Transport for Wales (TfW) and Ramblers Cymru have launched a partnership project to get more people using public transport to access local walking routes and help improve their health and wellbeing.
‘Train, talk, walk’ will encourage people to use local train services to access new family friendly walking routes that are being created by Ramblers Cymru, that start and finish from local stations.
In total, 20 walking routes will be developed at five stations in south Wales, and 15 in north Wales.
These proposed locations in south Wales include Merthyr to Pentrebach, Cardiff Bay, Aberdare, Heath Low Level (Cardiff), and Barry Island.
The proposed routes in north Wales include Gwersyllt (Wrexham), Caergwrle, Prestatyn, Rhosneigr, Newtown, Aberystwyth, Llanrwst, Pwllheli, Porthmadog, and Criccieth.
To coincide with these walks and Visit Wales’s Year of the Trails, the partnership project will also deliver a series of introductory guided walks throughout Wales, starting in April.
Hugh Evans, Head of Community Rail at TfW said: “We’re really excited to launch this partnership project with Ramblers Cymru and it’s simply about encouraging more people to become more active and use their public transport network to gain access to local walking routes.
“It’s important that people are aware that there are many relatively easy walks that can be reached by a simple train journey and chance to get some exercise, visit a new area, and improve their wellbeing.”
Angela Charlton, director at Ramblers Cymru said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Transport for Wales on this project to develop walks. Ramblers Cymru want to see walking at the heart of communities and an outdoors that is more accessible to more people.
“We hope that by using our expertise to create these walks from train stations we can encourage communities to explore their local area and visitors to come and enjoy a positive outdoor experience in a more sustainable way.”
Image credit: TfW
