logo
One of the UK's most beautiful train journeys runs right across the beach and it costs less than £20

One of the UK's most beautiful train journeys runs right across the beach and it costs less than £20

Scottish Sun11 hours ago
ONE of the UK's most scenic railway routes costs less than £20 to travel on all day.
The Cambrian Coast Railway has previously been named one of the world's most beautiful train journeys.
4
One of the UK's most scenic train routes goes directly across a beach
Credit: Alamy
4
The route runs from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli with a change at Machynlleth
Credit: Alamy
The line runs from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli (with a change at Machynlleth) and often running along the coastline.
One of the most beautiful journeys is via Barmouth, where it runs along a bridge that goes directly over the beach or the ocean, depending on the tides.
Also called the Mawddach Viaduct, it is the longest viaduct in Wales made from wood, and one of the oldest that is still in use.
You can even walk across the bridge, although you will need to ask to get off at Morfa Mawffach.
Barmouth is worth a visit itself, as it was named an up-and-coming seaside town.
National Geographic said: "This is the sort of town that's full of visitors-turned-residents and it's that sense of pride and community that's powering its revival."
It even has a secret beach that can only be visited by tunnel - here is how to find it.
Other fun stops along the way include Pwllheli, where you can access popular surfing spots, as well as Fairbourne for sandy beaches.
Otherwise popular attractions include the National Library of Wales, in Aberystwyth, or the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn.
Make sure to stay on the train in the evenings as well, as it has some of the best sunsets too.
I took a 1920s themed train journey with flapper-style singers and luxury dining
Visit Wales writer Karen Willans said: "The train ride itself can be a day out, but there's also loads to do along the way.
"There's plenty of wildlife to see as well – sea birds (including cormorants), dolphins, porpoises and various birds of prey live in the area."
Tickets cost £9.50 for kids or £19 for adults, which includes unlimited travel for the entire day.
These can be used after 9:30am in the week, and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays.
Railcard discount cards can also be used, and tickets are accepted on some bus services as well.
4
Trains run as much as 12 times a day
Credit: Alamy
Around five trains run each way in the week between Machynlleth and Pwllheli, with 12 trains each way between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth.
These run every one or two hours.
There are fewer trains on Sunday, with just three between the May and September season, or one out of this season.
Here's the train journey which has been called the most beautiful in the UK.
And there is a £5 scenic train journey where waves even crash again the windows.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

One of the UK's most beautiful train journeys runs right across the beach and it costs less than £20
One of the UK's most beautiful train journeys runs right across the beach and it costs less than £20

Scottish Sun

time11 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

One of the UK's most beautiful train journeys runs right across the beach and it costs less than £20

ONE of the UK's most scenic railway routes costs less than £20 to travel on all day. The Cambrian Coast Railway has previously been named one of the world's most beautiful train journeys. 4 One of the UK's most scenic train routes goes directly across a beach Credit: Alamy 4 The route runs from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli with a change at Machynlleth Credit: Alamy The line runs from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli (with a change at Machynlleth) and often running along the coastline. One of the most beautiful journeys is via Barmouth, where it runs along a bridge that goes directly over the beach or the ocean, depending on the tides. Also called the Mawddach Viaduct, it is the longest viaduct in Wales made from wood, and one of the oldest that is still in use. You can even walk across the bridge, although you will need to ask to get off at Morfa Mawffach. Barmouth is worth a visit itself, as it was named an up-and-coming seaside town. National Geographic said: "This is the sort of town that's full of visitors-turned-residents and it's that sense of pride and community that's powering its revival." It even has a secret beach that can only be visited by tunnel - here is how to find it. Other fun stops along the way include Pwllheli, where you can access popular surfing spots, as well as Fairbourne for sandy beaches. Otherwise popular attractions include the National Library of Wales, in Aberystwyth, or the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn. Make sure to stay on the train in the evenings as well, as it has some of the best sunsets too. I took a 1920s themed train journey with flapper-style singers and luxury dining Visit Wales writer Karen Willans said: "The train ride itself can be a day out, but there's also loads to do along the way. "There's plenty of wildlife to see as well – sea birds (including cormorants), dolphins, porpoises and various birds of prey live in the area." Tickets cost £9.50 for kids or £19 for adults, which includes unlimited travel for the entire day. These can be used after 9:30am in the week, and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. Railcard discount cards can also be used, and tickets are accepted on some bus services as well. 4 Trains run as much as 12 times a day Credit: Alamy Around five trains run each way in the week between Machynlleth and Pwllheli, with 12 trains each way between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. These run every one or two hours. There are fewer trains on Sunday, with just three between the May and September season, or one out of this season. Here's the train journey which has been called the most beautiful in the UK. And there is a £5 scenic train journey where waves even crash again the windows.

Your ultimate guide to snorkelling and scuba diving in Cape Town
Your ultimate guide to snorkelling and scuba diving in Cape Town

Time Out

time12 hours ago

  • Time Out

Your ultimate guide to snorkelling and scuba diving in Cape Town

Thinking of diving Cape Town's icy waters, but don't know where to start? We chatted to local and wildlife filmmaker Jeandre Gerding, a lover of nature - so much so that his entire career revolves around it. As a cinematographer and filmmaker, Jeandre has filmed various wildlife and impact projects for the likes of National Geographic, BBC, Apple TV and Disney+, as well as local shows. A merman in spirit, he's an avid diver and advocate for Cape Town's marine world. 'There are casual scuba divers who live in Cape Town and have never dived its shores,' laments Jeandre, noting that the cold water tends to scare people off, missing out on some of the best dive spots in the world. Cape Town has a 'ridiculous amount of biodiversity'- new species are discovered almost every year. We also have one of the most pristine kelp forests in the world, vitally important not just for protecting our coastline from waves but also providing food and shelter to thousands of animals. For diving, what makes our shores even more special, according to Jeandre, is that you don't need a boat for some of the best diving spots - easily accessible from the shore. However, you will still need boats for some spots that are hard to hike to with heavy scuba gear, or wrecks and pinnacles that are a little further out to sea. Much of the city's shoreline forms part of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), which contributes to the pristine biodiversity of the region. Time Out Tip: As of May 2024, scuba divers no longer need a permit to dive in an MPA, but many popular diving spots are still no-take, which means no spear guns or shell collecting. All that you can take with you are memories and photos. How to make your Cape Town dive memorable There are two main diving areas that generally differ in water temperatures but offer quite different sights to see underwater. The Atlantic Seaboard covers a massive stretch of coastline from the V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay, offering chillier waters but amazing underwater life. False Bay, on the other hand, has slightly warmer climes with massive kelp forests (and a penguin or two), stretching from Cape Point through Simon's Town, Muizenberg, all the way to the other side at Gordon's Bay and the Overberg section. When to dive in Cape Town In summer, the Atlantic Seaboard tends to offers better visibility, while False Bay is usually better in winter. Since My Octopus Teacher became a massive hit, free diving in Cape Town has become super popular, but it's not as easy as just grabbing some flippers and a snorkel. You should do a free diving course where you can learn to harness your breath and put safety first. Jeandre recommends checking out Cape Town Freediving with two and three-day courses for different levels. He also adds it's important for newbies to go with guides or experienced locals who know their way around, and there's always safety in numbers. 'It's good to be safe - don't push your comfort zone,' advises Jeandre. What about gear for scuba diving? For scuba divers, there are various places where you can rent gear and an official guide with an easy Google search. However, if you're quite experienced and come with your own gear, Jeandre recommends still reaching out to a local and that there are various diving groups on the socials who love to make new friends. One of them is the Trail Freedivers community, which is always hosting get-togethers for dives and will be able to point you in the right direction. For local Capetonians, you can also join the False Bay Underwater Club for scuba dive get-togethers, free air refills and other perks like discounts on courses. What weather conditions are best for diving in Cape Town? Visibility underwater is a precarious thing and dependent on many factors. What makes it harder to determine in Cape Town is that the city has many microclimates, and the same applies to its waters, according to Jeandre. While currents obviously play a major role, wind and swell also have a big impact - our expert says that offshore wind is the best for diving. What marine life will you see? But even if the visibility sucks, Jeandre says you can still have an 'adult Easter egg hunt' for nudibranchs - vibrant molluscs or 'sea slugs' that come in a variety of colours and patterns. While seals have been a popular sight for snorkellers and divers in Cape Town (not just at the harbour), it's important to keep your distance from them as there has been a recent outbreak of rabies among Cape Town's seal populations. They look cute and cuddly, but one bite can quickly end your adventuring in the ocean. Sharks, on the other hand, have always been the ones to look out for, but the city's once-famous Great Whites have long since left its shores, and the shy sharks, bronzies and other smaller species left behind are much more docile. In any case, Jeandre adds that generally sharks tend to leave divers alone. Most importantly, Jeandre urges anyone interested in diving to just do it! 'Face your fear and be curious.' He adds that there are a lot of health benefits, both physically and mentally, and one of the best things is that it's free to explore our marine world - you just need a snorkel and a mask.

Small Scottish town listed among ‘most boring in UK' defended by locals who call it ‘a wee gem'
Small Scottish town listed among ‘most boring in UK' defended by locals who call it ‘a wee gem'

Scottish Sun

time13 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Small Scottish town listed among ‘most boring in UK' defended by locals who call it ‘a wee gem'

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOCALS living in "Scotland's most boring town" have lept to its defence after it received the scathing title. Alloa was branded "culturally devoid and one of the most deprived places in Scotland" in the brutal review. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Alloa residents have defended their home Credit: Alamy 4 Alloa was named Scotland's most boring town Credit: Michael Schofield 4 The Clackmannanshire town was third in the UK list Credit: Andrew Barr - The Sun Glasgow 4 Locals have leapt to its defence Credit: Alamy The Clackmannanshire town came third in The Telegraph's most dull places in Britain. But locals in the town were quick to defend their home, even describing it as a "wee gem". Former MP John Nicholson blasted the list as "mean-spirited" when it was released. He told the Alloa Advertiser: "I love Alloa. With its cute wynds, grand merchant houses, and majestic civic architecture, it is a sometimes-overlooked wee gem. "Like any fine gem, Alloa could benefit from a polish too at the hands of the descendants of the skills craftsmen who built and enhanced it." The Scottish Sun visited Alloa when it's brutal brand was published, and even then locals were looking on the bright side. Miko Bylinka told our reporter: "We still have some interesting things going on in town, especially the old brewery, and the nature here is wonderful." Business owner Robert Marshall reckons the town is also one of Scotland's cheapest. He said: "We're cheap, and we do things cheaper than most other places. "We do a lot of promotions. We do a lot of meal deals, and I think Alloa is one of the cheapest towns." We live in Scotland's ugliest town - critics are right, it's a dump that should be demolished Another local added: "It's obviously someone who doesn't live here or care about people [who said it's boring], because one great thing about Alloa, and I've lived here since 1976, is it's friendly." But it could be worse for the Clacks town, as another one further south was branded the WORST in Scotland. It was hailed as a vision of the future when it was built in the years after the second world war. But it has repeatedly been handed the title of Scotland's worst eyesore due to its "spirit-sapping" brutalist architecture. It was voted "most dismal" town centre in the 2001 and 2005 Carbuncle awards, which were scrapped in 2017.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store