Walkers from as far afield as Aberdeen and London joined a series of walks recently to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the launch of a renowned Welsh walking route.

Between July 4 and 7, walkers visited Wales to take part in the event celebrating the Heart of Wales Line Trail (HoWL), which was organised by the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership.

The HoWL Trail is an end-to-end walking route between Craven Arms and Llanelli which weaves along the Heart of Wales Railway line, passing through, or near to each of its stations. Since its launch, a growing number of walkers have used the trail, either as a long-distance, multi-day challenge, or for shorter walks, often in combination with a journey on the line.

The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership was pleased to organise four one-day walks to celebrate the success of the trail so far. The trail has brought new leisure travellers to the line, and to the area, delivering benefits to local communities and businesses, as well as providing route options for local walkers.

The timing and routes of the walks were designed to allow attendees to arrive and depart on the Heart of Wales Line service. Those enjoying the walks included the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Officer, Richard Whiting; Martin Clarke from Community Rail Network; the author of the Heart of Wales Line Trail Guidebook, Les Lumsdon, and members of the Trail Steering Group, who have been instrumental in establishing the Trail and in its success so far.

On day three, the group welcomed the Mayor of Llandovery, Cllr Handel Davies, who joined the walk from Cynghordy to Llandovery and said: “I was delighted to be able to support the Heart of Wales Line Trail and to see the beauty of the route and surrounding landscape by joining their anniversary walk from Cynghordy, where I was born and raised, to Llandovery where I live.

“I know that the whole length of the route offers further opportunities for wonderful walking, through a variety of beautiful landscapes and my wife and I hope to enjoy many more in the future, both locally and further afield.”

Martin Clarke, from the Community Rail Network, attended on the first day and said: “The Heart of Wales Line Trail is a great example of how Community Rail can support and deliver projects which encourage active travel, complement the rail service, and bring benefits to local communities through providing opportunities for leisure activity and encouraging visitors to the area.”