As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to the Dyfi Biosphere, here is our guide to travelling to the area without a car.
It may be one of the most westerly regions in the the UK, but the Dyfi Valley is surprisingly easy to reach by public transport. Regular trains run every day of the week between London via Birmingham to Machynlleth, with a journey time of around four hours.
And, once there, there's a comprehensive bus and train network – including steam trains! – allowing you to move around with relative ease. What's more, there's a fantastic network of cycle routes and walking trails for those that prefer to get around under their own steam.
There are some great cycle hire companies too, so those without their own wheels have no excuse to avoid carbon free travel on holiday!
Getting to the Dyfi Biosphere
Trains leave London for the Dyfi Valley roughly every two hours, including Sundays. You'll need to change at Birmingham from where it's a 3 hour journey into the Dyfi Valley. There are regular buses connecting Aberystwyth with Machynlleth, as well as Newtown, Dolgellau and Tywyn.
Getting around the Dyfi Biosphere
As protected areas go, the Dyfi Biosphere is small and compact – spend a week here and you will feel like you know the place pretty well. Consequently, it's really to get around, so great news for those travelling without the car. Once you've arrived at Aberystwyth or Machynlleth – the two main arrivals points – there are regular buses connecting the rest of the area. There are new cycle paths to Derwenlas and Penegoes so bike it a great way to explore the area. To hire bikes or go on guided bike rides in and around Dyfi Biosphere, see bikecorris.co.uk.
For more info on getting around the area, see Traveline Cymru
For a full list of downloadable PDF bus routes in the Dyfi Biosphere and the surrounding area, see the Gwynedd Council website
