The scenic woodlands with its own steam train named one of the most magical in the UK
A PRETTY forest with its own steam train has been named one of the UK’s ‘most magical”.
Rheidol Valley is found east of the seaside town of Aberystwyth in Wales.
It is no surprise that BBC Countryfile named the Rheidol Valley as one of the most magical forests and woodlands in Wales.
As someone who visited the location as a child, I’m amazed the Rheidol Valley is still relatively unknown outside of those who live in the local area.
The valley follows the Rheidol River, which originates from the Nant y Moch reservoir and then trickles down 19 miles to Aberystwyth.
While the valley is not entirely made up of woodlands, fairytale-like paths can be found around the Devil’s Bridge, Rheidol waterfalls, and Cwm Rheidol Reservoir.
It is here that you will find huge oak trees as well as steep hills and rock faces.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway
If you’re ever in the town of Aberystwyth, you’ll find the Vale of Rheidol Railway station right in the heart of the seaside destination.
It is from here that steam trains, not out of place from a Wes Anderson movie, depart every two hours towards Devil’s Bridge and back in the summer.
Having run since the Edwardian times, this railway journey is as close to taking a step back in time as possible.
Boasting amazing views of the valley (which is largely inaccessible due to its steepness), the train is the best way to see Rheidol Valley’s pretty landscape.
During peak season, return adult tickets start at £38.50, while children (aged 3-15) begin from £5.50.
Anyone 2 or under goes free.
Hikes
Walking in the Rheidol Valley is challenging, but for those willing to put the effort in, the rewarding sights far outweigh the difficulty.
Several footpaths are dotted across the landscape, where you’ll spot waterfalls and spring flowers along the way.
Ranging from around two to 10 miles, there are plenty of walks to choose from.
It is recommended to wear good footwear as the Rheidol Valley is known for its steep hills and may be slippery, while the Welsh weather can be temperamental.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is a great way to jump into the heart of the valley, with multiple picturesque stops between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge.
Train stops nearest to woodland and falls include:
- Aberffrwd
- Rheidol Falls
- Rhiwfron
- Devil’s Bridge
More information on The Vale of Rheidol Railway can be found on their website.
Devil’s Bridge and Waterfalls
The most popular waterfalls are Devil’s Bridge Falls and The Mynach Falls, with a depth of 91 metres.
Thankfully nowhere near as foreboding as its name suggests, Devil’s Bridge (or Pontarfynach as it is called in Welsh) consists of three bridges stacked on top of each other after being built at different times.
The legend goes that the first bridge was created by the ‘Devil’ himself because it was nearly impossible to build.
In exchange, the soul of whoever crossed the bridge first would go to him.
Myth aside, Devil’s Bridge, located at the top of the falls, is an impressive piece of architecture and nature, surrounded by ancient woodland and well worth the 12-mile steam train journey.
Lesser visited waterfalls in the area include:
- Several unnamed ones along the Nant y Fawnog steam
- Nant Bwa-drain waterfall
- The Rheidol Falls – a collection of pools and waterfalls along the river
The Rheidol Valley is not the only natural wonder worth a visit.
Here, we take a look at another Welsh nature reserve famous for being used in blockbusters.
And this secret woodland can be found in the strangest of places.