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The Best of the Valley Lines in South Wales?

Best Valley Line?

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Myles Thompson

Myles Thompson

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Me and my friend are planning a trip to catch a pacer before they all disappear and I think that the valley lines out of Cardiff are probably the best place to get one. Do you guys know which is the prettiest or best line for us to go on? So far I was thinking the one to Rhymney for a chance to spot a 37 as well as a pacer, but I don't know south Wales very well.
 
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PHILIPE

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Myles Thompson said:
Me and my friend are planning a trip to catch a pacer before they all disappear and I think that the valley lines out of Cardiff are probably the best place to get one. Do you guys know which is the prettiest or best line for us to go on? So far I was thinking the one to Rhymney for a chance to spot a 37 as well as a pacer, but I don't know south Wales very well.
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Just follow this thread for recommendations. Somebody on the same mission:-

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/welsh-valleys-trip.193863/
 
Tomos y Tanc

Tomos y Tanc

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I voted for Rhymney but make sure you catch one of the trains that runs the whole length of the line. Alternatively, break your jounrney at Hengoed and take a stroll across the old Hengoed viaduct for some stunning views before continuing up the valley.

If you're looking for an interesting destination to walk around and grab a meal, Treorchy, Aberdare or Merthyr are your best bets.
 
Techniquest

Techniquest

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I like the Treherbert branch for scenery the most, Rhymney's a good run too but it depends what you want.

Merthyr branch has that epic climb out of Abercynon which is quite the sight when watching a train go to/come from Merthyr.

Coryton branch is nice and short but surprisingly reasonable from vague memory. It's got a bit of a unique character to the line the others don't.

Penarth branch is basically all uphill from Cogan Junction, so a fair whack of noise out of the engines going to Penarth!

Do enjoy your trip, hopefully the above helps even a little.
 
LA50041

LA50041

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The Rymney line is very scenic, and depending on the time you’re there there’s a decent chippy on the main road. If you have a valley lines explorer you can get the bus to Merthyr and explore that branch too
 
heart-of-wessex

heart-of-wessex

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Techniquest said:
Penarth branch is basically all uphill from Cogan Junction, so a fair whack of noise out of the engines going to Penarth!
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Interesting, last time I did Penarth was on a Class 60, can't remember the last time I did that on a unit, so was unaware of that until you mentioned that, will remember that if I wan't some unit thrash thanks for that

If you want squeal noise, the best characteristics of a 4 wheeled chassis, then on recent experience Penarth Branch Jn to Cogan is a good one, but on past experience (some years ago mind) the Barry curve onto the Barry Island branch was rather loud, I don't know if it still is?
 
sftfan1909

sftfan1909

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heart-of-wessex said:
If you want squeal noise, the best characteristics of a 4 wheeled chassis, then on recent experience Penarth Branch Jn to Cogan is a good one, but on past experience (some years ago mind) the Barry curve onto the Barry Island branch was rather loud, I don't know if it still is?
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Definitely is, I often hear trains squealing over it from over a mile away :lol:
 
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mrcheek

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heart-of-wessex said:
If you want squeal noise, the best characteristics of a 4 wheeled chassis, then on recent experience Penarth Branch Jn to Cogan is a good one, but on past experience (some years ago mind) the Barry curve onto the Barry Island branch was rather loud, I don't know if it still is?
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The best squeal probably comes from trains heading from Cardiff Central to Queen Street. I stayed in the nearby Ibis hotel one time, and the squealing was pretty much constant!
 
Techniquest

Techniquest

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mrcheek said:
The best squeal probably comes from trains heading from Cardiff Central to Queen Street. I stayed in the nearby Ibis hotel one time, and the squealing was pretty much constant!
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See I don't recall hearing it as often as I used to on trips up and down that section when I was last there. My experience was much the same as yours, the noise was huge and regular, but I swear when I was last down that way I heard it much less than before.
 
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