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Lonely Planet says Heart of Wales line ‘one of best rail journeys in Europe’

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WORLD famous travel guide Lonely Planet has named the Heart of Wales railway line as one of the best rail journeys in Europe.

Described as ‘a spectrum of scenery’ that alternates ‘from the sand-edged estuaries of South Wales’ to ‘one of England’s prettiest medieval cities’, the line has been ranked amongst the top ten train rides in Europe for 2024.

Others on the prestigious list include the Le Petit Train Juane in the French Pyrenees, The Berina Express in Switzerland and The Brenner Railway passing through Germany, Austria and Italy.

Running between Swansea and Shrewsbury, a full trip on the line takes 4 hours and covers nearly 200km, passing through villages such as Llandeilo and Llandovery within the south and Craven Arms and Church Stretton further north.

Marie Daly, Chief Customer and Culture Officer at Transport for Wales said: “The Heart of Wales line is a beautiful rural railway that is popular with day trippers and walkers, it also provides vital links for the rural communities in Mid Wales and the Borders.

“It’s great to be recognised internationally by Lonely Planet and I’d encourage visitors to take a ride and enjoy the experience of dramatic mountains, forests, wild rivers and the quaint towns and villages of Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire and Swansea.”    

“At TfW we’re on a journey to improve public transport and also to encourage people to choose sustainable travel.  For those visiting and interested, please visit www.walesonrails.co.uk to see the many wonderful places and attractions within Wales and how they can be accessed using public transport.”

Owen Griffkin, Heart of Wales Community Rail Partnership Officer said: “It was wonderful to see the Heart of Wales Line included as one of the top ten rail journeys in Europe. We are very proud of the railway and to see it gaining global recognition as one of the most scenic routes in Europe is something we can celebrate.

“Articles like this will drive more tourism to the area and provide economic benefits to communities all along the line, and we will be looking to capitalise on this in our next Community Rail Partnership activity plan.”

Community

Community comes together for Big Haverfordwest Litter Pick

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HAVERFORDWEST residents joined forces to clean up the town in a community-driven litter pick organised by Haverfordwest Town Council, HaverHub, and Haverfordwest Heritage.

The event, which saw volunteers collecting rubbish to improve the town’s appearance, was attended by County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward on Pembrokeshire County Council.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to participate in and help with the Big Haverfordwest Litter Pick. I’d like to thank everyone who attended today—this will be the first of many similar initiatives for Haverfordwest, the County Town of Pembrokeshire.”

The initiative is expected to become a regular event to maintain cleanliness and encourage civic pride.

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Community

Cawl competition celebrates International Women’s Day in Pembroke

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PEMBROKE marked International Women’s Day on Saturday (Mar 8) with a successful cawl competition, bringing the community together to celebrate and support local women.

The event, organised by Pembroke Town Team, saw participants enjoy a variety of cawl, including vegetarian and vegan options, from Gio Recchia Pizza Contemporanea, Watermans Arms, Buddy’s Baked, and Will’s of Pembroke.

A key highlight was the inspiring speeches from local women who play a vital role in the community. Information stalls were also present, with groups such as New Pembrokeshire Pride, Pembroke Street Pastors, and Lamphey WI sharing resources and support.

Local businesswomen showcased their products, offering visitors the chance to browse and buy from a range of stalls.

The event was made possible thanks to a donation from Pembrokeshire Women, which organisers said played a crucial role in ensuring the day’s success. Volunteers, including Lisa Boswell, Angela Marston Halifax, Rhian Cowen, Ness Moseley, Ann Mortenson, and Tegan, worked tirelessly to keep things running smoothly, with Lewis George stepping up as compere.

Organisers thanked all those who attended, saying the support from the community made the event truly special.

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Festival of the Sea makes a splash at Milford Waterfront this weekend

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MILFORD HAVEN is buzzing with excitement as the Festival of the Sea kicks off this weekend, bringing a wave of marine-themed activities, exhibitions, and workshops to the waterfront.

Organised by Y Môr a Ni, the two-day festival is a celebration of Pembrokeshire’s rich coastal heritage, with events running across Saturday and Sunday (March 9-10) at Milford Waterfront and the Torch Theatre.

Day One: Milford Waterfront comes alive

Today, the festival is in full swing at Milford Waterfront, with activities taking place from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The Waterfront Gallery is hosting hands-on art workshops, where visitors can create marine-inspired fabric bowls and inked tiles under the guidance of local artists.

In the Link Building, festival-goers can explore a range of marine conservation exhibits. The Darwin Centre has microscopes set up for visitors to examine plankton, while the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum is showcasing renewable energy projects linked to the local area. Câr y Môr is offering an insight into sustainable seaweed products, and the Field Studies Council has interactive touch tanks featuring local marine species.

Outside on Mackerel Quay, visitors can meet representatives from the Royal Navy, Natural Resources Wales, and the RNLI, who are offering insights into maritime safety, naval life, and conservation efforts. Merched y Môr is also on hand to showcase their 11-metre rowing boat, used for endurance challenges and charity events.

Day Two: Marine talks and workshops at the Torch Theatre

On Sunday, the festival moves to the Torch Theatre, where visitors can enjoy talks, exhibitions, and workshops focused on marine life and environmental conservation. Organisations including Sea Trust, the National Trust, and the Cleddau Project will be hosting stands, while artist Fran Evans will be running creative sessions exploring people’s personal connections to the sea.

Workshops on the impact of marine plastic pollution, led by Sea Trust and Willow and Waves, will highlight the importance of protecting Pembrokeshire’s coastline.

A festival with a purpose

The Festival of the Sea is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to learn about and protect Pembrokeshire’s incredible marine environment. With something for all ages, the event aims to inspire local people to engage with the sea, support conservation efforts, and appreciate the beauty of the coast.

Day one is already proving popular, with plenty to see and do for families, marine enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike. If you’re in Milford Haven this weekend, be sure to stop by and immerse yourself in this fantastic coastal festival.

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