The Yarn Bombing Village

For the first time since I began travelling with Transport for Wales (TfW) in this role, the train was an hour late, meaning I missed my connection up the coastline. TfW kept us well informed, and soon a solution was found: a minibus up the coast to Fairbourne. There were three of us heading north.

We dropped one passenger at Aberdovey before continuing to Llwyngwril, where I was due to meet station adopters. Plans had shifted slightly, and instead of Tonfanau first, we all gathered in Llwyngwril on the station, a happy change, as Pam, Sue, Gill and her husband Stephen all knew each other but hadn’t caught up in some time.

It was good to meet and see more TfW station adopters and their stations. They are both TfW station adopters and very proud of their stations. We talked about planters and plants for some time.  I have travelled past both stations but never stopped at either of them before. They are request stops, so the passenger has to ask the guard to stop at these places. If you are waiting on the platform you have to put your arm up to ask the train to stop. Which I did when we went to Llanbedr earlier in the year.

Llanbedr request stop earlier in the year

Walking along Llwyngwril station, Sue shared the story of the Llwyngwril Yarn Bombing Project, which raises funds for Y Ganolfan Llwyngwril. The colourful knitted creations draw visitors from far and wide, transforming the village into a living gallery each spring and summer. Plans are already underway for next year’s displays, and I’ve promised to contribute some knitted squares - apparently the famous dragon is in need of new scales.

Our morning ended at Hendre Hall coffee shop, a welcoming spot with shelves of local produce and a warm atmosphere. From Llwyngwril knitting, we moved on to talking about Tonfanau, where Gill spoke about the Meirionnydd Ramblers. Their group is very friendly and active, exploring the stunning landscapes of the Cambrian Coast throughout the year.

We discussed both the joys and the challenges of living in such a beautiful place, where breathtaking scenery is balanced by the practicalities of rural life. We reflected on the strength of community ties along the Cambrian Line. I’ll certainly return to explore more of the local food and crafts on offer, not to mention to see the dragon with his new scales.