A stunning Welsh railway route has been hailed as one of the "world's greatest", and given its awe-inspiring vistas of the lush Welsh landscape, it's not hard to understand why. The Heart of Wales line, a 121-mile rural railway journey from Swansea to Shrewsbury, meanders through Carmarthenshire, Powys and Shropshire.
The Telegraph has featured this cherished route in its compilation of the "world's greatest" train journeys. This beloved line offers a picturesque, leisurely way to soak up breath-taking views and experience a sense of nostalgia. "It's not the longest train journey ridden in full, just 120 miles over about four hours. But there's a magic to it", the publication noted, which collates insights from several of their writers on the world's top train journeys.
Since its inception, the journey has won the hearts of countless travellers. It was gradually established between 1861 and 1868, finally opening as a complete route in 1868, with five different railway companies contributing to its construction over a span of 29 years.
Over time, it has evolved with varying schedules, new trains and progressive modernisation, reports Wales Online. The publication added: "Boarding in south Wales, popping out in Shropshire, disappearing into wild borderlands in between, it's a bit Alice in Wonderland, like you've gone down a very green rabbit hole.".
