A border long distance walking trail hoping to introduce a visitor passport gets a grant boost

A long distance walking trail across Powys and Shropshire aiming to introduce a passport, has secured a grant.

The Heart of Wales Line Trail long distance walking trail weaves its way between stations along the Heart of Wales Line.

It opened in Spring 2019 across Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire, Brecon Beacons National Park, and the City and County of Swansea.

The Friends of the trail want to introduce a trail passport and they contacted Llandrindod Wells Town Council recently to ask for a £100 grant.

Andy Bull, treasurer of the Friends said: “Users of the trail would be able to purchase a passport and get it stamped at various locations en route as a record of their journey.

“Such schemes are reasonably common-place amongst long-distance trails and are seen as being part of an enhanced experience for walkers, providing a treasured personal record of their journey.

“The committee has sought out ‘stamping stations’ in 15 main locations along the trail with the objective being to find establishments that will together provide a wide span of opening hours.

“The Lakeside Boathouse and the Llanerch Inn have agreed to provide the stamping service in Llandrindod Wells.

“The objective is to encourage more people to use the Heart of Wales Line Trail and the Heart of Wales railway line, thereby providing income to businesses within the settlements along the route.

“Llandrindod Wells is a key town along the route, providing opportunities for accommodation, refreshment and access to trains and buses. The fact that Llandrindod is the crossing point for north and south bound trains makes it a fairly obvious base for walkers wishing to stay in one place and using public transport to access the start and finish of each day’s trek.”

Mr Bull said the project will cost about £3,005 and it is expected to start in May. The primary contributor to the cost will be the Community Rail Partnership but additional funding will come from the Friends’ own funds. Llanwrda Community Council in Carmarthenshire has also donated £100.

Llandrindod Wells town clerk Jane Johnston said: “We have supported the printing of a leaflet for the Friends previously. The Heart of Wales line does bring visitors into Llandrindod Wells by rail and walks and the group does use The Hive for meetings. We have not given them any money for three or four years and they are approaching other councils in other areas.”

Councillor Paul Smith said: “It is a huge pull for tourism and he suggested giving them £150.”

Members agreed to give them £150 towards the passport scheme.