Vale of Rheidol

The scenery around Aberystwyth is glorious green rural countryside Wales is famous for. The River Rheidol, which empties into the sea at the town, starts its life up in the hills at Plynlimon. It is a stunning valley to explore - either on foot or by hiring bikes. But why exert yourself when you could recline in luxury and let the iron horse take the strain?

Undoubtedly the most interesting way to travel up the valley is in the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a narrow gauge steam train built at the turn of the last century. Departing from the main train station in the centre of town, it passes through incredibly lush, dense woodland past tiny hamlets, villages and farms cut out of the trees as if with a cookie cutter. The river meanders gently at points, tumbles over waterfalls, gurgles merrily and the train continues on until it reaches dramatic Devil's Bridge.