍

[@simonboulton4490]

The box is where the driver gets a token as it is a single track and the train can only Proceed when in possession of the token from the signal man.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Simon. Yes I read somewhere after that the signal box at Pantyffynon has something to do with it all?

[@TravelSignal]

Lovely, definitely a route for the list! And I'm sure that I've been on that 150/2, in my school days when it belonged to Anglia Railways!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I dare say! It’s got usb sockets though now don’t you know 😊

[@anianoenrique2115]

You're putting Shrewsbury on the map !

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Trying my best 😂

[@anianoenrique2115]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Maybe you should do a video about a walk through Shrewsbury. I've no idea what there is to see in your city.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@anianoenrique2115 yes it’s quite a nice town, historic I suppose and quite a few tourists normally come in the summer. You will see bits and pieces in some of my videos - the station frontage etc but yes, definitely an idea. Cheers 😊

[@andrewfothergill3336]

A fabulous route, but I found on both occasions a numb bum by Llanelli. I've never come back from Swansea on the Heart Of Wales, always choosing to do the round route like yourself, partly to break up the day in beautiful Cardiff!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It’s certainly a long journey, tbh you could probably stretch out across the seats atm it’s not exactly packed. Maybe seat cushions for the next trip, you’ve given me an idea 😂

[@RobertoVillegasDiaz]

Great video! I’ll definitely be doing this route soon. I have a recommendation for a “loop” route I did recently, on Sundays there’s a service by DalesRail (operated by Northern) from Blackpool North to Carlisle via Settle. I started at Preston, it took just over 3 hours and there were 18 stops scheduled. For the return leg, I took the coastal route via Barrow-In-Furness, this one took just over 4 hours with a short transfer at Barrow-In-Furness and there are about 32 stops. It’s a great journey and I paid only £19.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hey Roberto, thanks for the comment and the recommendation. I haven’t been on this route so will definitely try it - the price looks really good! Is it just on a Sunday this fare?

[@RobertoVillegasDiaz]

@@LetsMakeaTrip you are welcome! Yes, unfortunately the direct train to Carlisle via Settle only runs on Sundays (during the summer), the last service will be on September 12th. Alternatively, you could travel the following route Preston-Leeds-Carlisle, but you are going to need individual tickets.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, I’m adding it to the list. Thanks for the information 😊👍

[@drdoolittle5724]

Tell me please route train took from Preston to Settle, Iv'e done Lancaster to Settle but had to change at Hellifield?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@drdoolittle5724 I would go down to Manchester and across to Leeds from there.

[@peterskegness3204]

I think you are the only person I have heard to have ever wished for a 153! I had that misfortune back in 2005 when I travelled over the route on 153323 betwixt Swansea and Crewe. Fantastic scenery but journey blighted only by someone with a personal stero playing so loud she hardly needed headphones. Later had half an hour of four very drunk males, who joined the train and happily smoking on board and otherwise making a complete nuisance of themselves 🙈

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Peter. Yep, there’s something about those single-car 153’s I just think are so suited to this route. But agree, inconsiderate passengers are my worst nightmare and even more so if they were on this line.

[@ictalex.6972]

4:06 Token block system. Used to prevent multiple trains on the line at the same time.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Alex 😊

[@Lynxfan2]

Hello there, the Class 150/2 Sprinter DMU train that you were travelling on your outward leg was refurbished by the previous Train Operating Company, Arriva Trains Wales at their Cardiff Canton TMD with the curved teardrop universal accessible toilet and the plug sockets. Best wishes and take care. Kind regards, Peter Skuce. St Albans. Hertfordshire.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Peter, thanks for watching the video and leaving a comment. I must remember to say they’re accessible toilets in future because yes, its very important these are installed and available. There’s still a few Arriva-liveried trains kicking about around this part of the world, I wonder if they’ll ever get round to re-painting them?

[@Lynxfan2]

@@LetsMakeaTrip - the Class 150/2 Sprinter DMU fleet (and indeed Class 153, Class 158 and Class 175) are currently undergoing their fourth refurbishment programme and the current programme sees the trains receive the Transport for Wales livery on the external bodysides and the interior scheme gets updated into the Transport for Wales grey/red colour scheme.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I remember getting on some of the new grey/red external colour scheme trains only to find the old Arriva interiors. A bit of a contrast! I do like the grey/red colours though, I’ve just been on the new Gerald with the Mk4 coaches - the first class is a bit different in colour again. Looking forward to getting full service back on that though, can’t wait!

[@andrewbutler6477]

Travelled on the heart of Wales line many years ago on a 116 valleys unit with no transport Wales often cancel services on the line or terminate short at llandovery llandrindod the Swansea Newport marches line is often plagued with the train full standing t f w services here in South Wales have been awful for months

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes it does seem a bit hit and miss atm. I was at Shrewsbury the other day and there were more notices up about rail replacement services and it always seems to be this line that’s affected. Personally I’d always catch Gerald heading towards South Wales and change at Cardiff for services west if need be. Can’t beat it for breakfast on the way down 👍

[@gemmarie7683]

one for my bucket list, it looks lovely. my partner's family are from llanelli, so a good excuse :) Does Llandrindod Wells still have the summer festival do you know?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Don’t know tbh. Llanwrtwd Wells still has the bog snorkelling though. Used to play gigs there at the Stonecroft. Mad nights those 😂

[@JohnTaylor-bf6ll]

I believe that Knighton station is in England, but as soon as you leave the station into the village, you're in Wales.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Ah thanks John, I was wondering if the railway formed the border at that point or not. Seems like it’s just a few yards south of it. I like Knighton btw, got a lovely little football ground!

[@guyontrains5267]

Nice video! I'm thinking of doing the Heart of Wales Line soon, it seems like a very nice journey to do. I understand this video was made over a year ago, however I wanted to say that's an interesting ticket you were given. It seems like a steal but after doing some further research, it appears to not actually be valid under normal circumstances. I'm sorry if this sounds complicated, but in a nutshell, according to the Routeing Guide (If you're not already aware it's what you use to manually determine if a route is valid), there are several requirements for a route to be valid, one of them is that it must satisfy the 'fare-check rule'. In this specific case, the return fare from Shrewsbury to Cynghordy must not be less than the return fare from Shrewsbury to Swansea (Swansea is one of Cynghordy's two routing points). The fare from Shrewsbury to Swansea is more than the fare from Shrewsbury to Cynghordy (This is the same for the fares going the other way round), therefore the fare-check rule is not satisfied and going via Swansea is not permitted on that ticket. Oh...and you don't use the up to date fares for the comparison, instead you use fares from 1996! I noticed in the comments that you said that no other retailer gave you this ticket alongside the itinerary going via Swansea, so I believe it was just an error by TrainPal that it was offered to you. (I should mention that if a licensed retailer gives you a ticket alongside an itinerary, you are allowed to follow that itinerary with no penalty even if it is not normally valid)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi GoT, thanks for the comment - very useful and I totally agree with what you say. I do believe it was an error by TrainPal (wonder if it’s still available 🤔). I definitely recommend the route, especially on a nice day and yep, remember to take some food and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine 😊😉

[@SionsTrainVideos]

good video i love the heart of wales, they are doing 150s in TFW now nice that you had a 150 tho train looks empty the trolley hasnt gone on the heart of wales for couple of years now because they cant crossover easy enough, lol i love that you bought lots of food and drink with you i would have got sweets and pop, the train back did look full shame it wasn't a 3 car 175

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cher’s Sion. Yes I was down on GWR’s Exeter to Penzance last Thursday (in first) and it’s the first time I’ve seen a trolley for a while! I knew I’d get a 150 or 153 on the HoW so thought yeh, I might as well have some fun and ‘dine out’ for breakfast and lunch. It makes a big difference if you bring your own tablecloth 😂 PS yes saw two 2-car 175’s in Newport on Friday, absolutely rammed! I waited an hour and caught Gerald instead.

[@SionsTrainVideos]

@@LetsMakeaTrip oh nice lovely run that to penzance, we will be getting 197 on the how now shame 170s are going to EMR, lol tablecloth, i would get the 67 set too

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Any idea of a date for the 197’s?

[@welshfurrygaming69]

4:00 It's the token system as on single lines usually they have a token system to stop trains passing whilst each section is occupied, it begins near craven arms as the line branches off

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi thanks Class 90002. I thought it was something to do with that. Simon commented on here about it as well and the first time the train meets the one coming north is usually at Llandrindod Wells where I guess that token is exchanged between trains? I need to read up on this tbh but it was definitely a fantastic route, I really enjoyed it.

[@davidjones8680]

I have really enjoyed watching this video. I have subscribed and look forward to watching more in the future as well as your back catalogue too. David in Devils Bridge.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers David, thanks for the kind words. I was actually in Devils Bridge yesterday (if it’s the one I’m thinking about near Aber). Small world eh!

[@davidjones8680]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Yes, im in the one near Aberwristwatch. I've lived here since 1977, but never yet been on the steam railway! When i first came here it was still part of British Rail. I hope you will be doing a episode on your trip here.

[@Timstravels01]

This is fab!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hey thanks Tim, good to hear from you! Just a bit of fun really but glad you enjoyed it! I’m still planning on the Hebridean Air Services trip at some point so watch this space!

[@Timstravels01]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I look forward to it!

[@CreativeEm]

Great video. The one time I looked at Train Pal, the extortionate admin fee was double the saving of the split ticket, so, no thanks!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Em, good to see you commenting on here 😊it is a funny site Trainpal with it’s vouchers and ‘98% discounts’ and all sorts of stuff like that! But it worked for me on this occasion where I couldn’t get any other toc (or national rail) to do the routing and discount I wanted. So it’s worth a try sometimes if the final total inc fees works out. Alternatively I find Transpennine Express sometimes throws up cheap fares with no booking fees. Cheers, Mark

[@CreativeEm]

@@LetsMakeaTrip thanks, Mark, great to be here. I'll finish getting caught up with your videos soon, but apologies for not commenting on all of them :)

[@geoffisaac3511]

If have a Welsh bus pass it is free in the winter months I go on six times a year !

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Interesting! I didn't know you could do that.

[@derisleybrittain]

Excellent 😇😇😇😇😇💖💖💖👍👍

[@simonc7947]

The station announcer at Swansea sounds exactly like one who worked at Sheffield Station in the 1980s. Do the railways give their staff elocution lessons?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, they always make me laugh the announcements where they’ve swapped the name of the toc to whichever one is current and kept the rest of the announcement the same! Tell you what though, considering the few trains at Swansea, they never shut up! I had to edit a long bit out of this video because of that 😂

[@thomasjones8648]

Fantastic video! The Heart of Wales line really is stunning. Are TFW planning on replacing the class 150s? If so what's the latest plan in terms of their replacement?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Thomas, I know the new class 197’s will be entering service next year on the long distance routes. Not sure that will apply to HoW line tbh. Sion’s Train Videos is a knowledgeable guy on that kind of stuff. Link to his channel here might be worth asking the question kzbin.info/door/hCKmOEke_hoC1PXbsDR5Rw

[@jeffreyhughesmbe]

It’s about time we had new coaches on this line ……how long do we have to wait? The seats are lower than they should be and the windows are too high. Pathetic in every respect.