Do you enjoy walking? If, like me, you’ve got a passion for hiking and love getting a bit of fresh air, Wales is one part of the UK you simply must visit. Beautiful scenery and well-maintained trails are to be found all across the region, though these are really in abundance if you head to Carmarthenshire.
Situated in south-west Wales, the county contains a vast array of terrain – from sweeping plains to rugged coastline – and there will be plenty to catch your eye. In fact, it’s often called the Garden of Wales, so that you should give some idea of just how picturesque it is! Carmarthenshire is home to more than two dozen trails, so trekking along any of the following means you can experience its natural beauty firsthand.
Teifi Trail
One route that’s certain to appeal to many keen walkers is the Teifi Trail. This follows the River Teifi and as there are several paths you can follow, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy varied hiking and see different sights.
Walk the southern path that goes from Llanfihangel-ar-Arth to Llanybydder, for instance, and you will take in the sight of burial mounds. When you’ve reached Llanybydder, you can carry on walking into eastern Ceredigion where the terrain becomes much more rugged.
While the Teifi Trail is a fantastic place for hikers, it’s perhaps even more popular among amateur fishermen. Bring a rod with you and you’ll be able to catch a range of species, including sea trout and salmon.
Llyn Y Fan
Keen for more rugged walking? If you are, I reckon you should head to Brecon Beacons National Park. The western part of this sprawling reserve is situated within Carmarthenshire and it’s incredibly popular among locals and holidaymakers alike.
The Llyn Y Fan area is a great place to go for a walk, with the 10-mile circular route around the Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr lakes providing some astounding views. Although the trek contains some challenging sections, I’m sure you’ll find the scenery here more than rewards your efforts. It’s a good place to walk the dog too, so your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on Carmarthenshire’s wonderful scenery. Of course, not all holiday accommodation will allow dogs to stay, so you’ll have to find a pet-friendly cottage first.
Tywi Trail
At 88 km long, the Tywi Trail is simply perfect for people who like long-distance treks. In fact, you could quite easily spend an entire holiday walking along the route from beginning to end.
You’ll start off in Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales and home to the amazing Carmarthen Castle, and make your way through the Tywi Valley to Llyn Brianne. There are many wonderful attractions to catch your eye along the way, though I think few are as great as the Aberglasney House and Gardens. This historic property is home to landscaped gardens where you’ll come across tulips, cycads and several exotic species.
As you head through the southern part of the valley, check out the Bronze Age-era Trichrug burial cairns. I think the nearby remains of the Iron Age Garn Goch fortress are worth seeing too, as is the 19th-century stone bridge that connects Llandeilo to Ffairfach.
Are you thinking of taking a walking holiday in Wales? Let us know where you’re planning on going!
