Discover Southern Snowdonia

How many railway lines do you know where nearly every stop is on a different beach? Starting at Machynlleth railway station you have a choice of stops including Aberdyfi, Barmouth or Pwllheli; check out some great cycling or walking routes along the way. Cambrian Coaster Rangers tickets offering unlimited travel on the Cambrian Line. Check out some fantastic places to visit along the way and enjoy a day out for all the family! Hop on and Hop off all day with the Cambrian Coaster Ranger!

Tickets are available at Aberystwyth or Machynlleth stations or from the conductor on the train. They offer unlimited travel on rail services between and including Machynlleth, Aberystwyth and Pwllheli for one day and are valid for travel after 09:15 Monday to Friday.

Train times are for Mondays to Fridays based on timetables from 9 December 2018 to 18 May 2019.

Morning

Board the train from Machynlleth and head up the Cardigan Bay Coast for your choice of beaches!

The coastline here is endless and how many railway lines do you know where nearly every stop is on a different beach? Why not try Aberdyfi or Barmouth or Pwllheli to name a few!

Your train leaves Machynlleth at 10.55 and it only takes 20 minutes to reach Aberdyfi. Or you will reach Barmouth at noon, Pwllheli at 13.15.

Machynlleth Railway Station

Machynlleth railway station is on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and is the junction for the Cambrian Coast Line to Pwllheli.

Aberdyfi/Aberdovey

Aberdyfi is a small seaside village on the north side of the Dyfi estuary in southern Snowdonia.

Aberdovey/Aberdyfi Railway Station

Aberdyfi has a station on the Cambrian Coast Line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli and also at Penhelig at the east end of the village.

Barmouth/Abermaw

Barmouth, or Abermaw or even Y Bermo as it is known in Welsh, has officially been 'Beautiful' for over a century and has flourished into a popular seaside resort.

Barmouth Railway Station

Barmouth/Abermaw railway station is on the Cambrian Coast Line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli and is located by a level crossing just off the A496 which runs through the town.

Pwllheli Railway Station

Pwllheli railway station is the terminus of the Cambrian coast Line from Machynlleth.

Lunch

There’s plenty to choose from in each of towns that you visit. Whether it’s a snack or fish & chips or some local Welsh produce, you'll find lunch in all the major destinations along the coast.

Afternoon

So many things to do and see and so little time! Enjoy the stunning beaches, walking or cycle routes if you are feeling more active.

Aberdyfi Panorama at Aberdyfi/Aberdovey

This gentle four mile walk soon gets you up above Aberdyfi, enjoying fine views over the mouth of the Dyfi estuary and south towards Borth and Aberystwyth. Starting place: Tourist Information Centre Starting ref: SN 614959

Walking in and around Barmouth at Barmouth/Abermaw

Listed are some of the delightful walks in and around Barmouth :

Evening

Not quite finished on the beach yet? Well there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from in most of the towns. Check your return train before you head for the beach! Trains leave Pwllheli at 15.37 and 17.42, Barmouth at 16.56 and 18.57 and Aberdyfi at 17.33 and 19.40. You will be back in Machynlleth at 17.55 or 20.04.

Overnight

Machynlleth Railway Station

Machynlleth railway station is on the Cambrian line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth (most trains are from/run to Birmingham International) and is the junction for the Cambrian Coast line to Pwllheli. The station is located at the north side of the town off the A487 Dolgellau road; the postcode is SY20 8BL. Ticket office & waiting room open Monday to Saturday 05.15 - 18.15 & Sunday 08.30 - 17.30. Live Departure and Arrival screens, payphone, café, toilets. Car parking no charge for passengers - 30 spaces; cycle storage stands.

On arrival, turn right out of the station to reach the main road; buses depart from here or turn left for the town centre. Machynlleth is the control centre for the Cambrian line and trains are maintained here. The small station is open for nearly 20 hours a day; the first train leaves at 04.53 and the last train arrives at 00.12!

Train times from 9 December 2018 to 18 May 2019 (arrivals from Shrewsbury & Aberystwyth are up to 10 minutes earlier than the departure times) are:-

Departures for Shrewsbury/arrivals from Aberystwyth Monday to Friday at 06.01, 07.04, 08.05, 09.06, 10.08, 12.04, 13.06, 14.07, 16.08, 18.05, 19.09 & 20.11; Saturday times similar. Sunday at 10.08, 11.05, 12.06, 14.06, 15.08, 16.05, 18.05 & 20.05. Later arrivals from Aberystwyth all days (plus 19.10 Sunday) terminate here.

Departures for Aberystwyth Monday to Friday at 04.53, 05.45, 06.47, 07.46, 08.48, 10.50, 11.41, 12.47, 14.49, 16.50, 18.01, 18.49, 19.48, 20.49, 21.49 & 23.07. 1st 3 & the 18.01 start here; others from Shrewsbury. Saturday times similar. Sunday at 08.50, 09.47, 10.49, 12.50, 13.51, 14.48, 16.48, 17.45, 18.48, 19.42, 20.47 & 22.45. 1st 3 & 13.51 start here; others from Shrewsbury.

Departures for Pwllheli Monday to Saturday are at 05.07 (to Barmouth), 06.43, 08.52, 10.55, 12.51, 14.56, 16.55, 19.04 & 21.47. Sunday at 18.55.

Arrivals from Pwllheli Monday to Saturday are at 07.43 (from Barmouth), 08.45, 09.54, 11.57, 13.52, 15.54, 17.55, 20.04 & 22.45. Sunday at 15.59.