A GOOD crowd of people turned out for the much anticipated launch of the Powys section of the Heart of Wales Line Trail.

The trail weaves between stations along the Heart of Wales Line, offering visitors and walkers a chance to explore Wales and the Borders by rail and on foot, without the car. Completion of the long distance trail has attracted international media attention and it recently featured in The Guardian’s Best Travel Discoveries of 2018.

In opening the final section, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “It’s excellent news that we’re not only celebrating the completion of this section, but the final section of the full 141 mile long trail!

"The realisation of this huge ambition is a reflection of the commitment, sustained local support and a dedicated teams of volunteers. Long term improvement to access to the countryside and to cycling and walking networks rely on key transport arteries like this one and the understanding of what walkers want is to be applauded.

"Wales’ Year of Discovery is the perfect time for us to invite people to discover this magnificent trail.”

The opening ceremony was held at the Media Resource Centre in Llandrindod Wells, with the official launch on Llandrindod Wells Station. After the launch many of the attendees took part in the guided walks which were arranged so that people could explore the newly-opened section of the trail. The event was organised by the Heart of Wales Line Trail steering group.

Geraint Morgan, community affairs manager at Transport for Wales said: “The Heart of Wales line has always been a vital link in serving the local communities and this is another example of Transport for Wales working in partnership with the communities we serve to boost the local economy and tourism.

“Visitors will be able to use the train to hop-on and off wherever they like and with sections of the new trail to suit everyone’s ability, the train is the perfect way to experience the glorious scenery the line has to offer.”

The second walk to Penybont, organised by Four Wells Ramblers included a stop to sample delicious home made cakes and fresh local produce at The Thomas Shop in Penybont.

Rachel Francis, manager at the Heart of Wales Line DevCo said: “With lots of visitors planning to walk the trail this summer, we are keen to put characterful cafes, locally run pubs, family farmed produce and local B&Bs at the centre of the walking trail experience. We think there isa fantastic opportunity for the new trail , linked to the railway, to benefit the region in a genuine and long lasting and sustainable way”

The trail steering group would like to thank Powys Rights of Way Team for all its hard work on this stunningly beautiful section of the trail. It has been a lot of hard work and is much appreciated.

If you are keen to walk the Heart of Wales Line Trail this year, the route book written by a Powys man and designer of the trail, Prof Les Lumsdon, is now available to purchase from Kittiwake Books of Machynlleth. It includes all the maps and route descriptions for the trail.

Further information about the trail and the launch is available on the Heart of Wales Line Development Company website at https://www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/