Cambrian Line facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cambrian Line |
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An Arriva Trains Wales Class 158 pulls into Dovey Junction station, where the line splits to Pwllheli and Aberystwyth
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| Overview | |
| Other name(s) | Cambrian Coast Line |
| Native name | Rheilffordd y Cambrian |
| Status | Operational |
| Owner | Network Rail |
| Locale | England: Shropshire Wales: Powys Ceredigion Gwynedd |
| Termini | Shrewsbury Pwllheli / Aberystwyth |
| Stations | 33 |
| Service | |
| Type | Heavy rail |
| System | National Rail |
| Services | Shrewsbury–Pwllheli Shrewsbury–Aberystwyth |
| Operator(s) | Transport for Wales |
| Rolling stock | Class 158 Express Sprinter Class 97 Tractor |
| History | |
| Opened | 1855–1869 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | Shrewsbury–Aberystwyth 80 mi 59 ch (129.93 km) Shrewsbury–Pwllheli 117 mi 69 ch (189.68 km) |
| Number of tracks | 1 (2 in some stations) |
| Character | Rural |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | None |
| Signalling | ETCS Level 2 |
The Cambrian Line (in Welsh: Rheilffordd y Cambrian), also known as the Cambrian Coast Line, is a railway line in Wales and England. It starts in Shrewsbury, England, and goes to two different places in Wales: Aberystwyth and Pwllheli.
This railway is famous for its amazing views. It travels through the Cambrian Mountains in central Wales. Then, it follows the beautiful coast of Cardigan Bay.
Contents
What is the Cambrian Line?
The Cambrian Line is a main railway route in Great Britain. It connects towns and villages across Shropshire in England and Powys, Ceredigion, and Gwynedd in Wales. It's a single track for most of its length. However, some stations have two tracks to allow trains to pass each other.
How Long is the Line?
The journey from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth is about 80 miles (129 kilometers) long. If you travel from Shrewsbury all the way to Pwllheli, it's a longer trip. That route covers about 117 miles (188 kilometers).
Who Runs the Trains?
The railway tracks and signals are owned by Network Rail. This company looks after most of the railway network in Britain. The trains themselves are operated by Transport for Wales. They provide passenger services along the line.
What Trains Use the Line?
The main trains you'll see on the Cambrian Line are the Class 158 Express Sprinter trains. These are modern, diesel-powered trains. They are designed for comfortable journeys on rural routes. Sometimes, you might also see Class 97 Tractor trains. These are special trains used for maintenance work on the tracks.
A Special Railway Line
The Cambrian Line is quite special because it was one of the first lines in the UK to use a new signalling system.
Modern Signalling System
The line uses a system called ETCS Level 2. This is a very advanced way to control trains. It uses computers and radio signals to tell the driver exactly what to do. This helps trains run safely and efficiently. It's different from older systems that use signals next to the track.
A Scenic Journey
Many people enjoy travelling on the Cambrian Line because of the incredible scenery. As the name "Cambrian Coast Line" suggests, a large part of the journey runs right along the coast. You can see stunning sea views, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. Further inland, the line passes through green valleys and hills. It's a great way to see the beautiful Welsh countryside.
History of the Line
The Cambrian Line wasn't built all at once. Different parts of it were opened between 1855 and 1869. Over the years, it has been an important link for communities in mid and west Wales. It helped people travel and transport goods.
Images for kids
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Bow Street station in 1962
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An example of a metric speed limit sign, west of Machynlleth, installed as part of the ERTMS upgrade. It shows a differential limit with different speeds for passenger and freight trains.
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Freshly painted and without branding, Transport for Wales class 158 at Tywyn station, making the 11:30 service to Pwllheli on 21 February 2019
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Wave damage caused 3 January 2014 at Llanaber railway station
