I Ride the Most Scenic Line in Wales, Eat Superb Food & Drink Amazing Beer! What a Day!
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- This week guys, I’m taking you over to the Welsh coast as we ride Transport for Wales Class 158 up the Cambrian Coast line all the way to Porthmadog. And what a line this is - in my opinion the most spectacular branch line in Wales. On a day like I had, the coastal views are awe-inspiring as we make our way north across the famous Barmouth Bridge, past numerous request stops, through Harlech, finally arriving at our destination around three-and-a-half hours after leaving Shrewsbuy!
I then had about three hours before the train back to show you what i think is the best cafe in Wales, before heading out to the beach to walk it off. After that it’s a quick stop in the pub to sample a couple of the best beers in Wales before leaving for the train and sleeping it all off on the way back.
I do hope you can join me on this, i’ll show you all the sights and of course, tell you how much it all cost. Thanks as always guys for taking the time to watch my videos. All likes, comments, subs are massively appreciated and it really encourages me to make more content for you all to enjoy.
Cheers for now.
Mark
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📖Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:50 - Heading for the coast
03:02 - Blue skies, sea views
04:50 - Barmouth Bridge & beyond
09:53 - Porthmadog
11:12 - Lunch
16:09 - Borth-y-Gest
17:54 - Beer
21:23 - Summary
Thanks for posting this. Love Barmouth although not been since 2007. Like you I spent many a summer holiday camping with Mum & Dad on Shell Island as a kid in the 70's and 80's. Great times 👍👍
Great video Mark, very scenic train journey. Also loved the big rock cafe & The Australia pub, looks like you had the sun on the way back too ! Nice to see you in a brief appearance in "Non-stop Europe" video, joining part of the 10 town challenge on ICE's !! :)
Another good video I really enjoyed watching this one. Very scenic on that Railway line specially when you reach the coastline that looks amazing on a sunny day. Them pubs look like worth a visit considering the price but after all if their food is good then it is worth the money it also helps with the business.
A perfect day out if you live within range and the weather's nice! 👍👍 Another place to enjoy one of Purple Moose's brews is Spooner's at Porthmadog Harbour station. On a nice day, you can sit outside and, as long as there's no train in the platform, enjoy the view down to Harlech.
I don't know if it's still the case, but it always used to amuse me that the bus stop outside The Australia was called "Porthmadog Australia"! 😄
What a fabulous day out. Thanks for taking us along.
Cheers Tim, thanks for watching as usual mate 😊👍
Purple Moose is one of my all time favourite breweries too ! I need to go on the Ffestiniog / WHR soon .
Great music at 3.26 on.. The size of that bacon and double sausage roll, surprised you could make it out the door. Lovely video, thank you.
Cheers Andrew, I’ve had that bap a few times now. Their sausage rolls are awesome too!
its transport for wales, regardless of if it suits capacity or not theyll run 2 coach.
Used to be double-headed 25’s in the summer on this line. Can you imagine that!
Greetings from Australia. Recall doing that journey around twenty years ago. Was staying in Wrexham. At the time there was available a 20 pound day ticket for trains in North Wales, which included a journey on the Ffestiniog Railway. Really got a scenic trip and value for money back then. We first went to Llandudno Junction, then on the branch line to Blaenau. Then on the Ffestionog to Porthmadoc, where we changed trains for the coast line to Shrewsbury. Even then the two car train was very busy, I remember we were invaded by scores of school kids in the afternoon from Harlech to Barmouth. I seem to recall we again changed trains in Shrewsbury for our return to Wrexham, and the final train consisted of a considerable number of carriages for our final leg.
Hi David! That fare still exists (albeit it’s twice the price now). It’s called something like the Ffestiniog round Robin and it’s about twice the price now. I still think it’s decent value though when you include the Ffestiniog Railway section 👍
good trip as always. i see 'JO' doesn't drink..unlike Steve Marsh's travelling companion (she would drink me under the table)..love all yours, steve's and the other Scottish guy 'Scott' all good interesting stuff that appeals to me watching your travels.
I did the train journey from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth via the southern side of the Dovey Estuary. Might hsve to do it on the northern one at some point.
Porthmadog seems like a lovely place, especially the beach with the view inland, and that cafe looked lovely
Hi mate. Yep Porthmadog is a very useful town these days with the accommodation options, facilities and tourist attractions (thinking about the heritage railways really). Well-worth a visit.
Great video as ever Mark, nice to see you in Nonstop Euro Trips video!
Great Video, Inspired me to head out to the castle for sure.. Food looks amazing, Great to see Jo in the video, good choice with the cake 👍
Cheers mate. The castle is a bit of a hike up the road but well worth it. Do it in the morning and you’ve worked up an appetite for lunch in the Big Rock cafe 😂👍
Hi Mark, looked a great day out bud, nice train journey, lovely scenery, food looked good and the beer of course 😅 👍
Cheers mate, it was a lovely day out. Definitely recommended 😊👍
Looked like a great trip, Mark and that cafe looked amazing. I agree with your wife, cake is mandatory!! 😂😂
I do that journey often well to Barmouth but go on the train to porthmadog for the steam.railways and it's nice to see the railway pub open enjoyed ur visit to the pub n cafe 😀 the cafe food 😀 excellent 😢
What a fantastic train journey, plus the pub looked great too
It’s a great journey - especially with good weather! The pub is great too and I should mention there are some other establishments serving the Purple Moose too (Spooners at the Ffestiniog Railway for example).
Another great video Mark those 158’s sound great Port mad dog is nice in the summer
It is Paul. And the walk to Borth-y-Gest is well worth it.
Seeing Barmouth (AKA the Costa Del Wolverhampton!) reminded me of my honeymoon trip there, we were sat outside the B&B as the night fell and I heard the train coming from Twywn - it was so dark that the bridge was invisible and I was treated to the ghostly sight of a Transport for Wales train floating across the estuary! Great memory. 😀😀😀😀
Wolverhampton by the sea,.
Haha, sounds great. I always see someone I know in Barmouth so I think you’re right. Lots of Brum, Wolves, Telford and Shrews people go there.
@@LetsMakeaTrip we always went to the North Coast (Prestatyn) as kids (from Brum) - parents didn't have a lot of cash and self catering at Pontins worked out well for them and us. 😁 I 'discovered' mid Wales as a young adult and it really is perhaps my most favourite place on earth!
Top vid - as usual, Mark - that brought back a lot of memories. My family used to go to Barmouth for our camping summer holidays in the early 60s. It doesn't seem to have changed much. I am curious though - as a resident of Oz for many years - why the pub in Porthmadog is called the Australian. There is no pub that I know of in Oz called "The Welsh" :-) Paul in Oz
Loving the video. I love all of north Wales but yet to visit porthmadog or anywhere around that area . When you're next in Llandudno rhos-on-sea or Conwy you need to visit a place called tapps they have many different beers and ales on tap and the occasional cider
oh wowzers mark yet another brilliant video mate the beautiful scenery on the train lovely food also you couldn't resist a good old beer in beautiful wales who was the lady who was with you was she a friend or yours take mate
Cheers Caleb,yes decent food and drink makes for a good day with Jo who has done a few other videos with me previously 👍
Shell islands a magical place. Highly recommended if your into camping. Great video as always.
It is, spent many a week there when I was younger on the sand dunes watching the aircraft from Llanbedr. Not so much going on there now but great memories. Cheers mate 😊👍
Great as always 👍
Cheers Andy 😊👍
Fabulous scenery 😊 a bit of a different video this time, with the food review, exploration of the town and even an appearance by your number 2 😊 really enjoyed, thank you
Cheers Walter. Yep, trying something a little bit different. I’m not going to go ‘full walk with me Tim’ tbh as I think most watch for the transportation content but quite happy how this ‘hybrid’ video has turned out really. I think I may make one or two more😊👍
Brilliant, and you were blessed with amazing weather for the most part. That cafe, in particular, looked to be astounding value for money.
Cheers Bob and yes I would definitely recommend the Big Rock cafe. 😊👍
😮 nice 1 mark and jo great café and I didn't catch the price of the pint M8 what a day out ✅ thanks for the wonderful 📹 Pal all the best John 😊😊
Cheers John, yep I didn’t quite get the price on a pint because I was buying lemonade with it(!) and forgot to find out. Apologies. It was £6.80 for the first pint plus a lemonade.
The electricity pylons across the Dwyryd are actually being replaced by underground cables. Work has commenced on the project and it's expected to take another 2-3 years to complete. As for the frequency of the service, 2 hourly would be acceptable if the trains were increased in length. We were promised increased capacity when the new trains are introduced but they have rowed back on that promise and instead of 3-carriage trains they will now be 2-carriage, with 38 LESS seats than at present and one less toilet. You couldn't make it up!
Had a pint of Purple Moose Glaslyn Premium bitter in Frodsham last year. Very nice!
Oh yes, I’ve had that one a few times 👍
A wonderful journey with glorious scenery and great food and drink, you really kicked a goal with that day out. Take care and stay safe, cheers from Oz.
Cheers Simon. When I eventually get around to visiting Oz I hope your food and beer can be a match! 👍
Always really look forward to your new videos. Keep it up!
Thanks mate and cheers for leaving a comment 😊👍
Fabulous video Mark. I absolutely love thag train line. I remember travelling this line a couple of times in the past.
One was from Bham right through to Penychain for a conference at the Haven site there. The other, i was on holiday with my future in-laws at the time (still are today) when we travelled from Newtown to Porthmadog and back. We then went on to the man made lake at Tan-y-Bwlch on the Ffestiniog railway. Yet to do the Welsh Highand one. Expensive they are, but worth it if you were to do it just once.
It's a line worth exploring so much more. Thanks for showing how beautiful it still is. I will return.....
Btw, the food and drink looked good......
I prefer a cider tbh. Hope the Australia does a good cider. Cheers for now
Great mark. Beer recommendations are the way forward! Great video.
Haha, cheers Andy ok I may be forced to do some more! 😂
Superb video as always Mark. It truly is a lovely line.
Cheers Elgin it is. Must be one of the best for drivers, I’m sure you’ll know about that 👍
Enjoyed the video 👍
I don't know what it's like now in these more Health & Safety conscious days, but back in the 70s my memory of the ramparts of Harlech Castle was of being scarily vulnerable up there. Even without the price saving that would be a terrific value journey, 3 and a half hours of beautiful scenery for the equivalent of a 20 minute journey into central London.
Yes Duncan I remember being on those ramparts and nearly falling off as there was no railing on the inside! Might be different now but I hope you can still get access up there. Nothing worse when they barrier-off the most interesting parts of a building like this.
13:08 It looks more like a restaurant than a normal café
It’s an interesting place Pedro, very interesting 👍
Great vid, Mark, I think the Welsh coast is one of the most beautiful in the UK
Great video, Mark. Having to force those beers down in the name of a travel vlog 🤣 It looked a lovely train journey, certainly makes me want to explore Wales some more. Might have to pop in that café for a garlic mushroom muddy welly 🤣 Andy.
Cheers Andy, glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully I can inspire a few to take this journey - it really is a gem. Can get quite busy in summer though, so out of season I would recommend if you can get a decent day for it weather-wise.
welcome to Wales!!
Wicked video mate and place looks awesome too
Cheers mate, the whole coast here is wonderful. Definitely recommend going 👍
No camping but we did stay at the Ty Mawr Hotel at Llanbedr a few years ago, the weather was so good it was breakfast on the patio every morning. Totally agree with you on Purple Moose beers and we visited the Australia a few times and on subsequent visits to the area. Currently in our fridge is a can of Chocolate Moose (chocolate & vanilla porter) acquired in Welshpool last weekend when visiting the W&L Light Railway that coincidentally had beer festival on!
Keep up the good work with trip reports.
Cheers Kevin, haven’t heard of the chocolate one tbh - not sure it’d be my thing - the elderflower is my favourite at the moment. Interestingly, I’ve found a few of the High Hops cans in Wetherspoons recently believe it or not! Last time up in Glasgow!
great video love the welsh trips
Thanks mate, I’ll be sure to make one or two more 😊👍
Great rail journey - signal box at Shrewsbury, Barmouth bridge and the scenery is amazing,.
The wife and I did it last summer and also went to Portmerion by bus and a walk. There is also the narrow gauge Welsh Highland rail to Caernorfon which is an exceptional journey
And Purple Moose 👍
Cheers mate. Yes, lots to see and do all the way to the end of the line really. A day ranger (rover?) is also a good option. 👍
As it happens, they are working on replacing those pylons with underground cables
Just having a "Snowdonia Ale " watching this video, Lovely part of the country, I like Barmouth as well,.Will remember the big rock cafe, for a return visit to the area, thanks for the recommendation .
Cheers Alan, I hope you enjoyed the drink! Could do with one myself tbh, Estrella is not quite the same!!
Brilliant Mark , we did part the journey earlier in the year down the coast from Barmouth a great bargain for £7
Good price. The day rover thing is a good option too 👍
Looks like a nice day out for a decent price. Your lunches looked delicious.
Cheers guys, yes you can’t go wrong with lunch at the Big Rock. Go there every time now 😊👍
interesting brewery and town to visit south of where you live -Ludlow
I love a pylon. Great navigational aid too. Can't hide them all underground unless you want your electricity prices to rocket..
The Avon Dwyryd pylons are going to be replaced by an underground power line as their foundations have been weakened by tidal scour, so they won't be spoiling the view for much longer.
Great Video Mark
Cheers Paul 😊👍
We’ve done the walk to Borth y Gest. One of my favourites. The sandy beach a bit further on is simply stunning.
It is - a bit of a hidden gem I think.
Spent many a holiday in Porthmadoc and Borth y Gest.
Loved them both.
The original factory shop @ 16:30 used to be Woolworths.
Back of the church along the bay in Borth y Gest is a world war pill box
Saw a Hercules and spitfire flying over the estuary on a WW2 anniversary many years back.
Brings back so many memories.
I remember that being Woolworths yes. There’s been a few changes. Cob Records still there if you know that though I reckon the town has definitely improved over the last couple of decades.
Stunning journey, I've done it a couple of times.
Not sure the new class 197s will be suitable to that line with the old, jointed single track, the class 158s are miles ahead of comfort and suspension.
Modern times?
You can’t go wrong with the 158’s. The only tiny issue I get with them is the usb sockets mess with your phone!
TfW trains always seem crowded. I've watched a number of RUclips videos and it seems to be an ongoing theme. The network seems to lack carriages / additional seating. A nice scenic route, you seemed to have got decent weather.
Plenty of trains could be used if tfw were interested in keeping going the full class 170’s fleet they have rotting away in sidings. It’s like they got hold of loads of new trains and desired they get rid of trains hardly 20 years old which were of a decent onboard configuration. Unfortunately their reliability and fire rating wasn’t on their side.
I do miss the 170’s tbh. A lot seem to be hanging around Chester and Holyhead these days.
Great video, would like to see Portmerion. Be seeing you.
For a game of Kosher with No.6?
Great day out..
It is, cheers Richard 😊👍
My most favourite train trip! My parents used to live in Aber and Machy is my fantasy place to live. One day...
Mach’s a bit ‘new age’ these days I think. I do like it though a good gateway to the coast.
@@LetsMakeaTrip I think Machy always was a bit 'Wild West' (prob why I like it!!) they have had the veggie cafe and Peter Snow's hippy shop all the years I've been going there (30+ years). 😁
Purple Mouse Beers are very good i do like the dark one they do a lot. The tap room does look good.
Not so keen on the dark beers tbh but yeh I reckon there were getting on for a dozen different beers in The Australia so plenty of choice mate 😊👍
Never been disappointed with purple moose brewery
Agree, plenty of choice too 👍
In Wales, "clearing one's throat" is the local language. All very pretty, though.
Enjoyed your video again as I live in Harlech near the castle, the pylons you mentioned are slowly being replaced by underground cables across the estuary, there has been a lot of work going on by the new bridge you crossed on the train over the last few months.
Have been in the Big Rock cafe several times as Porthmadog is our nearest small shopping centre. Shame you didn't continue on to Phwelli as you would have last our favourite place Criccieth were we go most weeks for Fish & Chips by the castle and then an ice cream shop opposite where you can sit with great views across the bay.
Cheers Raymond, you sound like you’re living an idyllic life over there (I’m very jealous). I do like Criccieth, been there a few times and even Pwllheli’s improved a bit over recent times!
Took early retirement and downsized the house so we could live here, best decision I've ever made wouldn't live anywhere else now.
The Cambrian Coast Express which I think left London at 10am, in the steam days did the same split with one portion for Pwhelli and one for Aber. I might have this wrong but back them it stopped either at Oxford or Banbury then onto Birmingham Snow Hill. At Wolverhampton the restaurant car was taken off, then at Shrewsbury the Castle or Kings loco was swopped for a Manor class loco as there was a strict weight limit and the Manors were the heaviest locos permitted on the rest of the route. I only know this from books.
I remember the summer trains being hauled by class 25’s, that’s as far back as I go tbh but from memory, they must have had around 10 carriages and the length of the platforms at Barmouth are probably testament to that (though obviously most of the space is disused now unfortunately). Great days though 😊👍
Purple Moose Elderflower is a gorgeous beer!
Oh yes - my favourite!
Terrific video of a wonderful journey. Yep, Wales has come a long way in the past couple of decades with the quality of cafes, bistros and restaurants, as for the sartorially challenged punters that are out and about these days...........jeez.............
Haha, yep it can be a bit hit and miss where you go but Porthmadog certainly is improving and tbh, some of the other towns and villages have gone too far imo - Abersoch?
I agree with you about Purple Moose Brewery. The best beer in Wales.
Cheers Andrew. I haven’t found anything better no 👍
Just looked up Barmouth Bridge, the Victorians didn't mess about did they!
No they didn’t. The swing section will never be used again unfortunately but it’s a great piece of engineering 👍
Another brilliant video Mark. Im heading to Porthmadog in few weeks so will try your recommendations.
When youre doing your pub / cafe reviews would it be possible to tell us if we can bring out furry friends in with us : )
Hi mate, I hope you enjoy as much as I do. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen dogs in the Big Rock cafe. Not sure about the Australia but it’s a good point and I’ll try and remember next time. Cheers 😊👍
TY.
Cheers Paul 😊👍
Remember! You can join me and order online from Purple Moose. My favourites are High Hops and Dark Side.
Yes you can order online this is correct. High Hops and Elderflower are my top two atm 👍
The pylons could be a hangover from the old nuclear power station at Trawsfynedd
Don't know what day you filmed this but the mornings round Shrewsbury last few days have been broken train central 😂
Marks 4s ey 😂
Cheers Dan. It was fairly recent. No issues on this day but I am familiar with the issues you’re talking about yes.
@@LetsMakeaTrip I'm sat on a mark IV while typing this .... Church Stretton down to Ludlow over the last couple weeks has been the train equivalent of the Bermuda triangle 🤣🤦
Them pylons will be gone in 2 years time,they're undergrounding them from the quarry to the other side of the bridge.
Great! How was the mountain bit to Machynlleth? My parents live near Aberystwyth and I now live in the US, so whenever I come home I always drive, but I might take the train up next time (if Trainline fares look ok). That said - with just 2 cars, there might not be space for a suitcase.
If you get on the train at Shrewsbury (or Birmingham) Ty should have enough storage space by the vestibules. Make sure you’re on the right bit and it should be fine. Tbh I think the bit as far as Mach is a bit unexciting. Might it be worth looking on the TfW website and booking direct. Always avoid Trainline as they charge booking fees. Cheers mate 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTripcheers Mark! Have a good weekend!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😀😀😀😀😀😀🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🍾🍾🍾🍾
What a lovely journey! Yet another to add to the bucket list.... which already runs to two volumes that'd put War and Peace to shame...
Haha, cheers Shane. I would definitely recommend this - especially on a day like I had. Beware summer holidays though, very busy and the trains are often crowded. 👍
@@LetsMakeaTripinteresting little fact connecting Wales and beer which I only learned a few weeks ago while putting together a quiz night:- a Welsh brewery very nearly became the place where canned beer was invented in the 1930s. Unfortunately, they were beaten by a brewery in New York by just four weeks!! Still, they were the first place in Europe where it was created.
And the best chip shop is walkers in aberdovey,.
Hmm, I shall bear that in mind!
If it wasn't a very good beer, the pub should change its name from Australia.
Haha, yep. I believe it’s named after a ship 👍
That was a great trip thanks. I often stay at Portmerion but have never looked around Port Madoc but will now on your recommendation.
Cheers mate. I did look at staying in Portmeirion once - maybe I will in the future and do a video on it. Porthmadog definitely the cheaper option though!!
Red Sauce or Brown Sauce is the question on the bap
Red for me 😊👍
rode the same stretch last year on a glorious summer's day. it is very picturesque indeed. there are great views on both sides, too. But the train does get really really busy. As for pylons.. I actually like them
If you can get a seat on the coastal side after Mach I think you’ve done well for the summer! I can see why some people might like pylons - b&w photo ops would be good on a miserable day. I dunno, I’d rather underground cables tbh but I do get it 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip I was on it all the way from Birmingham, where the train was still pretty empty., the whole 4.5 hours. Never mind that on the same day I travelled from Harwich to London and then from London to Birmingham. Never was I so happy get off a train ;)
tfw are crap on on passenger comfort......Cardiff to Manchester...2 car...come on!!!
That line is a bit random. If you’re lucky of course you’ll get one of the Mk4 train sets which are great.
Who was shouting and what did they say? 10.02 Half the station turned around. 🤦♂️
I think it was some kind of bus/coach excursion. Nothing more exciting than that I’m afraid!
That food was horrendously expensive, I can get a 3 course very tasty meal in a pub here for €15. €30 for 2, even less if a midweek deal on. £18 is about €22. I won't comment on the pronunciation of Shrewsbury.
The only comment is he pronounced it correctly.
Cheers Tony. I was asking for recommendations so it’s good that you can do 3 courses for €15 but please let me know where you’re talking about so I can compare. Plus this was lunch - I don’t want 3 courses for lunch tbh, a sandwich or similar would suffice.
Right now onto the pronunciation of Shrewsbury. As someone who was born in the town and lived here most of my life, I have heard the ‘other’ way of pronouncing it MANY times but i think I’m more than qualified to say it as I do! Personally, I don’t really care how it’s pronounced, but for me it will always be Shreeeeeeewsbury 😊
@@LetsMakeaTrip Sadly when I went into town yesterday and fancied a pint of Beamish I discovered that now, like many others, only opens during the day Friday, Saturday and Sunday and food on Sat & Sun only, whether any deals still available now doubtful. The reduced hours down to the increase in Gas and Electricity prices. Having kitchen equipment on all day now too expensive, a massive price increase would totally drive custom away. Many pubs, especially rural ones have closed permanently and sold the license. The hotel opposite has good prices for an hotel, probably making more money from the Government housing Ukrainian refugees for 26 weeks from arrival. They are then virtually on their own means, having leave to remain and work. It's surprising the number that speak excellent English and the children soon acquire a Cork accent from school.
9:03 Pylons awful. Newest design even worse😡
You did a good job of cutting out all the throat clearing and this video doesn't have all that annoying lip smacking you usually keep in