I had put a previous message on this site asking questions about being in the Manchester area. One of the things we are considering is taking the train from Manchester to Machynnleth Wales. Last year, we purchased a falcon experience there. Unfortunately my husband got sick and we weren't able to travel there. I've paid for it already and was trying to figure out if there was a way to tie that into this trip. When I looked at the train schedule, it looks as if it's about a 3 hour train trip. We don't like the idea of 3 hours there and taking the same route back. Our plan is to fly into Manchester and fly out of it home. Does anyone have any knowledge about being in this area and any train route we could take back to Manchester that would be interesting - perhaps even with a stop for a night to see something of interest.? Thanks so much.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
There's only one railway line through Machynlleth (note spelling as rail and bus sites don't usually do spelling suggestions). This is the one that goes from Shrewsbury to the west Wales coast. You could potentially do a circular tour of central and north Wales, heading west from Machynlleth, up the coast, and then travelling by bus or the narrow gauge Welsh Highland Railway to catch a train back along the north coast of Wales to Manchester. It would be a substantial trip though and you'd need to stop off for at least one night, as the trains are slow and very local, especially between Machynlleth and up the west coast.
Posted by
2433 posts
Machynlleth is only a small place. It looks like the Falcon place is to the south up some back roads - not advised if you don’t have car.
The train from Manchester to Shrewsbury is reasonably fast - probably heading for Cardiff & then Pembrokeshire. Change at Shrewsbury for one to Machynlleth - this section of line is through lovely countryside. However, you may like to give the Falcon experience a miss - unless you are sure of transport. At Machynlleth, most trains split with one section going to Aberystwyth and the other heading north up the Cambrian Coast. This section of line is very scenic with the train running between the sea and the mountains. (It is slow going and the windows don’t open due to air conditioning). If you wish to overnight (advised as too much for 1 day trip), Aberdovey is nice or continue to Porthmadog. (Find the places on Google Earth). From Porthmadog, you could take the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon (Castle) and then bus to Bangor for train to Manchester. Alternatively, Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau Ffestiniog and then ‘normal’ train to Llandudno Junction to get train for Manchester. (Or stay on train and visit Llandudno before catching train to Manchester).
Both narrow gauge railways :> www.festrail.co.uk
So, worth is for the rail journeys - as long as you split it rather than try and do it all as a day trip.http://www.thecambrianline.co.uk/thecambrianlines/map/
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
Thanks so much for your responses. I've come to the conclusion that we will need to write off the money I spent for the falcon experience. The owner there told us we could take a taxi from Machynlleth but from what I'm hearing about the train ride, I think it's best we not do it. We were in Bridgnorth in May of this year when my husband got sick. We were supposed to take the train the next morning to Machynlleth but instead he spent time in the hospital, and it was touch and go in getting back to London. It's hard to get to the point in life where you have to start traveling differently, but we are at that point. I'm still considering trip options elsewhere. Thanks!