Vale of Rheidol steam railway
Climb aboard the Vale of Rheidol Railway for a heritage steam train journey through the scenic Rheidol Valley to Devil’s Bridge. This narrow gauge railway has been carrying passengers since 1902, and today families can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of steam travel from open, closed or first class carriages.
The journey begins at the coast in Aberystwyth before following the Rheidol River through the valley, clinging to the mountainside as the steam train climbs 600 feet through woodland, open views and rugged scenery on its way to Devil’s Bridge. At Devil’s Bridge, explore the Mynach waterfalls and iconic three bridges before heading back by train.
At Aberystwyth station families can get closer to the railway’s heritage inside the Engine Shed Museum, refuel with lunch at our trackside café and browse a range of gifts and souvenirs in the shop. Dogs are welcome in standard class carriages, and in all facilities.
Connect with other steam railways with the Cambrian Line
Hourly train services run to Aberystwyth from London and the Midlands via Shrewsbury and Machynlleth. Recognised as one of the most scenic rail lines in Britain the Cambrian Line follows the Wales Coastal Way from Machynlleth to Aberystwyth and north to the terminus on the Llyn peninsula at Pwllheli. Along this route there are other narrow gauge steam railways which can be reached from the mainline stations.
The Talyllyn Railway that inspired the Thomas the Tank Engine stories can also be enjoyed as a car free day trip from Aberystwyth, travelling by Cambrian Line train via Dyfi Junction or Machynlleth to Towyn to catch the narrow gauge steam train to Abergynolwyn, in the shadow of Cadair Idris mountain. Between the northern slopes of Cadair Idris and where the main line crosses the Mawddach estuary is the little Fairbourne railway.
For a longer day out, travel on the Cambrian line via Harlech, to Porthmadog, where you can join the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways for a trip into the heart of the mountains of Snowdonia.
Heading east and inland with the Cambrian Line takes you to Welshpool where you can take a trip on the Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion light railway.
Teifi valley and UNESCO Dyfi biosphere by bus
Explore the lower Teifi Valley from Cardigan with the 460 bus. The route is via the waterfalls at Cenarth, the market town of Newcastle Emlyn and Drefach Felindre, home of the National Wool Museum. The 551 and 552 take you to inland to Llandysul, then on to the coast at New Quay.
Use the train to explore the UNESCO Biosphere area between Aberystwyth, Machynlleth and beyond. Stop at Borth to explore Cors Fochno, the submerged forest of 'Cantre'r Gwaelod', the river Leri and Ynyslas; cross the Dyfi and take a trip to Aberdyfi on the northern side of the estuary - find the bell that chimes at high tide.
Countryside explorer routes
Take the 585 route between Aberystwyth and Lampeter via Llangeitho, Tregaron, Llanddewi Brefi and Cellan to see the places where sheep and cattle drovers started their journeys across the mountains to the livestock markets of England. Get a taste of walking these ancient ways by following walking routes from each of the settlements.
An alternative route between Aberystwyth and Lampeter - with the 588 service- takes you over the Mynydd Bach and the hamlets of Trefenter and Bethania, then Llangeitho, Llanio and along the Dulas river valley via Llangybi to Lampeter.
Another route between Lampeter and Aberystwyth is with the T1 TrawsCymru service taking you from the Teifi valley town via Felinfach and along the Aeron valley to Aberaeron, and north along the coast via Llanon and Llanrhystud to Aberystwyth.
Explore with a guide
Local people know the Ceredigion backroads like the back of their hand. Let them share with you their love for Ceredigion and entertain you with interesting stories as they interpret the landscape, heritage and culture of the area.
The type of transport choice is yours - a small group coach or minibus tour, a comfortable car or even a motorbike and sidecar. You can choose from short taster trips of a couple of hours,but be warned - the time flies by!
A half or full day tour will enable you to discover Ceredigion from a different perspective, stop at fantastic viewpoints and discover the favourite cake and snack stops the locals make special trips to enjoy.
