Going to Wales in mid-June. Want to make a loop around the perimeter, starting at London to Cardiff, on to Aberystwyth, to Betws-y-Coed in the north, and finishing off at LLandrindod Wells, returning to London. Any ideas if that is at all possible or is train service non-existant, sparse, or maybe, a better itinerary?

Train travel is not so good in Wales. You would most likely have to travel by bus. In my opinion, travel in Wales pretty much has to be by car... but I realize this might not be an option, of course.

As Leslie stated, rail service in Wales is sparse. However, the train does go to each place you listed and if you have the time this trip is doable. First I would go into the British rail web site and you can get point to point schedules for each of your trips. If you have trouble getting this just let me know. In any event if you are going forward with this plan I would change it somewhat. From Cardiff I would go to Swansea to Llanelli and then to Llandrindod. From Llandrindod to Shrewbury to Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth thru shrewsbury to Chester. Chester to Betws-y-coed. Then back to the main line in Chester to London. Chester to London is about 2 hours 40 minutes.

As Leslie stated, rail service in Wales is sparse. However, the train does go to each place you listed and if you have the time this trip is doable. First I would go into the British rail web site and you can get point to point schedules for each of your trips. If you have trouble getting this just let me know. In any event if you are going forward with this plan I would change it somewhat. From Cardiff I would go to Swansea to Llanelli and then to Llandrindod. From Llandrindod to Shrewbury to Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth thru shrewsbury to Chester. Chester to Betws-y-coed. Then back to the main line in Chester to London. Chester to London is about 2 hours 40 minutes.

I got curious myself so I went into the net and this is what I found. Cardiff to Llandrindod is aroung 3 1/2 hours; Llandrindon to Aberystwyth via shrewsbury is 4 hours; Aberystwyth to Betws-y-Coes via Chester is 4 1/2 hours. Hope this helps.