Community Rail Partnerships

They bring together train operators, Network Rail,local authorities, local employers, development and tourism agencies,community groups and other locally based groups.

These are the six community rail partnerships in Wales.

The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership

The 120-mile heart of Wales line runs between Swansea and Shrewsbury. There are thirty-two places to climb out and chill out. The line travels south from Shrewsbury through rolling hills and towns such as Knighton, Llandrindod Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells before reaching the steel and tinplate town of Llanelli and then Swansea, the hometown of Dylan Thomas.

Website: www.heart-of-wales.co.uk (external link)

The South West Wales Line Community Rail Partnership

From Tenby the railways of south west Wales take you from the urban heartland of Swansea to the Pembrokeshire coast, travelling through Carmarthen bay area.

The Cambrian railways

The Cambrian Lines - the Main Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the Coast Line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli - open up Mid-Wales to the rest of the world and visitors.

Website: www.thecambrianline.co.uk (external link)

Conwy valley line

The Conwy Valley line, part of the national rail network, runs along side one of the great rivers of Wales, the Conwy and continues along the banks of the turbulent river Lledr after it's confluence with the Conwy at Betws-y-Coed.

Website: www.conwyvalleyrailway.co.uk (external link)

The Borderlands line

The Borderlands Line connects two major centres, crossing the Dee, one of Wales’ great rivers, and passing through an ever-changing vista of town and country.

Travelling by train is an ideal way to explore some wonderful scenery.

Website: www.borderlandsline.com (external link)

Chester Shrewsbury

This line travels through some of the finest scenery of the marches,the borderland of Wales and England. Through three counties the Chester Shrewsbury line links up some historic towns and cities.

Website: www.chester2shrewsburyrail.co.uk (external link)

Association Of Community Rail Partnerships (ACORP)

The Association of Community Rail Partnerships is a federation of over 60 community rail partnerships and rail promotion groups.

What do they do?

• Help identify innovative solutions for local railways
• Disseminates examples of good practice
• Supports an expanding membership
• Encourages people to think out of their trains!

ACORP are an organisation of 'do-ers', focused on practical initiatives which add up to a better more sustainable local railway. Improved station facilities, better train services and improved integration with other forms of transport are central to the work of ACORP and its members.

Website: www.acorp.uk.com (external link)