Carmarthenshire
Carmarthen's hills and moors rise to over 2,500 feet stretching northwards to include the southern end of the Cambrian Mountains and eastward to include the Carmarthen Fans in the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
| Terrain | Long Distance Footpaths | OS Map |
|---|
| Hills and moors reaching 2,562 ft, forests, river valleys, estuaries and beaches. | Carmarthen Bay Coast Path | Explorer 164, 177, 178, 185, 186, 187, 198, 199, OL12, OL35, OL36 |
Where to go
Carmarthenshire's remote and tranquil environments are a stronghold of the 'bird of Wales' the red kite, which has recently recovered from the brink of extinction.
It's stunningly varied scenery includes Brechfa, Crychan and Pembrey Forests covering thousands of acres criss-crossed by forest tracks and public rights of way. In its agricultural hinterland green patchworks of lowland landscape are watered by rich and fertile valleys.
The coast continues eastwards from the end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path at Amroth. Expansive estuaries divide beautiful beaches where the rivers Taf, Tywi, Gwendraeth and Loughor flow into Carmarthen Bay. The silence here is only broken by the sounds of the sea and the wading and migratory birds feeding on the sandbanks.
Dramatically poised on a craggy outcrop overlooking the edge of the Black Mountain near Trapp stand the ruins of one of the most romantically situated castles in Wales, Carreg Cennen.
Highlights
Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen, near Trapp (SN 666 194), commands a spectacular cliff edged pinnacle in the vicinity of the Black Mountain. Walk around the castle and up onto the mountain.
National Trust's Gold Mines
The National Trust's Gold Mines overlooking the Cothi Valley has three beautiful walks with mountain views, ancient trees and archaeological remains.
Laugharne Walks
World renowned poet Dylan Thomas lived and was buried in Laugharne and the village (SN 302 106) has beautiful walks.
Millennium Coastal Park
The Millenium Coastal Park at Llanelli (SN 490 005) is teeming with birds and orchids, and has a path and cycleway which stretches for miles along the Loughor Estuary.
Dinas Nature Reserve
The RSPB's Dinas Nature Reserve near the Llyn Brianne resevoir (SN 788 471) has an amazing circular walk (rough in places) through ancient oak woods alongside the young and turbulent River Towy.
Dinefwr Park and Castle
This National/Wildlife Trust property (SN 615 224) includes a walk up to a dramatic free castle. The main path along the wooded ridge leads to the Turner painted, Llandeilo bridge.
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