Get Active in Carmarthenshire

One of the best ways to enjoy your time in Carmarthenshire is to get active!

 

Mountain Biking

Carmarthenshire has some of the best mountain biking in the UK. The best place is Brechfa Forest which boasts some fantastic mountain biking facilities. Much like a ski resort, there are routes to suit any ability. With a choice of green, blue, red and black routes, you are sure to find something suitable for your group.

Water Sports

Whether you want to have a go at sailing, canoeing or rowing, Carmarthenshire has the rivers and facilities to keep you busy for days. The Tywi Boat club is the perfect place to get out on the water. Perched right at the head of the Tywi estuary, the boat club is perfect for sailing or rowing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor, this RYA accredited centre will make sure you to get the most from your time on the water. The Tywi boat club is also one of the few centres qualified to deliver sailing tuition to disabled sailors.

Horse Riding

With some of the longest beaches in the UK and forests covering hundreds of square miles, it’s no surprise that Carmarthenshire is a great place to go horse riding. There are riding stables all over the county.

If you’d like lessons or the chance to hack through some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales, why not drop into Marros Riding Stables or Hills Farm Holiday Stables.

Walking

Whether you feel like a seaside stroll or a walk up some of the highest mountains in southern Britain, Carmarthenshire has it all.
There are so many beautiful walks all over Carmarthenshire. The only question is how many you can fit in!
Waterfalls, beaches, cliff tops or mountains? It’s all here, you’ve just got to choose.

Some of the most spectacular walks in the county are in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The park includes some of the most dramatic scenery in England and Wales. Though it is shared with our neighbouring county, Powys, no visit to Carmarthenshire is complete without visiting these wonderful mountains.

Fishing

If you are interested in fishing, Carmarthenshire is heaven. On the miles of clean, deserted beaches you can catch prawns or mussels from rock pools or try your luck casting a line from the shore. To anyone into angling, Carmarthenshire’s rivers should need no introduction. The Cothi, Tywi and Teifi are all rich with sewin (sea trout) and salmon. They all offer a peaceful and inspiring setting to while away the day. For more information visit our guide to Fishing in Carmarthenshire.
Discover...

• ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
• CYCLING
• FISHING
• GOLF
• SKIING
• WALKING
• WALES COAST PATH

 

 

 

Our favourite snowdrop walks in Carmarthenshire

Snowdrops are the first bulbs to bloom and show signs of life after the winter months, flowering between January and March. Creating carpets of white, these delicate plants are a reminder that spring will soon be on its way. According to a legend, if you listen really carefully, you can hear the ringing of the bells - they ring together to wake up sleeping nature.

You’ll find beautiful snowdrop displays in woodlands and on river banks and they’re a much-loved sight in gardens too. To help you spot them we’ve chosen some of our best places for snowdrops in Carmarthenshire.

Carmarthenshire has great nature reserves and at this time of year they are bursting back to life with spring leaves, and fantastic shows of snowdrops and other wild flowers such the elusive Crocus. You’ll also spot animals and birds, and it’s always worth keeping an eye out for the red kite overhead with its easily spotted forked tail. Visit the reserves to take in the sights and smells, they are great places for a walk with the children, romantic walks and even your dog will love it! Why not make an afternoon of it and call in one of the fantastic and varied restaurants or pubs for a well deserved meal after your walk.

Dinas Nature Reserve Rhandirmwyn, near Llandovery
 
Take a relaxing walk along way-marked paths through wet and oak woodlands to the fast-flowing River Tywi, circle the mountain, and visit Twm Sion Cati’s cave (a local Robin Hood character). The woods are one of the best in Carmarthenshire for snowdrops. You can spot Red Kites as they circle above looking for prey (they have forked tails) as well as many other birds and animals. Great views are seen from the walk as the river Tywi crashes through the valley. Why not call in "The Old Oak " in Rhandirmwyn in the village for great food. The reserve has a RSPB car park, and interpretation boards with visitor information, a £1 donation for parking can be put in the honesty box. Grid Ref SN787470. For Further information contact Carmarthen TIC on 01267 231557.

Stay - www.newwhitelion.com/

Castle Woods at Dinefwr Park and Castle, near Llandeilo

This well known reserve is made up of ancient mixed and oak woodland with one of the best spots for viewing Snowdrops in the county. Recently featured in Red magazine as one of the best in the UK. After you marvel at the snowdrops why not take a walk to the castle for great views over the Tywi Valley. Why not call in the tearoom at Newton house for homemade cakes and a cup of tea or even treat yourself to lunch in one of Llandeilo’s fantastic pubs or hotels. Grid Ref SN625221. Parking is at the National Trust’s Dinefwr Park and Castle car park where visitor information and walk leaflets can be found at the reception office. For further information contact Dinefwr Park and Castle on 01558 824512 or see nationaltrust.org.uk or Carmarthen TIC on 01267 231557. Castle Walk

Stay – Cawdor Hotel, Llandeilo  www.thecawdor.com/

Carmel Woods Nature Reserve, Llandybie

Nature reserve built around a massive quarry near Llandybie, is a great best place to see Snowdrops in Carmarthenshire, best seen January to March.! Also at the reserve is the intriguing disappearing turlough lake fed only by underground water - it vanishes in the summer! Above you’ll spot Red Kites circling for prey, (they’re the ones with forked tails) as well as many other species of birds and animals. Early Primroses (Primula vulgaris) and Lesser Celandines (Ranunculus ficaria) light up the path edges from the end of February, and the birdsong is an absolute joy. This reserve is home to many kinds of woodland birds, and the turlough is a welcome refuge for wildfowl during the winter months. A car park can be seen off the A476, near SA14 7TL or near the village of Pentregwenlais near Llandybie. Grid Ref SN589161. For Further information contact Carmarthen TIC on 01267 231557.

Stay - www.theglynhirestate.com/

Green Castle Woods, near Carmarthen

Visit these mixed oak woods, with rich wildflower meadows and wetland areas and wander along the way marked trails through the wood. Between January and March swathes of Snowdrops and other wildflowers may be seen carpeting the woodland floor. Great views towards Carmarthen, the Tywi Valley, and towards Ferryside across the estuary. The new All Wales Coast Path passes through the reserve. Grid Ref SN391167. A free visitor car park and information boards are located off the B4312 between Carmarthen and Llansteffan. For Further information contact Carmarthen TIC on 01267 231557.

Stay - Tan y Lan Fach Cottages, Llangain www.tanylanwelshcottage.co.uk 

Crychan Forest, near Llandovery

Nestled between the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains in the north of Carmarthenshire, Crychan Forest offers miles of way marked trails along grassy tracks and forest roads. From January to March sees the forest floor carpeted by thousands of stunning snowdrops. Wildlife includes many species such as badgers, foxes, roe deer, goshawks, buzzards, and the graceful red kite. The forest is served by ample car parking at four sites and welcomes walkers, cyclists and horse riders, on its various family friendly way-marked trails. The reserve is located to the North East of Llandovery on the A483. Grid Ref SN848410. Further information contact Carmarthen TIC on 01267 231557.  

Stay – Castle Hotel, Llandovery www.castle-hotel-llandovery.co.uk/

Cwm Rhaeadr, Cilycwm Woods, near Llandovery

Located in the Tywi valley north of Llandovery, Cwm Rhaeadr forest has great displays of snowdrops and other flowers under the forest canopy. The waymarked trails take you through the best bits of the forest, through massive trees and along bright glades. Walkers who follow the Waterfall walk will gain glimpses of the waterfall through the trees as they are taken along valley sides as they are taken into the further reaches of the forest. There is even an accessible walk giving access to the forest for all abilities including wheelchair users. Adrenalin junkies may like to try the challenging red graded mountain bike course describes by MBR magazine as "one of the best trails........ anywhere in the UK". The forest is well placed for the visitor with great food at the Neuadd Fawr Inn in Cilycwm and numerous establishments just south down the road in Llandovery, or to the North in Rhandirmwyn! Grid ref: SN765422. Leaflets detailing the various trails are available from Carmarthen Tourist Information Centre. The forest has a visitors car park with interpretation boards just through the village of Cilycwm. For further information contact Carmarthen TIC on 01267 231557.

Stay - www.cynghordyestate.com/

 
 
Snowdrop Day at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

Everybody’s favourite spring flower is the centre of attention for a special day at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday January 31 – and it’s FREE.

Galanthus is a much-loved harbinger of spring and here at the Garden there is a mile of snowdrops to explore but Snowdrop Day is so much more than walk in the park. There will be talks, trails, a book signing, family activities and a demonstration on how to grow and care for snowdrops as well as tips on incorporating them into your garden design.

Award-winning horticultural writer and much-garlanded show garden designer Naomi Slade will be on hand to help you out with all you ever wanted to know about snowdrops. Naomi is a frequent radio guest and contributes regularly to many national newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian, The Telegraph, Kitchen Garden Magazine, House and Garden and the official organ of the Royal Horticultural Society: The Garden. Her book The Plant Lover’s Guide to Snowdrops, has just been published by Timber Press and will be available in the Garden gift shop. When she is not talking, leading walks and demonstrating, Naomi will be signing copies of her new book.

As part of the Garden’s FREE January promotion, there is no admission charge for this event.

For more information about this and other events at the Garden, call 01558 667149 or email info@gardenofwales.org.uk

Carmarthenshire Walking Festival

Commonly dubbed the 'Garden of Wales', Carmarthenshire is home to spectacular walking terrain, from dramatic coastal cliffs along the sparkling shores of the Wales Coastal Path, to the lush hidden forests of Brechfa. There are also plenty of ancient pathways to follow, around century-old ruins, revealing the county’s rich and dramatic history. Throughout September there is an extensive timetable of walks taking in both the Countryside and Coast of Carmarthenshire. The walks are suitable for all ages and abilities, so don your walking boots and head outdoors to discover the spectacular walks on offer in the county. For more details of each of the walks follow the link http://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/walking-festival/index.html

Gwili Railway

Gwili Railway

Carmarthenshire is a beautiful area of Wales, with many unique and interesting places to visit and attractions to enjoy, come rain or shine.

The Gwili Railway is a must see when visiting Carmarthenshire, operating a standard gauge preserved railway from Bronwydd (near Carmarthen) in South Wales.

There are many experiences available at the Gwili Railway, suitable for all ages, whether you fancy an intimate dining experience, a Sunday Lunch, a Murder Mystery evening, Afternoon Tea or a Christmas Party with friends! There are also Special Events, such as Santa’s Magical Steamings which is the perfect family adventure, where you can ride the train to Santa’s Grotto and take a picture with the largest inflatable snowman in the world.

Here are a few images taken during one of Santa’s Magical Steamings:

For more information, contact:marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or visit 
 www.gwili-railway.co.uk

Rheilffordd Gwili

Mae Sir Gaerfyrddin yn ardal hardd o Gymru, gyda llawer o lefydd unigryw a diddorol i ymweld ac atyniadau i fwynhau, boed glaw neu hindda. Mae Rheilffordd Gwili yn rhaid i weld wrth ymweld â Sir Gaerfyrddin, maent yn gweithredu rheilffordd yn Bronwydd (ger Caerfyrddin) yn Ne Cymru. Mae llawer o brofiadau ar gael ar y Rheilffordd Gwili sy'n addas ar gyfer pob oed, p'un a ydych eisiau pryd da, eisiau cinio ddydd Sul, noson Dirgelwch a Llofruddiaeth, Te Prynhawn neu Parti Nadolig gydach ffrindiau! Mae yna hefyd digwyddiadau Arbennig, fel 'Trenau Ager Hudol Siôn Corn' sef yr antur teulu perffaith, lle gallwch reidio y trên i Groto Siôn Corn ac yn cymryd llun gyda'r dyn eira (castell gwynt) mwyaf yn y byd.

Dyma ychydig o luniau a gymerwyd yn ystod un o diwrnodau 'Trenau Ager Hudol Siôn Corn':

Am fwy o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â: marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk neu ewch i www.gwili-railway.co.uk

Wales’ Largest Christmas Carnival is Coming to Town

WITH preparations for the biggest Christmas Carnival in Wales well under way – the Llanelli Christmas Carnival is already in line to become the most spectacular light switch on ever organised in the county.

The town’s Christmas Carnival entertainment including balloon twisting, a fire show and firework extravaganza will make a bang on Friday, November 22, including a craft fayre in St Elli Shopping centre on the Saturday and the celebrated reindeer parade on the Sunday. (Nov 24, starting at noon)

The Carnival is organised by Carmarthenshire County and Llanelli Town and Rural Councils with support from Llanelli Round Table, Radio Carmarthenshire with the Carnival Parade kindly sponsored by Owens Road Services and the Welsh Blood Service.

Organisers and sponsors amalgamated outside Llanelli Town Hall on Friday October 25 to pose for photographs alongside the newly designed Christmas Carnival banner which will be erected outside Ty’r Nant at the start of November.

Councillor Meryl Gravell OBE, Executive Board Member for Carmarthenshire County Council said: “The anticipation surrounding this year’s Carnival is huge, there has been great interest and it is fantastic to hear that this year’s Carnival will be the biggest in 30 years. I would like to take the opportunity to extend my gratitude to the organisers and sponsors.

She continued to add that without the support of sponsors like the Welsh Blood Service, the Llanelli Christmas Carnival would not be able to continually develop year after year, exceeding public expectation and defining Llanelli’s position as creator and host of the largest Christmas Carnival in Wales.”

GYDA paratoadau ar gyfer y Carnifal Nadolig mwyaf yng Nghymru o dan ffordd – Carnifal Nadolig Llanelli yw acglysur cynnau’r golau mwyaf trawiadol i’w drefnu yn y sir erioed.

Bydd adloniant Carnifal Nadolig y dref, yn cynnwys troelli balŵn, sioe tân a sioe tân gwyllt yn gwneud bang ar Dydd Gwener 22 Tachwedd, hefyd bydd ffair grefftau yng nghanolfan Siopa St Elli ar dydd Sadwrn a’r gorymdaith ceirw enwog ar y dydd Sul . ( 24 Tachwedd , yn dechrau am hanner dydd )

Mae’r Carnifal yn cael ei threfnu gan Gyngor Sir Caerfyrddin a Chyngor Gwledig a Thref Llanelli gyda chefnogaeth gan Bord Gron Llanelli a Radio Sir Gaerfyrddin, mae’r achlysur yn cael ei noddi yn garedig gan Wasanaeth Gwaed Cymru a Gwasanaethau Owens Road.

Mae’r Trefnwyr ar noddwyr yn cyfuno y tu allan i Neuadd y Dref, Llanelli ar ddydd Gwener 25 Hydref i dynnu lluniau ochr yn ochr â'r faner Carnifal Nadolig newydd a gynlluniwyd, a fydd yn cael ei godi y tu allan i Ty'r Nant ar ddechrau mis Tachwedd.

Dywedodd y Cynghorydd Meryl Gravell OBE, aelod o'r Bwrdd Gweithredol ar gyfer Cyngor Sir Caerfyrddin: "Mae'r disgwyliad o amgylch y carnifal eleni yn enfawr, bu diddordeb mawr ac mae'n wych i glywed y bydd y carnifal eleni y mwyaf ers 30 mlynedd. Hoffwn gymryd y cyfle i estyn fy niolch i'r trefnydd a noddwyr .

Aeth hi ymlaen i ychwanegu “heb gefnogaeth y noddwyr fel y Gwasanaeth Gwaed Cymru , ni fyddai Carnifal Nadolig Llanelli yn gallu datblygu yn barhaus flwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn, gan ragori ar ddisgwyliadau'r cyhoedd a diffinio sefyllfa Llanelli fel creawdwr a llu o y Carnifal Nadolig mwyaf yng Nghymru"

The 'Cothi Trail'

In 2011, Carmarthenshire County Council was approached by National Trust regarding their idea to develop a circular multi user route with the Forestry Commission in and around the Dolaucothi Estate.

On 21st September this year, the bridle path was unveiled and named the ‘Cothi Trail.’ Over the last two years, the National Trust has worked hard to improve the footpath and access to the Dolaucothi woodland estate.

The opening was hosted at the newly opened Dolaucothi Arms pub where the new National Trust tenants David and Esther provided some wholesome Welsh fare before the group undertook the route for themselves. Dr Emyr Roberts, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales and Justin Albert, Director of National Trust Wales rode the route on horses provided by Cae Iago Riding Stables along with other staff from each organisation. Huw Parsons, Marketing and Tourism Manager of Carmarthenshire cycled the route alongside his family.

Wyn Davies, Lead Ranger for Carmarthenshire National Trust said “this has been a project I am particularly proud of as it is an excellent example of partnership working, it has been lovely to see people enjoying the route and we hope to welcome many more people in the future to the estate.”

The route itself takes you through some of the most scenic areas in Carmarthenshire from the Cothi river valley up to some of the highest points, with stunning views towards Llandeilo and the Cothi Valley, on a clear day the views from the top are breathtaking and extend almost as far as Carmarthen.  The route is through a mixture of broad leaf and conifer woodland with opportunities to see wildlife at its best from buzzards and red kites to the occasional red squirrel if you are lucky.  The route passes through the Dolaucothi farmland that is farmed mainly by National trust tenants, some of whom are award winning in the production of their lamb, the estate is an excellent shop window for Welsh agriculture working at its best without compromising the conservation status of the countryside.  Finally the route finishes by going through the historic village of Caio, where a second pub stop at the Brunant Arms is available to refresh walkers before the final stage up past the Dolaucothi Caravan Park and Gold Mines.  If walkers want to pause to take in the Roman archaeology at the Gold Mines then this route allows that detour.  

For more information, contact: marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Yn 2011, roedd Cyngor Sir Caerfyrddin wedi cysylltu gyda’r Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol er mwyn ddatblygu llwybr aml- ddefnyddiwr gyda'r comisiwn coedwigaeth o gwmpas yr Ystad yn Dolaucothi .

Ar 21 Medi eleni, roedd y llwybr wedi cael ei ddadorchuddio a'i enwi yn 'Llwybr Cothi . Dros y ddwy flynedd diwethaf, mae'r Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol wedi gweithio'n galed i wella’r llwybr troed ar mynediad i Ystad Dolaucothi .

Cynhaliwyd yr agoriad yn dafarn y Dolaucothi Arms sydd newydd agor gan tenantiaid newydd yr Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaetho sef David ac Esther a rhoddwyd bwydydd Cymreig iachus i'r grŵp cyn iddynt profi y llwybr ar gyfer eu hunain. Roedd Dr Emyr Roberts, Prif Weithredwr Adnoddau Naturiol Cymru a Justin Albert, Cyfarwyddwr Ymddiriedolaeth Cenedlaethol Cymru wedi profi y llwybr ar geffylau a ddarperir gan Stablau Cae Iago, ynghyd â staff eraill o bob sefydliad. Roedd Huw Parsons , Rheolwr Marchnata a Thwristiaeth yn Sir Gaerfyrddin wedi seiclo y llwybr wrth ochr â'i deulu .

Dywedodd Wyn Davies, ranger i’r Ymddiriedolaeth genedlaethol yn Sir Gaerfyrddin "mae hwn wedi bod yn brosiect yr wyf yn arbennig o falch o, gan ei fod yn enghraifft wych o weithio mewn partneriaeth, mae wedi bod yn hyfryd i weld pobl yn mwynhau y llwybr ac rydym yn gobeithio croesawu llawer mwy o bobl yn y dyfodol i'r ystâd".

Mae'r llwybr ei hun yn mynd â chi trwy rai o ardaloedd mwyaf golygfaol Sir Gaerfyrddin o ddyffryn afon Cothi hyd i rai o'r pwyntiau uchaf, gyda golygfeydd trawiadol tuag at Llandeilo a Dyffryn Cothi, ar ddiwrnod clir mae'r golygfeydd o'r copa yn syfrdanol ac yn ymestyn bron cyn belled â Chaerfyrddin. Mae'r llwybr yn mynd drwy gymysgedd eang a choetir gyda chyfleoedd i weld bywyd gwyllt ar ei orau o boncathod a barcutiaid coch i’r wiwer goch os ydych yn lwcus . Mae'r llwybr yn mynd trwy dir fferm Dolaucothi sy'n cael ei ffermio yn bennaf gan denantiaid Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol, y mae rhai ohonynt yn gynhyrchu eu cig oen wobreuol, mae’r ystad yn ffenestr siop ardderchog ar gyfer amaethyddiaeth yng Nghymru, yn gweithio ar ei gorau gydai statws cadwraeth yng nghefn gwlad . Yn olaf, mae'r llwybr yn gorffen wrth fynd trwy bentref hanesyddol Caeo, lle mae’r ail stop tafarn yn y Brunant Arms, hefyd wedi ei adnewyddu. Maer llwybyr yn gorffen wrth fynd a cerddwyr i fyny i Parc Carafanau Dolaucothi a’r Mwyngloddiau Aur. Os ydi’r cerddwyr am oedi i gymryd mewn yr archeoleg Rufeinig yn y Mwyngloddiau Aur , yna mae'r llwybr hyn yn gadael iddynt.

Am fwy o wybodaeth , cysylltwch â: marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk