Here’s a novel alternative to a pub walk – explore the Welsh countryside with a trip on the Heart of Wales Line. Hop on board on a Sunday and not only can you break your trip with a roast dinner, but on the first Sunday of each month from September to April, you can also enjoy the onboard live jazz band.

Start:
Begin your journey at Swansea, a surprising find for foodies, where you can sample local speciality laverbread,
sea bass and cockles.

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Board the train at Swansea and grab a window seat. Within minutes a panorama opens up to your left, with endless green fields and the sun glistening off the Llwchwr Estuary. The estuary almost completely empties at low tide and supports the area’s thriving cockle industry. It’s a view best enjoyed in winter when you can spot waders and oystercatchers in the mudflats and salt marshes. As you pass Pontarddulais, the hills rise up from the valley floor and you’re treated to an incredible expanse of sky. You’ve a good chance of spotting red kites as you speed through the Towy valley, so keep your eyes peeled. Llandeilo was once the county town of Carmarthenshire and today its historic streets house specialist shops and eating-places. Get off here to visit Dinefwr Park with its 12th century castle, historic deer park and ancient woodland. The River Towy meanders beside the line as your journey takes you through this truly wild part of Wales;
to your right stretches
the Black Mountains and beyond that the Brecon Beacons.

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Llandovery is a bustling market town and a great place to explore. Build up an appetite for your Sunday roast by climbing up to the ruins of the Norman Llandovery Castle, which overlooks the River Bran.

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Back on the train, grab a seat of the right side for spectacular views of Crychan forest and the Cambrian Mountains. When you cross the 18-arch Cynghordy Viaduct the landscape opens up to spectacular views on both sides, before you tunnel beneath the Sugar Loaf. Next stop is Llanwrtyd Wells, officially the smallest town in Britain and home to bizarre sporting events like the man verses horse race and the mountain bike bog snorkelling. The impressive Knucklas Viaduct affords more expansive views, before you reach Knighton, a charming border town. Craven Arms and Church Stretton give access to excellent walking country and a chance to explore the Long Mynd and Stokesay Castle.

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Shrewsbury marks the end of your journey, but before moving on, leave time to explore the town’s 10th century courtyards, timber-framed buildings and lively old market.

The pub:
Jump on board your rail and roast journey and you can disembark at any one of ten stations on the Heart of Wales Line for a spot of lunch. There are five participating pubs in Llandovery. The 16th century King’s Head has a cosy atmosphere, and serves imaginative welsh cuisine.