24 Jul 2026
Walkers exploring the Heart of Wales Line Trail can now capture every step of their journey with the new trail passport scheme designed to support rural communities.
Unveiled on the Transport for Wales stand at the Royal Welsh Show, the new ‘Trail Passport’ allows walkers to log their progress as they discover the 141-mile trail, which follows the scenic Heart of Wales Line from Craven Arms to Llanelli.
Developed and managed by the Friends of the Heart of Wales Line Trail, the initiative is supported by Transport for Wales, the Community Rail Network and Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP). Proceeds from the Trail Passport will fund the ongoing maintenance and development of the trail.
Whether walkers complete the route in one journey or over several visits, the passport allows individuals to collect stamps from participating businesses that serve as official Stamping Stops to drive footfall into rural communities along the route.
Walkers who collect ten or more stamps can claim a free official trail gift and certificate to mark their journey.
Lisa Denison, Chair of the Friends of the Heart of Wales Line Trail, said: “The 'Friends' of the trail are very excited about the launch of the trail passport and grateful to our funders and partners who have helped to bring it to fruition.
“As well as benefitting walkers and local businesses, it also provides the charity with a sustainable income, which in turn will help us to maintain the trail for future walkers.”
Owen Griffkin, Community Rail Development Officer for the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership, said: “We are delighted to support this brilliant idea to encourage more people to use the Heart of Wales Line Trail. Getting outdoors in our lush countryside is one of the best ways to improve mental and physical wellbeing and now people can record and be rewarded for their walks. I also love how this project will connect the many people using the trail with wonderful, local businesses that are vital to our rural communities.”
Rhiannon-Jane Raftery, Community Rail Development Coordinator (Wales and Borders) for the Community Rail Network, said: “This project is an excellent example of how CRPs can drive social and economic development. By connecting rail users and walkers to local businesses, it ensures awareness of the variety of independent artisans and traders available to visit and spend locally within these very rural areas.”
Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategic Lead for Transport for Wales, said: "Walking in nature is well known to help wellbeing, mental health and mood, the passport will bring in greater opportunity to support local economic development, sustainable tourism and better connect communities to their railway."
The Heart of Wales Line Trail Passport can be purchased online and has no expiry date, allowing walkers to collect stamps over months or even years as they explore different sections of the route. Trail Passports can be purchased here https://fhwlt.sumupstore.com/products
Notes to editors
The Heart of Wales Line Trail launched in 2019 and links stations along one of Britain’s most scenic rural railway lines, making it possible to enjoy the route in manageable sections using public transport.
- The Friends of the Heart of Wales Line Trail is a Charitable incorporated organisation whose purpose is to protect, improve and promote the route of the Heart of Wales Line walking trail from Craven Arms in Shropshire to Llanelli in Carmarthenshire.
- Currently there are sixteen towns and villages that feature designated Stamping Stops within their independent shops, cafés and pubs. Ten of these locations serve as main hubs, offering at least two separate stamping venues to accommodate varying arrival times and opening hours. Six additional locations provide a single Stamping Stop.
- The establishment of the Trail Passport has been funded by the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership through the Community Rail Development Fund.
