On the Rail Ale Trail!
Submitted by Gene Robinson, California

My odessy to mid Wales began with my decision to take a trip to Britain in a quest to seek out Real Ales in comfortable pubs. I have enjoyed British Ales since 1965, including Welsh ales in northern Wales in 1978 and '80. In recent years, I have become aware of Real Ales and have been acquiring the CAMRA books since 1998. Since my wife doesn't share my enthusiasm for beer and pubs, nor I hers for shopping, we took separate trips this year.

I had decided that I would visit Shropshire, a locality across the border. In researching for my trip, I noticed how close It is to Wales.

Some of my research included the tour guide, Lonely Planet, which touted your area and the Heart of Wales Line (also recommended by Frommer's). Lonely Planet said Llanwrtyd Wells is the wackiest town in Wales; how could I resist? It also recommended the Drover's Rest B&B and restaurant, which I enjoyed very much and recommend wholeheartedly.

When I arrived at Llanwrtyd, Peter James was waiting for me, standing on the platform in his chef's finery! I had made a reservation at the Drover's Rest for 3 nights and he had offered to meet me at the station, which I had thought was unusually accommodating and hospitable. I stayed 5 nights and experienced unusually good accommodation and hospitality from numerous folks up and down the Heart of Wales Line.

I made use of the fine services of the TIC office, staffed by Jan and others, including the use of the computers for access to the internet. On my third day, I was chatting with Jan and mentioned my interest in Real Ale. She told me the HoWL had just announced the Rail Ale Trail promotion , and that it was so new the brochures were in a box somewhere and she would find one for me. I immediately arranged with Peter to extend my stay, and Jan delivered the brochure to me at breakfast the next morning! Is that extraordinary or what?

Since I had access to 2 of the listed pubs right in Llanwrtyd Wells, I had only 4 others to visit. After looking at the train schedule, I saw that some fine planning would be necessary. I ended up getting my 4 additional pub visits by going to 2 towns each day for 2 days: North to Knighton and Builth the first day and South to Llandeilo and Llandovery. As I recall, I caught a train at about 11 a.m. each day out of Llanwrtyd. I had plenty of time in some of the towns in the pubs and walking. (e.g. 2 miles from the station to town at Builth).

I enjoyed every minute of the 5 days in mid Wales and am serious about returning!

The Train That Helps You Make Friends!
Submitted by David Edwards, Llangennech

It's happened again! A trip on the Heart of Wales Line has turned into a useful meeting - this time with a rambling enthusiast on her way to a meeting on Rights of Way. As often happens on this line, a chance greeting and remark about the weather led to a conversation being struck up, and before we knew where we were, we found we had interests in common, and were exchanging ideas and useful contacts.

There must be something about the informality and relaxed nature of the line that encourages people to smile and chat to one another - whether it's about business, pleasure, or reminiscences of the line in days gone by.

On recent journeys, I've met a Canadian touring Wales, garden enthusiasts visiting the National Botanic Garden of Wales near to Llandeilo, and a Japanese tourist enthralled by the scenery and curious about the Welsh language. How can this be?

Well, the line passes through the countryside of Merlin, the Welsh wizard - perhaps it has the spell of Welsh friendship cast on it!