Things to do in Carmarthenshire
" Carmarthenshire has an outstanding collection of gardens, green spaces historic and beautiful places all waiting to be discovered."
Castles of West Wales
There is an abundance of Castles close to Ty Mawr. Nearby lies Carreg Cennan. The Castle boasts a spectacular location as the stout, weatherbeaten ruins crown a precipitous limestone crag overlooking the remote Black Mountains in the western corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park
Above: Carreg Castle
more about neaby castles of West Wales
Roman Gold Mine at Dolaucothi
Welsh Gold was mined by hand by early man as it was easily extracted from the rock. Dolcaucothi near Pumpsaint is owned and run by the National Trust and the fascinating story of the mine, which was operated by the Romans and then abandoned for many centuries, can be relived here with walks and underground guided tours.
RSPB Dinas
Above: Red Kite (native to West Wales)
For Birdwatchers there is much to observe at the rare Red Kite thrives in this area and can often be seen soaring over the mountains and valleys. The 111 acres of oak-covered hills that make up the Dinas Nature Reserve are a fabulous place to see this majestic fork-tailed creature as the woodland in the Tywi River Gorge has lain undisturbed for hundreds of years. The Reserve is also home to many foreign as well as native species during the summer months. Red Kite.
Walking in Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshires 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. 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.
Carmarthenshire'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.
Carmarthenshire's coast continues eastwards from the end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path at Amroth. Beautiful beaches are divided by expansive estuaries 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.
Byrgwm Forest Walk, Brechfa - A moderately easy four and a half mile walk on forest tracks and paths, some of which are shared with mountain bike routes provided by the Forestry Commission.
A stage of the Wales Rally GB takes place here in the autumn. The walk passes through both coniferous and deciduous woodland, with some fine ancient oaks along short sections of ancient track. It is at its best when bright sun filters through the trees to the woodland floor.
The walk starts from the Byrgwm picnic place north of the B4310 east of Brechfa, and follows a forest road for a mile before branching off to follow a forest path.
After two thirds of a mile it briefly rejoins the forest road, then bears off on a path to loop round and rejoin a forest track which goes on to join the route of a historic byway through the forest. North-west of Abernantyffin a quiet metalled lane branches left downhill to return to the county road. More information on local walks can be found at Walk Carmarthenshire
Other Useful Links
-
Rhiannon Celtic Emporium, Tregaron, Aberaeron
-
Gelli Aur Country Park, Golden Grove, Carmarthen
-
Trapp Art and Craft Centre, Llandeilo