Rail Partnership celebrates National Walking Month with new website launch
The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership has launched a new website, designed to promote sustainable travel and outdoor exploration along the scenic railway route.
The website – https://www.heart-of-wales.co.uk – features an array of engaging content, including a series of short circular walks originating from railway stations along the line, meticulously mapped out by walking guide Lisa Denison of Quiet Walks.
One of the distinctive features of the new website is its emphasis on bilingualism, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Wales. The circular walks are presented in both English and Welsh, providing accessibility to a wider audience and championing the Welsh language and culture.
Each walk is accompanied by comprehensive route instructions, Ordnance Survey maps and GPX files, ensuring ease of navigation for both novice and seasoned hikers.
For the first time, the Heart of Wales Line Trail route instructions are available in Welsh, a significant milestone in promoting linguistic diversity and inclusivity. This initiative not only facilitates a deeper connection with the local community but also fosters a greater appreciation for Wales’ linguistic heritage.
The launch of the new website and the introduction of circular walks from stations along the line coincide with National Walking Month, a nationwide celebration of walking and its benefits to health, well-being, and the environment.
As communities across the country embrace the joys of outdoor exploration, Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership invites travellers and locals alike to discover the hidden gems nestled along the picturesque railway route.
Owen Griffkin, community rail officerm said: “We are delighted with the new website. There is so much information packed into it, it is easy to navigate and more accessible for all users.
“With a lot of patience and expertise provided by Touchdown Design, it is now a much cleaner user experience which looks as good on mobile as it does on desktop.
“This has allowed us to increase the amount of walks hosted on the site, with these wonderful new circular walks from stations along the line, some of which link with the Heart of Wales Line Trail.
Lisa Denison, of Quiet Walks, said: “The new website showcases the walks from Heart of Wales Line stations brilliantly. I really hope that anyone wanting to do these short, scenic, circular walks along the line can now do so confidently, using the materials developed.”
Melanie Lawton, Transport for Wales community rail strategic lead, added: “At TfW we want to encourage more people to travel sustainably and these walks are great for those who want to explore somewhere new.
“We already have a number of family walks and guided walks from stations and we’re hoping these will be just as popular.”
Picture caption:
Walkers on the Heart of Wales Line at Llandovery Station.