Machynlleth Railway Station played host to the launch of a new audio guide for Cambrian Railway line - the first of its kind to be recorded in English and Welsh.
Cambrian Railway line has developed a new way for passengers to enjoy the scenic Welsh router by launching their new bilingual Window Seater audio guide in the UK at Machynlleth Railway Station.
The historic railway line, which passes through several Powys locations such as Machynlleth, Newtown and Welshpool, has now launched a Window Seater Audio Guide, the first of its kind in Britain.
Cambrian Railway Partnership has partnered with Window Seater to bring passengers geolocated, localised, bilingual, free of charge, audio stories as they travel along the route from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.
Organisers hope that the introduction of an audio guide will enhance the journey by connection passengers to the culture surrounding the railway and encourage them to engage in more local activity highlighted in the guide, supporting social and economic development.
Claire Williams, Cambrian Railway Partnership Development Officer, said, “The Cambrian Line is an attractive route with spectacular views making it difficult not to look out the window and admire the landscape.
“The audio guide enhances this journey by connecting rail travellers to communities and encouraging onward activities, strengthening the urge towards greener travel and supporting social and economic development of the locality.”
The guide utilises the narratives of local residents, through interviews, tales and folklore and their experiences of living in the areas that the Cambrian Railway line passes through to take passengers on a guided journey through the line’s history.
Stuart Williams was Chairman of the Cambrian Railway partnership when the project was commissioned and is one of its contributors, describing the history of the Talyllyn Railway under the Tywyn section of the guide.
The audio guide has been funded by the Community Rail Development Fund, Transport for Wales Challenge Fund and the Cambrian Railway Partnership.
The Window Seater app is available on Apple and Google stores.
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