Experiences of travel on the Heart of Wales line.

[Jez]

mods note - split from this thread

Heart of Wales Diagrams and Timetables during Royal Welsh Show

Its that time of year again when the Heart of Wales is busy for 4 days as the Royal Welsh Show is on at Builth Wells between Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd July. This year it seems rather than running an extra train between Cardiff Central and Builth Road/Llandrindod Wells they are simply...

www.railforums.co.uk

I noticed yesterday we had the extra Summer Sunday service on the Heart of Wales operating for just the peak summer holidays. As this has been brought back after its introduction last year I assume it was a reasonable success. I would be interested if anyone has any info on how busy this and the other Sunday services are on the line. Or any info in general about Heart of Wales services and how well used they are.

When I used the service on Friday I noticed quite a few people got off the train at Ammanford (some at Llandeilo and Llandovery) but it seems Swansea-Ammanford is the busy part.

 

[Jez]

The Heart of Wales is my favourite railway line. A week on Friday I made the trip to the magnificent Cynghordy viaduct to see it at ground level, something that had been on my list for some time. I opted to take the car as the walk from Cynghordy didnt look great and I didnt fancy it to be honest. Seeing the viaduct at ground level was quite something. I then spent a few hours in Llandovery before taking the train from Llandovery to Pantyfynnon and back as i couldnt not be that close to the HOWL and not have a ride on it. It was interesting to note there are 2 members of staff based at Pantyfynnon, at the signal box and also at the station itself as the level crossing gets opened and closed manually.

It was an AT 153 in both directions. I didnt find the table seats that bad in the active travel carriage this time but did move between the 2 carriages. Id say it was about a 3rd full at any one time. Lots got off at Ammanford on the return journey. And quite a few at Llandeilo and Llandovery.

I notice on a Sunday they have a 3rd train once again for the Summer holidays. Departing Swansea at 0853 and Shrewsbury at 0943. As well as the regular Sunday services from Swansea at 1105 and 1520 and Shrewsbury at 1208 and 1620. I wonder how well these services are used as well as the extra Summer Sunday service. Anyone got any info or reports?

 

[Llanigraham]

Pantyffynon Box always used to be single manned, so there was possibly a trainee present.

 

[70014IronDuke]

mods note - split from this thread

Heart of Wales Diagrams and Timetables during Royal Welsh Show

Its that time of year again when the Heart of Wales is busy for 4 days as the Royal Welsh Show is on at Builth Wells between Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd July. This year it seems rather than running an extra train between Cardiff Central and Builth Road/Llandrindod Wells they are simply...

www.railforums.co.uk

I noticed yesterday we had the extra Summer Sunday service on the Heart of Wales operating for just the peak summer holidays. As this has been brought back after its introduction last year I assume it was a reasonable success.

Unfortunately I'd be surprised if it was a 'reasonable' success. As I remember, the very first day the first train from Swansea was caped, as were some other trains in the six (?)-week period the trains were scheduled. But I'd certainly be happy to get info from anyone who used these trains back then or this year and be persuaded otherwise.

I would be interested if anyone has any info on how busy this and the other Sunday services are on the line. Or any info in general about Heart of Wales services and how well used they are.

When I used the service on Friday I noticed quite a few people got off the train at Ammanford (some at Llandeilo and Llandovery) but it seems Swansea-Ammanford is the busy part.

As I posted earlier this year, according to DfT exit-entry figures, astonishing as it may seem, Ammanford was the second most used station on the line (after Llandrindod), its rather limited facilities playing host to almost 23,700 delighted passengers. (Llandrindod was 30,300, a figure well down on pre-Covid numbers.)

For me, the service between Llandovery and Swansea should be enhanced - even at the expense of the middle section (which really generates very little traffic) but it would seem the Welsh authorities favour running through trains. But that's straying into speculative territory ....

BTW, a check on RTT this morning indicates significant delays to most services.

 

[PH Wales]

Pantyffynon Box always used to be single manned, so there was possibly a trainee present.

My next door neighbour was the level crossing operator at Pantyffynon for many years, before he sadly had to retire due to ill health. I used to think what a pleasant and relaxing job, even if he did have to get up to be at work 4 in the morning on the early shift pattern.

 

[Jez]

Pantyffynon Box always used to be single manned, so there was possibly a trainee present.

Sorry I should have been more clear in my post, one member of staff was the signal box, the other member of staff was at the actual station operating the level crossing.

 

[Jez]

Unfortunately I'd be surprised if it was a 'reasonable' success. As I remember, the very first day the first train from Swansea was caped, as were some other trains in the six (?)-week period the trains were scheduled. But I'd certainly be happy to get info from anyone who used these trains back then or this year and be persuaded otherwise.

I remember last Summer quite a few services were cancelled. So far out of 2 weeks it seems the extra service has operated as planned. I really am going to have to ride the service one Sunday and how busy it is.

As I posted earlier this year, according to DfT exit-entry figures, astonishing as it may seem, Ammanford was the second most used station on the line (after Llandrindod), its rather limited facilities playing host to almost 23,700 delighted passengers. (Llandrindod was 30,300, a figure well down on pre-Covid numbers.)

For me, the service between Llandovery and Swansea should be enhanced - even at the expense of the middle section (which really generates very little traffic) but it would seem the Welsh authorities favour running through trains. But that's straying into speculative territory ....

BTW, a check on RTT this morning indicates significant delays to most services.

They should definitely have an increased service in the South between Swansea and Llandeilo. I was really surprised the amount of people that used Ammanford. It cant be great having just 6 workings a day (2 of which are very early in the morning). Ideally for proper growth they need to have a few short workings between Swansea and Llandeilo or Llandovery. And a later train that 1747 from Swansea. However the evening train to Llandovery at about 2115 was withdrawn which implies not many used it.

I wouldnt like to see the middle section lost any services though. As long as they can continue with the 5 trains a day and just fit in any short workings among these.

 

[03_179]

We loved our trip in April 2025.

Heading North we sat on the right hand side in the direction of travel.

Lovely views.

A decent stop mid way up allowed us photos of the station before the train carried on.

2x class 153 toom us from Swansea to Shrewsbury.

We will do it again one day travelling from Shrewsbury to Swansea.

 

[Jez]

We loved our trip in April 2025.

Heading North we sat on the right hand side in the direction of travel.

Lovely views.

A decent stop mid way up allowed us photos of the station before the train carried on.

2x class 153 toom us from Swansea to Shrewsbury.

We will do it again one day travelling from Shrewsbury to Swansea.

Pleased to hear you had a good trip. Id definitely recommend doing more trips and stopping off at more stations on the way. It has to be very carefully planned though due to the limited timetable. Most of my trips have been in the South but id definitely recommend stopping off at Llandeilo and Llandovery.

So far ive stopped off at Llanwrtyd, Garth, Builth Road, Sugar Loaf, Llandeilo, Llandovery and Pantyfynnon. Cynghordy of course but used the car not train. All places South of Llandrindod.

 

[03_179]

Last year was South Wales (Tenby, Barry, Carmarthen. This year was North Wales: Llandudno, Conwy, Betys-y-Coed,
Next year not sure possible Mid Wales: Aberwystyth, Barmouth, Pwellei.

Possibly somewhere completely different. LOL

 

[70014IronDuke]

Alas, yesterday, two of the northbounds from Swansea (2M00, 2M39) failed to materialise (and hence, of course, their southbound equivalents). Only 2M37, the 11.05 ex Swansea, made it through - largely to time.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:V22069/2026-08-09/detailed#allox_id=0

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:W43778/2026-08-09/detailed

 

[Jez]

I noticed when I checked on Saturday that both the 0730 and 1450 from Swansea were cancelled as far as Llandrindod. Shortage of train crew.

And then as you say yesterday there were cancellations - one was blamed on a door fault. I wonder if that is correct as sometimes the reason for cancellation isnt always clear or correct?

Unfortunately the HOWL very hit and miss with reliability again.

 

[Jez]

I noticed that the rail service on the Heart of Wales has been suspended all day today due to the weather. Im guessing this is because it would be too hot on the Sprinters particularly for the drivers. Instead TFW are providing replacement road transport but seem to be doing Shrewsbury to Llandrindod and then Llandrindod to Swansea probably as they use local bus operators and it wouldnt be feasible to use one bus for the entire journey im guessing.

 

[Busman652004]

A few years ago I spent four almost faultless days travelling with an Explore Wales pass. The exception was the Heart of Wales but not because of reliability.
Two young men, probably early 20s, were travelling from Shrewsbury to Ammanford with their mother. They were noisy from the start and became progressively more drunk. Even their mother moved as far away as she could within the confines of a 153. Bizarrely after conferring the conductor and lady with the trolley decided to sell them all the remaining cans of beer with predictable results. It was one of the most unpleasant journeys I've ever experienced probably only surpassed by an early evening train to Ormskirk. The collective relief when they eventually got off was audible.

 

[45Fox]

Two young men, probably early 20s, were travelling from Shrewsbury to Ammanford with their mother. They were noisy from the start and became progressively more drunk. Even their mother moved as far away as she could within the confines of a 153. Bizarrely after conferring the conductor and lady with the trolley decided to sell them all the remaining cans of beer with predictable results.

That is somewhat bizarre.

As a teenager, 40 odd years ago, l did some part time bar work (to supplement BR wages at the time); one of the people it was illegal to serve was "someone who is obviously drunk"; admittedly, a hefty bit of discretion was applied but to serve people who were obviously the worse for wear and acting antisocially was a no-no.

I don't know if that's still the case with the law, I can think of no good reason why it isn't; even if it isn't, surely some common sense should have been applied; wouldn't there also be a question of railway bylaws in relation to behaviour on railway premises?

 

[MartinC]

A few years ago I spent four almost faultless days travelling with an Explore Wales pass. The exception was the Heart of Wales but not because of reliability.
Two young men, probably early 20s, were travelling from Shrewsbury to Ammanford with their mother. They were noisy from the start and became progressively more drunk. Even their mother moved as far away as she could within the confines of a 153. Bizarrely after conferring the conductor and lady with the trolley decided to sell them all the remaining cans of beer with predictable results. It was one of the most unpleasant journeys I've ever experienced probably only surpassed by an early evening train to Ormskirk. The collective relief when they eventually got off was audible.

Not the same cause, but my first trip turned out to be the day that the Welsh Assembly had decided to give free travel to bus pass holders. I think the whole of South Wales was travelling to Shrewsbury in one 153 !

 

[Jez]

That is somewhat bizarre.

As a teenager, 40 odd years ago, l did some part time bar work (to supplement BR wages at the time); one of the people it was illegal to serve was "someone who is obviously drunk"; admittedly, a hefty bit of discretion was applied but to serve people who were obviously the worse for wear and acting antisocially was a no-no.

I don't know if that's still the case with the law, I can think of no good reason why it isn't; even if it isn't, surely some common sense should have been applied; wouldn't there also be a question of railway bylaws in relation to behaviour on railway premises?

Im pretty sure you should refuse service of alcohol if someone is drunk - ive seen this happen in the supermarket once. Im also surprised there was even a trolley on the Heart of Wales. I remember back in the mid 2010's when I used the service there was a trolley on the 9am ish train from Swansea but I dont think there is any booked catering now.

 

[Jez]

Not the same cause, but my first trip turned out to be the day that the Welsh Assembly had decided to give free travel to bus pass holders. I think the whole of South Wales was travelling to Shrewsbury in one 153 !

It would be interesting to see stats for both September and October to see if there is a massive increase in travel once the free pass comes in in October.

It doesnt apply to me as I dont have a bus pass but I bet a lot of people will travel via the HOWL rather than the marches for example with the very expensive train fares from Swansea-Manchester for example and only have to pay a small amount then for the last part. Manchester is just an example there could be many destinations in the North people could travel to.

I recently took the HOWL from Llandovery to Pantyfynnon and back and it was only about £6 return, another time i did Swansea-Sugar Loaf and it was about £12 return. So for those of us that pay the fares are very reasonable compared to a lot of routes.

 

[Jez]

Whilst at Swansea this evening I saw the 1748 Heart of Wales depart it was a 150 and looked reasonably full. I wonder how many were going to Llanelli however..