Stunning 31-mile train journey named UK's best thanks to picturesque views
When you think of UK railways, you probably think of long delays, cancellations, and crowded carriages. The transport system in Britain doesn't have the best reputation, so many may be shocked to find out that there are several stunning train routes that showcase rolling countryside and golden sandy beaches.
For example, the Machynlleth to Pwllheli route in Wales was recently named one of the best train journeys in the country by Conde Nast Traveller. The route covers 31 miles of track and takes around two hours and 12 minutes. On the journey, travellers will see breathtaking mountains, stunning beaches, and dense forests, and it costs less than £20 for a return journey.
T he publication said: "Just inside the southernmost rim of Snowdonia National Park, this route is blessed by nature from the moment the train departs.
"Passengers gaze onto scenes of tall grass smattered with waist-high wildflowers and puffy clouds over peaks fringed with forest... Not long after Dovey Junction station, the ride follows the bends of the River Dyfi until it opens wide onto the Cardigan Bay coast, shaped by fingers of creamy sand and dunes melting into the water."
The train has 25 stops, including the 'most isolated station in Wales', Dovey Junction, and the acclaimed seaside town of Barmouth - just make sure you get a window seat to make the most of the journey. Most of the track hugs the country's stunning coastline, allowing for plenty of beach vistas and sea views. However, there are no first-class carriages, so it might be worth bringing your own train picnic, reports the Mirror.
Machynlleth to Pwllheli - the full route
Machynlleth
Dovey Junction
Penhelig
Aberdovey
Tywyn
Tonfanau
Llwyngwril
Fairbourne
Morfa Mawddach
Barmouth
Llanaber
Talybont
Dyffryn Ardudwy
Llanbedr
Pensarn (Gwynedd)
Llandanwg
Harlech
Tygwyn
Talsarnau
Llandecwyn
Penrhyndeudraeth
Minffordd
Porthmadog
Criccieth
Penychain
Abererch
Pwllheli
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Machynlleth is located 217 miles from Central London, meaning you'll have to drive around four hours and 47 minutes to get there. You can catch an indirect train from London Euston, which includes a stop over at Birmingham but only takes three hours and 52 minutes. Single adult fares start from £37.20.
After arriving in Machynlleth, you can hop straight onto the train to Pwllheli or spend the night in the market town. Here, you'll find an array of museums, the Michelin-starred restaurant Ynyshir, and - if you time it right - Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
You can grab return fares to Pwllheli and back for as little as £21.09. If you have a railcard, this can cut down the price to an even more impressive £13.99 - which works out at less than £7 each way!
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