Local Interest – Things to Do & Places to Go

Jen Jones Welsh Quilts and Blankets

The Jen Jones Welsh Quilts and Blankets Cottage Shop is located just outside the village of Llanybydder, this side of the Teifi, so only about 5 minutes away if that. The long established charming eighteenth century cottage shop has been open for over thirty years and attracts visitors from around the world. You can book a visit by calling 01570 480610 or checking out their website, Jen Jones. A very warm welcome or ‘croeso’, in Welsh, awaits you at their cottage shop. Inside, upstairs and downstairs, we think you will be spoilt for choice by the deliciously colourful antique quilts, blankets, throws, shawls and so much more.

Local Fishing – from 5 minutes away

Cledlyn Lake Fishery (01570 481439) is literally a few fields away so in walking distance, plus they have a Cafe on site serving cooked breakfasts and lunch, see their Facebook page for more information and details. Please contact Jan direct if you wish to book your breakfast.

Celtic Lakes (01570 471081) is just 9 miles away on the Aberaeron/Lampeter road, see their facebook page for details.

Springwater Lakes (01558 650788) is around 12 miles away, south of Lampeter and they have their own www.springwaterlakes.com

Lampeter

A picturesque small market and university town providing services for a wide area, with a number of independent shops specialising in home furnishings, books, records, art and craft, clothing, food and drink. There’s a regular farmer’s market as well as excellent cafes serving home made cakes, Italian ice cream and other freshly prepared and artisan food. You’ll also find two supermarkets, a leisure centre and swimming pool, a local museum and a great network of walks to enjoy. The popular Lampeter Food Festival in July is held on the grounds of the University College. Traditional events include the annual agricultural show held in August, almost continuously since the 1870s and the prestigious Rhys Thomas James Eisteddfod, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend. There are also craft fairs and music festivals as well as regular events organised by Ramblers and the town’s various sports clubs, who welcome visitors. Distance: 5.4 miles, 10 minutes away.

Cae Hir Gardens

OPEN again from 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week, from April – October. Well worth a visit as one of the best open gardens in Wales which is advertised as the Dutch garden in the heart of Wales. Cae Hir is a family garden, an RHS Partner Garden and one of the founding members of the Great Gardens of West Wales. Awarded a 2017 Certificate of Excellence on Trip Advisor. Distance: 5.7 miles, 10 minutes away. For more details please see my blog or www.caehirgardens.com

Longwood Woodland Walks

There are a number of possible walk routes, either starting in Lampeter itself or the visitor centre at the north end near Llangybi village. From end to end it is about 3.5 miles with a choice of ridge line or woodland walks, or if you prefer bikes on the woodland tracks. We love it as somewhere to soak up the views and chill out when we fancy a two hour walk.

For walking routes follow link Longwood Walks and for photos I have taken follow link Flikr Photos.

Llanerchaeron (National Trust)

An elegant Georgian villa and gardens, set in the wooded Aeron valley. Remarkably unaltered for over 200 years, this self-sufficient estate includes a farm, walled gardens and lake. The villa, designed in the 1790s, is a complete example of the early work of John Nash. It has its own service courtyard with dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house, giving a full ‘upstairs, downstairs’ experience. The walled kitchen gardens, pleasure grounds, ornamental lake and parkland offer peaceful walks, while the Home Farm complex has an impressive range of traditional, atmospheric outbuildings. A working farm, there are Welsh Black cattle, Llanwenog sheep, and rare Welsh pigs as well as chickens, geese and doves. Only guide dogs are allowed on the property. However, dogs on leads are welcome in the woodland and parkland walks.

The house, garden, farm and Conti’s Cafe are open from Wednesday to Sunday. For more information see Llanerchaeron NT website page. 

For more information about walks, please ask at the visitor building. For an illustration of a walk between Llanerchaeron and Aberaeron please follow link to Walk Route. For various pictures I have taken on our visits please follow link Flikr Photos

Distance: 13.1 miles, 23 minutes away.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines & Landscape (National Trust)

These unique gold mines are set amid wooded hillsides overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley. Over 2000 years ago, the Romans left behind glimpses of their gold-mining methods. The harsh mining environment continued in the 19th and 20th centuries, ending in 1938. Guided tours take you back to experience the conditions underground in the Roman and Victorian workings (tour routes may vary throughout the season). The 1930’s Mine Yard contains buildings and mining machinery, dating from that time. Have a go at gold panning and experience the frustrations of searching for real gold! Please note, underground tours involve steps and steep slopes. Appropriate outer wear and stout, enclosed footwear is essential.

There are also a number of walking routes in the surrounding NT landscape. 

For more information and Booking see their website National Trust website

Distance: 14.2 miles, 25 minutes away.

National Wool Museum (Drefach Felindre)

Wool was once one of Wales’ most important industries. Located in historic Cambrian Mills, from where Welsh woollen blankets, stockings, shirts and shawls were sent around the world, the National Wool Museum offers engaging experiences and learning for all ages. Find out how wool is processed from fleece to fabric on our self-guided trails, explore exhibitions on the history of cloth making and its use in fashion, and try your hand at traditional skills such as carding and spinning before marvelling at the skills of our craftspersons in processing wool. (subject to COVID19 restrictions) The beautiful Teifi Valley has been the beating heart of the woollen trade in Wales for over a hundred years. With several of our old machines still in working order there’s no better place to learn the story of nature’s great natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre. Melin Teifi, adjacent to our museum still produces the finest traditional Welsh flannel, and our visitors are welcome to watch master craftsmen at work creating intricate patterns and wonderful fabrics on mechanised looms.

For more information see their website Amgueeddfa Cymru

Distance: 11.7 miles, 25 minutes away.

Dà Mhìle Distillery and Glynhynod Farm

An organic family farm, home to Caws Teifi Cheese and Dà Mhìle Distillery, dedicated to making delicious artisan produce. Distillery tours, talks and tasting are available through their website www.damhile.co.uk or call them direct on 01239 851998.  Also see their website www.teificheese.co.uk for their artisan cheeses. Plus they have a farm shop open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm located off the A486 Llandysul/New Quay road.

Talley Abbey and Walks

Talley Abbey was founded in the 1180s by Rhys ap Gruffydd (‘The Lord Rhys’, native ruler of the south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth) for the monks of the Premonstratensian order. This was the first and only abbey in Wales for the Premonstratensians, monks who were also known as the ‘White Canons’ from the colour of their habit. The church tower, standing almost to its full height, is the most impressive feature of the ruined abbey, which never enjoyed the wealth and success of the Cistercian religious settlements – quite widespread throughout Wales – that inspired it. Lack of funds meant that the church was never fully completed, though the outline of the footings demonstrates the scale and ambition of its design. The ruins stand in an idyllic setting beside Talley’s twin lakes.

There are also some marvellous Walk Routes offering some fantastic views over the valley and on a clear day you can see Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons. On our last visit at the weekend the public toilets had been closed, but the village hall was open and had facilities.

 Click on the movie icon below that links to short slideshow of our walk on YouTube…

Aberaeron

A charming Georgian port town on the Cardigan Bay coast of West Wales offering great local beaches, harbour and coastal walks. Aberaeron retains its Georgian character with elegant brightly painted town houses and is still a focal point for the rural communities in mid Ceredigion. Enjoy a stroll around the harbour along Quay Parade and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the Hive on the Quay or The Cellar. Take a boat trip to explore Cardigan Bay’s marine ecology and Heritage Coast from the harbour. Plus many charming shops including the Aberaeron Craft Centre, eating places and pubs to enjoy. Aberaeron to Llanerchaeron Cycleway: The 3k trip from the edge of town along the old railway track to the historic National Trust mansion and Walled garden at Llanerchaeron. makes a lovely family day out. The wide level pedestrian pathway is ideal for cyclists, pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Small collection of photos, follow link Flikr Aberaeron

Distance: 15.6 miles, 28 minutes away.

New Quay (and Beach’s)

No, not that Newquay but a different and nicer proposition being quieter, calmer and arguably prettier. Instead this stretch of the coast looks like Cornwall before it got all ‘Cornwall’. Key attractions for holiday makers include the picturesque harbour and expansive sandy beach, as well as the ability to see the population of bottlenose dolphins that lives in Cardigan Bay. The town has a heritage centre and marine wildlife centre, as well as the usual collection of shops and restaurants. Nearby New Quay Honey Farm, the largest bee farm in Wales, has a live bee exhibition and sells honey, mead and beeswax. www.thehoneyfarm.co.uk

Distance: 14.1 miles, 27 minutes away. Photo was taken this April during Easter holidays, early morning.

Teifi Valley Railway

A narrow gauge (2ft/610mm) railway hoping to operate between Pentrecwrt and Newcastle Emlyn along the River Teifi. It is a tourist railway built on the GWR part of the Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway and operated on about two miles of track. A new platform was constructed at Henllan, on the original GWR location, from where the service had been planned to continue to Newcastle Emlyn and eventually, to Pentrecwrt. Trains currently run from Henllan station to Pont Goch (Red Bridge; formerly Llandyfriog Riverside) around a mile. The Teifi Valley Railway was created from a branch line of the Great Western Railway which served the West Wales rural area. Situated near the market town of Newcastle Emlyn between Carmarthen and Cardigan it offers the visitor a nostalgic reminder of the history of steam.

For more information see their website for more information website

Distance: 11.7 miles, 21 minutes away.

Gwili Railway – Abergwili Junction (Carmarthen) to Danycoed Halt

Possibly one of the UK’s most picturesque preserved lines can be found at Bronwydd Arms. The Gwili Railway, is a standard gauge steam railway located 3 miles north of Carmarthen. Named after the River Gwili, alongside which it runs for 4 miles between Bronwydd Arms, Abergwili Junction and Danycoed, passing through picturesque farmland and steeply wooded hillsides. The railway follows the original main line between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth and once formed part of a continuous link between North and South Wales. The Gwili Railway line is currently 4 miles between the end of the line at Abergwili Junction and the end of the line at Danycoed Halt. Trains depart from Bronwydd Arms Station to Danycoed Halt then back down to Abergwili Junction and then returning to Bronwydd Arms. The round trip is 8 miles and takes just over one hour though, as your standard ticket lasts all day, you can return on a later train or even take more than one trip during the day.

For more information and booking see their website

Distance: 17.2 miles, 30 minutes away.

Brechfa Forest  |  Walking and Biking

Today Brechfa Forest covers some 6500 hectares and is looked after by Natural Resources Wales for the benefit of people, wildlife and timber production. There are walking and mountain bike trails through these two woodlands within Brechfa Forest:
• Byrgwm woodland
• Abergorlech woodland
There are also walking trails in other places in Brechfa and horse riders are welcome on forest roads. Hike up the Afan Gorlech, a river that crashes its way through Carmarthenshire. The Gorlech threads its way through the huge Brechfa Forest, which is substantial enough to have its own Ordnance Survey map and all those trees and water make it a premium location for wildlife, birdsong and an experimental forest garden. Start at Abergorlech car park… The infamous Brechfa, Raven Trail (black rated) can also be found in this area.Distance: 13.2 miles, 30 minutes away. For more information on bike routes follow link Brechfa MTB Trails pdf

For more information see Natural Resources Wales website.

Cenarth Falls & Newcastle Emlyn 

Situated in the Teify valley on the way to Cardigan/Aberteifi these two locations offer some spectacular sites and walks. At Cenarth falls there are a number of small waterfalls and pools on the river Teifi and a well known salmon leap, plus a riverside boardwalk upstream and a choice of pubs and cafes. Newcastle Emlyn three miles further up the road has its own castle ruins and a choice of shops and pubs. Also in the area is Ffynone waterfall which is a bit more off the beaten track but worth a visit.

Follow this link to Short selection of photos

Distance: 17 miles, 30 minutes away.

Llangrannog Beach

Arguably one of the best beach’s in the area and our favourite. Popular with families, surfers or just for relaxing and watching the world go by from the many excellent cafes and pubs. You can choose from traditional pub food overlooking the sea, or home made ice cream at the beach cafe. From the main beach at Llangrannog it is possible at low tide to walk round to the second beach, or by the cliff path which climbs by steps next to the Quay Café at any time. From here a number of circular route walking routes along the coastal path. Would recommend parking at the top of the village as free parking and avoids the narrow lanes down to the beach car park and the fees.

Again a few photos available, follow link to Flikr Llangrannog

Distance: 17 miles, 30 minutes away. Photo was taken from the coastal path in June 2019.

Adventure Activities

For thrill seekers looking for that adventure activity, try calling Adventure Beyond who offer River Kayaking, Coasteering, Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, White water rafting, Tubing and much more based in and around Cardigan, but offering locations up the teifi valley and the Cardigan coast. “Cardigan Bay Active prides itself in offering a wide range of adventure activities which are fun, safe and showcase the best of what our natural landscapes have to offer”. They provide great activities at specially selected sites offering great experiences during your time here in ceredigion, which will allow you to explore this wondrous area of Wales.

Booking prior to activity is essential so either Phone: 01239 612133 or 07787 123761, or Email: info@cardiganbayactive or try the Web: www.cardiganbayactive.co.uk

Aberglasney Gardens

Aberglasney was made famous by the BBC television series “A Garden Lost in Time” which followed its restoration. Today it is quite simply one of Wales’ finest gardens and at its heart lies a fully restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden that is the only surviving example of its kind in the UK today. Beyond this, visitors can explore 10 acres of over 20 different garden styles from formal to woodland, right through to exotic and modern along with the fully restored ground floor of Aberglasney’s grade II* listed mansion offer a stunning venue for weddings, exhibitions and events.

For more information see their website https://aberglasney.org

Distance: 30 miles, 40 minutes away.

Cilgerran Castle

This striking 13^th century fortress is perched overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge, near cardigan and has inspired many artists including Turner. Take the wall-walk to truly appreciate why it was built here. Stunning location. Perfect for stunning attackers. The Normans first saw the potential and established an early ‘ringwork’ castle here, but the imposing masonry castle we see today was probably the work of William Marshal, earl of Pembroke. Traditionally, medieval castles were designed with a keep or strong tower at the centre but Cilgerran Castle is unusual because two massive round towers were erected instead. These, despite Owain Glyn Dŵr’s best efforts, still stand to a good height today. Distance: 23.6 miles, 42 minutes away.

The car park below the castle in the village, also makes a good starting point for an excellent walk via the castle to the Welsh Wildlife Centre and return. It is a circular route which we went in an anti clockwise direction, starting with the ‘Gorge Walk’ and returning via the ‘Woodland Walk’ for details see the link WALK. The first part of the walk start easy enough but once past Fforest Farm things get more strenuous with many steps both up/down, plus there are many quarries and a tunnel to explore. Please note that the OS map says there is a riverside walk along the Teifi up to the wildlife centre, this is incorrect for the most part as numerous floods and landslides have taken out many sections.

For more information see ‘Cadw.Gov.Wales’ for latest updates and opening times.

The Castle and river at Newcastle Emlyn is and falls at Cenarth are also worth a visit if in the area.

The Welsh Wildlife Centre

Families will love exploring the nature trails, playing in the adventure playground or the willow maze or the giant badger even. Plus there is canoe hire available and 7 observation bird hides, with hire of binoculars and adventure backpack. With the iconic Glasshouse Cafe.

Link to their website page click here.

National Botanic Garden of Wales 

Set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, the Garden and Parkland is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic. Here you’ll find an inspiring range of themed gardens, the world’s largest single-span glasshouse designed by Lord Foster, that has the best display of Mediterranean climate zone plants in the Northern Hemisphere. Tropical House, play areas and a national nature reserve, all set in a Regency landscape which provides the stage for a packed programme of events and courses throughout the year. Set in a romantic Regency parkland.

Link to my photos on Flickr click here … Have also done a Blog

see www.botanicgarden.wales for more information and times.

Dinefwr Castle, Newton House and Parkland

A magical land of power and influence for more than 2,000 years Dinefwr is an iconic place in the history of Wales. The historic Newton House is run by the National Trust standing proudly at the heart of the Dinefwr estate, a family home for over three hundred years to the descendants of Lord Rhys, the powerful Prince of the Welsh Kingdom of the Deheubarth. Dinefwr and its parkland is now a place to enjoy, relax and refresh. Property Map link.

Two forts are evidence of a dominant Roman presence. Also onsite is Dinefwr Castle which is managed by CADW and owned by the Wildlife Trust.

Strata Florida Abbey and Cors Caron Nature Reserve

This photo was taken from the hide at the end of the board walk.

If heading north of Tregaron, these are two places of interest that can be added to the to do list.

Cors Caron nature reserve is just north of Tregaron, which is a vast area of wetland filling the broad valley of the River Teifi. The reserve includes three raised bogs, surrounded by a complex and unique mix of habitats, there are board walks, river walks and an old railway walk to enjoy. Point of note though is that the Blue walking route has been blocked off as the farmer is a grumpy old so and so and objected to part of the public path going past his farm. NRW Website Link

Strata Florida Abbey is grand medieval ruin where generations of Welsh princes have been buried. The Lord Rhys, ruler of the kingdom of Deheubarth, wasn’t officially the founder of Strata Florida. That was a Norman, Robert fitz Stephen. But ‘Rhys the Great’ took it to his heart and put it on the map. Cadw Website Link

Mwnt Beach (National Trust)

Mwnt is a beautiful remote spot on the Ceredigion Heritage coast, with secluded bay with a sandy beach, perfect for spotting dolphins, seals and other amazing wildlife with a small café and shop in season. The Holy Cross church, just visible in the photo, is a grade one listed building and worth a visit. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach between May and September. Plus some good coastal walks. There is a National Trust pay and display car park for easy parking. Located not far from Cardigan/Aberteifi.

Distance around 25 miles and 50 minutes away from us.

Cardigan Island, Coastal Farm Park

Coastal farm park and play area with cafe. Located on a headland overlooking Cardigan Island, near Gwbert, for more information see www.cardiganisland.com

Cardigan & St Dogmaels

Another worthy visit if heading West is Cardigan, St Dogmaels and the Abbey. This is a photo taken from walk alongside theTeifi estuary at St Dogmaels where we went for a walk after visiting the Local Produce market, on every Tuesday. Which more information can be found in one of my BLOGS which is a brief summary of a trip to St Dogmaels on a Tuesday morning, in a search for some locally produced proper stoneground flour, from ‘Y Felin’ known for their fabulous unadulterated real flour, with no additives and not ‘processed’. We had been advised that the best time to visit was a Tuesday morning as there is Local Producers Market every week which was worth a visit, so off we toddled.

There is loads to do and visit in Cardigan itself, plus the nearby Poppit Sands.

Carreg Cennen Castle & Farm 

Welcome to officially the most romantic ruin in Wales, as voted by readers of Countryfile magazine. Perched on a great limestone crag nearly 300ft/90m above the River Cennen, the dramatic silhouette of Carreg Cennen dominates the skyline for miles around and commands stunning views over the Carmarthenshire countryside. From the moment you first glimpse the castle, probably built by Edward I’s loyal baron John Giffard at the end of the 13th century, you feel an incredible sense of drama and remoteness. In this wild setting, with few reminders of the modern world, the castle will seem like your own personal discovery.

Another exciting feature at Carreg Cennen awaits exploration at he south east corner of the inner ward. Here a steep set of steps leads down past a postern gate into the bowels of the castle and enables the explorer to discover a natural cave and vaulted passage cut into the cliff-face. For more info see their website

see www.carregcennencastle.com for details of opening times.

Llansteffan and Castle 

Llansteffan is just a few miles south of Carmarthen, so if you are out that way it is well worth a visit. We did a short walk along the front and around the castle, which had some splendid views and secluded beaches to discover. The Castle itself is Free to enter and a great place for a picnic. There are two pubs in the village as well as cafe/bistro and a really good catering wagon at the north car park, were we parked up.

I took a series of photos and put them on my Flickr Page

Aberystwyth

Coastal university town with hospital and all the main facilities, big shops and an excellent sea front and pier. Oh and don’t miss the ‘funny peculiar’ Cliff Railway up Constitution Hill for breathtaking views, which is open from April to October, see their website.

There is also one end of the the Vale of Rheidol Railway that runs up the valley 12 miles to Devils Bridge which is also worth a trip, see more info towards the bottom of this page.

Vale of Rheidol Railway – Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge

The Vale of Rheidol Railway re-creates the Edwardian spirit of adventure. Step aboard one of our restored steam trains for a stunning journey along the Rheidol Valley. Since opening in 1902, millions have enjoyed the scenic trip through the ancient woodlands to Devil’s Bridge, home of the famous waterfalls (separate attraction, fee applies), nestled in the astounding Cambrian Mountains.

Listen to the sound of a powerful narrow gauge steam locomotive working hard to climb 700ft (200m) during the 12 miles from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge

For more information follow the link to Rheidol Railway

Cwm Rhaeadr Forest  |  Valley of the Waterfall

A natural Resources Wales site offering walks and bike trail from the car park and not far from Llyne Brianne. Of the longer walks there is one up to the top of the hills or a very picturesque waterfall walk, following blue marker posts and if you are up for it a marvellous climb beside a truly wonderful waterfall only for the brave to reach the top, but the views are rather good. Tip, get there early to have the waters catching the sunlight as it falls down the hillside. For more information follow link Waterfall Walk

For more information check ‘Natural Resource Wales‘ website for latest updates

Took a few photos of my walk follow link to Flikr Cwm Rhaeadr.

Llyn Brianne Reservoir 

Offering impressive landscapes, walks and bike rides is this spectacular reservoir nestled in the Doethie Valley, surrounded by the beautiful Tywi Forest. It was named after a stream Nant y Bryniau, which in English translates stream in the hills. This picturesque body of water is the head of the River Tywi. Beneath the tranquil waters of Lyn Brianne lies the old Fanog farm, which was flooded in 1972 to create the reservoir we see today. On the rare occasion the water levels drop, only then the farm is visible. This area boasts an abundance of wildlife including the rare red squirrel. Travel along the narrow road which winds up towards the dam. The scenic road then meanders on through the beautiful forest alongside the lake. Car parking by the overspill weir to the southern side at grid reference 52.121446, 3.763870 or what3words location ///bets.triangles.trading

Distance: 26.6 miles, 55 minutes away.

Four/Five Waterfalls Walk and Dan Yr Ogov showcaves

Although up to about 90 minutes away guests might enjoy the five waterfalls walk and/or the Dan yr Ogov show caves and if there is a motoring and/or Top Gear fan amongst you try the A4069 road as it goes over the Brecon Beacons for a really brilliant drive that they have used a few times whilst filming.

Devils Bridge and the Hafod Estate

If  you are travelling up to Devils Bridge, then another place well worth a visit especially if you are a walker is the Hafod Estate which is not far from Pont-ryhd-y-groes before you get to Devils bridge. For more information on this estate visit the Hafod Conservation Partnership website and there is a good walk route available from the Weatherman Walking BBC page.

Devils Bridge Falls is a world famous tourist attraction in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth . These unique waterfalls have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth who wrote about the “Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge”. Today, the Falls Nature Trail provides a unique opportunity to see this great natural feature in the Rheidol Gorge. For more information and walking routes see their website www.devilsbridgefalls.co.uk