{"id":29705,"date":"2023-08-24T12:22:03","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T10:22:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/?post_type=purple_issue&#038;p=29705"},"modified":"2023-08-24T12:22:03","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T10:22:03","slug":"land-of-green-hills-and-silver-sands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/2023\/08\/24\/land-of-green-hills-and-silver-sands\/","title":{"rendered":"Land of green hills and silver sands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1355\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-1536x1016.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption>One of a wave of castles built in South Wales after Edward I\u2019s conquest in the 13th century, Castell Carreg Cennen perches on a dramatic limestone crag above the River Cennen. Carreg Cennen was rebuilt by English baron John Giffard on the site of a native Welsh castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center\">Land of green hills and silver sands<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center sans-serif intro\"><strong>Carwyn Graves <\/strong>champions the hidden delights of Carmarthenshire, a place of crumbling castles and bustling market towns, empty beaches and tempting trails leading into gorgeous hill country <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1405\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/dbebb2ab-dfac-4958-9baf-27e29c35fa4c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/dbebb2ab-dfac-4958-9baf-27e29c35fa4c.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/dbebb2ab-dfac-4958-9baf-27e29c35fa4c-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/dbebb2ab-dfac-4958-9baf-27e29c35fa4c-1024x703.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/dbebb2ab-dfac-4958-9baf-27e29c35fa4c-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/dbebb2ab-dfac-4958-9baf-27e29c35fa4c-1536x1054.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption>Wales\u2019s longest river, the Tywi, sometimes called the Towy, meanders past Llandeilo on its way to Carmarthen Bay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap article-full-body sans-serif dropcap\"><span style=\"\"><span style=\"\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\">B<\/span><\/strong><\/span><strong>elow<\/strong><\/span><strong>,<\/strong> <strong>shimmering blue waves lap at miles of burnished sandbanks where three rivers empty into the sea. Above the beach opposite, a turreted Norman castle atop a tree-clad tumble of woodland and cliff. And all around me, nestled into the fold of a bluebell-strewn hillside, the final resting places in the graveyard of the early medieval church of St Ishmael. This is a place to be still and take it all in, right in the heart of rural and oft-overlooked Carmarthenshire, Sir G\u00e2r. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">For many people in Wales, Sir G\u00e2r is where \u2018cefn gwlad\u2019 \u2013 the deep countryside \u2013 begins, and for modern tourists on their way to the f\u00eated Pembrokeshire coast, Carmarthenshire is where the M4 and the mainline railway peter out. But this, the largest of Wales\u2019 traditional counties and one of its cultural strongholds, is a treasure trove of genuinely undiscovered delights stretching from castle-studded coastline to windswept moorland. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1351\" height=\"929\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/f83e0f9e-cc23-44e8-888c-c3d63d05515e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/f83e0f9e-cc23-44e8-888c-c3d63d05515e.jpg 1351w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/f83e0f9e-cc23-44e8-888c-c3d63d05515e-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/f83e0f9e-cc23-44e8-888c-c3d63d05515e-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/f83e0f9e-cc23-44e8-888c-c3d63d05515e-768x528.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1351px) 100vw, 1351px\" \/><figcaption>The charming medieval church of St Ishmael\u2019s near Ferryside includes a 13th-century nave and chancel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Survey the county from above \u2013 or from the driver\u2019s seat of a car \u2013 and you quickly twig that if anywhere deserves the moniker of endless green hills, this place does. As you<span> cross the county from one end to the other in any direction, be prepared for a visual feast of ancient oak-ash woodlands along steep river valleys followed by broad vistas as you crest the hills, interspersed all the while by hillside chapels and pastel-coloured market towns. On your travels, look on noticeboards and in local shops for information on male voice choir performances or \u2018cymanfa ganu\u2019, hymnsinging evenings, with these Welsh-language musical traditions still strong in this proudly bilingual and community-oriented county. This is an intimate landscape, long famous for its mild climate, good produce and family farming tradition \u2013 and it has happily stayed that way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large\"><p><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\"><strong>\u201cThis is an intimate landscape, long famous for its mild climate and family farming tradition\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1470\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/c36f2d59-a802-49ea-b609-2a5ab5fa0155.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/c36f2d59-a802-49ea-b609-2a5ab5fa0155.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/c36f2d59-a802-49ea-b609-2a5ab5fa0155-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/c36f2d59-a802-49ea-b609-2a5ab5fa0155-1024x735.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/c36f2d59-a802-49ea-b609-2a5ab5fa0155-768x551.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/c36f2d59-a802-49ea-b609-2a5ab5fa0155-1536x1103.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption>The flat and broad seven-mile-long beach at Pendine Sands in Carmarthen Bay served as the venue for the Welsh TT motorcycle races in the 1920s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead has-ccp-primary-light-color has-ccp-primary-dark-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><strong>CASTLES AND ESTUARIES: THE COAST <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Dominated by a crown of Norman castles, the 50 or so miles of coastline here play an outsized role in the county\u2019s psyche, and somehow manage to pack a bit of everything in. On the border with Pembrokeshire, west of Pendine, lie remote cliffs with beaches below, such as Morfa Bychan. These utterly unspoilt coves can only be reached on foot; you should have the sea swimming, wooded valleys and unforgettable views over the water towards Caldey Island and the Gower hills all to yourself. Then, suddenly, at Pendine the cliffs give way to seven miles of dune-backed golden sand, where the land-speed record has been attempted many times.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Round the bay and you leave the ice-cream parlours and sunbathers behind for the quirky charms of Dylan Thomas\u2019 beloved Laugharne, an unspoilt medieval borough dominated by its castle. In Thomas\u2019 own words, this is \u201c\u2026a black-magical bedlam by the sea\u2026 timeless, beautiful, barmy (both spellings)\u2026 there is nowhere like it anywhere at all.\u201d Rest and dine at his favoured, darkpanelled Brown\u2019s Hotel, or pick up local cockles from the chippy on the square. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Facing Laugharne over the estuary lies \u2018gwlad y pedwar llan\u2019 \u2013 the land of the four \u2018Llans\u2019, with Llansteffan and its castle the jewel in the crown. You have crossed a linguistic frontier on this part of the coast, from Norman English to native Welsh<span>&nbsp;\u2013 even the names of the farms and streams are immediately different. This area is superb walking country, with routes around the high headlands and views in all directions, while Llansteffan itself is a vibrant year-round community with a choice of pubs and a well-stocked community shop.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Laugharne-castle_preview-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Laugharne-castle_preview-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Laugharne-castle_preview-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Laugharne-castle_preview-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Laugharne-castle_preview-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Laugharne-castle_preview-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Laugharne-castle_preview-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption>Dylan Thomas wrote Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog, published in 1940, in the summerhouse at Laugharne Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/80b72a68-a1a1-476c-b631-a6d2a20cc462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29696\" width=\"773\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/80b72a68-a1a1-476c-b631-a6d2a20cc462.jpg 1546w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/80b72a68-a1a1-476c-b631-a6d2a20cc462-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/80b72a68-a1a1-476c-b631-a6d2a20cc462-773x1024.jpg 773w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/80b72a68-a1a1-476c-b631-a6d2a20cc462-768x1017.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/80b72a68-a1a1-476c-b631-a6d2a20cc462-1160x1536.jpg 1160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 773px) 100vw, 773px\" \/><figcaption>On a headland that has been defended since prehistoric times, the ruined walls of Llansteffan Castle command glorious views of the swirling waters of the Tywi Estuary and Carmarthen Bay<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Hop over another estuary or two with their productive cockle beds and, after taking in the sea views from St Ishmael\u2019s flower-strewn churchyard, you arrive at a third enormous castle: Kidwelly. This ancient town, slightly off the beaten track, is well worth exploring, with its thatched pubs, Parc y Bocs Farm Shop, priory church, river paths and long sandy beach at Cefn Sidan. Take a turn around the final headland at Pembrey and enjoy the ever-shifting tidal landscape of the Loughor Estuary. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">The tin- and coal-dominated town of Llanelli is the last stop on this coast, where Llanelli Wetland Centre offers a full day\u2019s immersion in the breeding birds of this salt-marsh landscape, only a mile away from the rugby crowds at the fabled Parc y Scarlets stadium. <\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead has-ccp-primary-light-color has-ccp-primary-dark-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><strong>WOOL AND VICTUALS: CARMARTHEN AND ITS COUNTRYSIDE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">If the coast is a pick \u2019n\u2019 mix of everything, the quiet in Carmarthenshire\u2019s rolling heart feels like a world away from it all, and in so many ways it is. Head off the main road anywhere north of the county town Carmarthen and in no time you will be in a world of deep, dappled valleys, where traditions of clog-dancing, local eisteddfods (cultural festivals) and farmyard production remain strong, as does the Welsh language. For a taste of these timeless villages unmentioned in any guidebook, take a car (no public transport in these parts) to Gelliwen and then follow the Cynin River north on foot, or feel your way further up to Cwmpengraig and explore the paths through the ancient oakwood valleys. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Near here, at Dre-fach Felindre, is Wales\u2019 National Wool Museum, celebrating one of the two main local industries. This is an engrossing experience replete with working machinery, natural dye garden and a mill on site that opens up the world of an inherently sustainable product. Interest piqued, continue up the Teifi valley to see contemporary uses of the region\u2019s wool at Jen Jones\u2019 quilt shop in a cottage near Llanybydder and in Lampeter Town Hall. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Before leaving the hills, its products need<span> tasting. String together a cheese-tasting tour by combining Caws Teifi with Caws Cenarth, before swinging back down for a distillery visit at Jin Talog (appointment only) and a vineyard tour at one of several options around Whitland.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/BH2J9C_preview-1024x810.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/BH2J9C_preview-1024x810.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/BH2J9C_preview-300x237.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/BH2J9C_preview-768x608.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/BH2J9C_preview-1536x1216.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/BH2J9C_preview-2048x1621.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/River-Towy-Twyi-valley-1_preview-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/River-Towy-Twyi-valley-1_preview-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/River-Towy-Twyi-valley-1_preview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/River-Towy-Twyi-valley-1_preview-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/River-Towy-Twyi-valley-1_preview-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/River-Towy-Twyi-valley-1_preview-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Productive farmland flanks the pretty River Tywi<br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/all_2016_09_05_National_wool_museum_01_5783_preview-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30038\" width=\"512\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/all_2016_09_05_National_wool_museum_01_5783_preview-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/all_2016_09_05_National_wool_museum_01_5783_preview-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/all_2016_09_05_National_wool_museum_01_5783_preview-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/all_2016_09_05_National_wool_museum_01_5783_preview-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/all_2016_09_05_National_wool_museum_01_5783_preview.jpg 1572w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption>Discover the history of traditional Welsh blankets and bedcovers at the National Wool Museum<br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large\"><p><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\"><strong>\u201cHead off the main road and you\u2019ll be in a world of dappled valleys where traditions remain strong\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Hamper full, it\u2019s time to discover the county\u2019s beating heart at Carmarthen, founded by the Romans and famous for its connections with the wizard Merlin. Built on its own hill overlooking the winding Tywi River \u2013 Wales\u2019 longest \u2013 this is a stately town, whose gentry families had a house here alongside their country pile and London pad. For centuries, this was the largest town in Wales and with its rambling, busy town centre and plenty of independent shops and eateries down side alleys, there is still a wealth to discover here. From the vegetarian delis on and around broad Lammas Street (named for the August fair) to the cluster of art galleries near<span> St Peter\u2019s Church and good independent bookshops, the town repays slow exploration. The traditional air-dried (PGI) Carmarthen ham sold at the bustling covered market is well worth a try and both the county museum in the old Bishop\u2019s Palace and Gwili steam railway lie just outside of town and offer complementary ways to delve into the area\u2019s rich heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1405\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1c815500-32d1-4d2b-a8b0-1d9be5d92f2f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1c815500-32d1-4d2b-a8b0-1d9be5d92f2f.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1c815500-32d1-4d2b-a8b0-1d9be5d92f2f-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1c815500-32d1-4d2b-a8b0-1d9be5d92f2f-1024x703.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1c815500-32d1-4d2b-a8b0-1d9be5d92f2f-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1c815500-32d1-4d2b-a8b0-1d9be5d92f2f-1536x1054.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption> Ten-hectare lake Llyn y Fan Fach glitters below the Carmarthen Fans within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead has-ccp-primary-light-color has-ccp-primary-dark-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><strong>FROM SUMMIT TO VALE: THE TYWI <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">It was the Tywi that made Carmarthen, and this slow-moving meandering river also shapes the inland, eastern side of the county. Here, the broad river vale runs almost to the flanks of 802m-high Y Mynydd Du, the Black Mountain, encompassed within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly Brecon Beacons). Quieter than the more famous peaks further east, this is still real mountain country. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Llanymddyfri\/Llandovery is the only market town in this area, home to King Charles\u2019 Welsh estate at Llwynywermod and a good base for exploring. North of the town, the Tywi\u2019s headwaters \u2013 Gwenffrwd, Doeth\u00efe, Pysgotwr Fawr \u2013 cascade through craggy, heather-clad moorland cwms. This<span> is famed salmon and sewin (sea trout) country, with daily and weekly permits available from the Llandovery Angling Association. Walkers in the open hills around here \u2013 which stretch for dozens of miles into neighbouring parts of mid-Wales \u2013 are unlikely to have company, other than the sand pipers and dippers along the rivers<\/span><span> and the red kites overhead. Both Gwenffrwd-Dinas Nature Reserve \u2013 arocky, wooded knoll rising in the middle of a steep valley \u2013 and Llyn Brianne Reservoir are remote, stunning beauty spots. It is perhaps no coincidence that Wales\u2019 most famous hymn-writer, Williams Pantycelyn, author of \u2018Guide me o thou Great Redeemer\/Bread of Heaven\u2019, was born in this serene region and ministered here throughout his life.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1351\" height=\"929\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/298d2f3e-eb1d-4190-a0c5-a885a0536686.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/298d2f3e-eb1d-4190-a0c5-a885a0536686.jpg 1351w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/298d2f3e-eb1d-4190-a0c5-a885a0536686-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/298d2f3e-eb1d-4190-a0c5-a885a0536686-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/298d2f3e-eb1d-4190-a0c5-a885a0536686-768x528.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1351px) 100vw, 1351px\" \/><figcaption> In the 1700s, the bustling droving town of Llandovery boasted more than 100 pubs <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1470\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/892f8a7a-72a8-42f9-96ab-a040afc39a21.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/892f8a7a-72a8-42f9-96ab-a040afc39a21.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/892f8a7a-72a8-42f9-96ab-a040afc39a21-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/892f8a7a-72a8-42f9-96ab-a040afc39a21-1024x735.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/892f8a7a-72a8-42f9-96ab-a040afc39a21-768x551.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/892f8a7a-72a8-42f9-96ab-a040afc39a21-1536x1103.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption>Visit the restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden as well as a woodland, kitchen garden and Ninfarium \u2013 planted in stone ruins \u2013 at stunning Aberglasney Gardens <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Down river, the central stretch of the Tywi Valley, through the boutique town of Llandeilo and on towards Carmarthen, has its own riches to offer. Once dappled with orchards, this 20-mile stretch of sheltered and fertile countryside retains some of Wales\u2019 finest gardens, from the parkland at Dinefwr to Aberglasney Gardens and the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Llanarthne. These are all former great houses brought back to life over the past quarter century and can easily fill a day. Aberglasney includes a unique survival from the Elizabethan era in its cloistered garden, the only one of its kind, coupled with four hectares of gardens in over 20 styles, ranging from sub-tropical to native meadow. The National Botanic Garden is one of<span> Wales\u2019 finest horticultural assets, boasting the largest single-span greenhouse in the world, hundreds of acres of parkland and several impressive walled gardens, including the national collection of native Welsh apples.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">The Tywi\u2019s gardens may be restored, but its ruined castles are, perhaps happily, not, and still stand sentinel over the valley as a reminder of the contested nature of this region. Two of these are in their own ways superlative examples of the cliff-top castle; Dryslwyn sits directly above the river in the middle of the valley and Carreg Cennen is a few miles east and almost 300 metres higher. Both dominate the landscape. In contrast to the Norman fortresses of the coast, these were built by the native Welsh princes, but the contrast conceals an irony. The Normans may well have conquered politically, but in character and culture, it was the incoming invaders who were clearly assimilated \u2013 to all our benefit.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1441579472_preview-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30041\" width=\"576\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1441579472_preview-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1441579472_preview-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1441579472_preview-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1441579472_preview-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1441579472_preview.jpg 1772w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><figcaption>Watch these spectacular birds of prey at close quarters at Llanddeusant\u2019s Red Kite Feeding Station<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator is-style-default\"\/>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"no-tts alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/e5a8080b-4ea0-4e4a-ad6b-980ba70974e4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29704\" width=\"128\" height=\"172\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p><br><br>Carwyn Graves is the author of <em>Welsh Food Stories<\/em>, an exploration of Wales\u2019 food culture, and has been involved in the preservation of local fruit varieties. He now works for Tir Glas, a pioneering centre for Sustainable Rural Life.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color alignfull uagb-block-3bfb7850-8a08-4a32-bb50-a9bc5571d387\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h2><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-light-color\">Now go to Carmarthenshire<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ccp-primary-light-color has-text-color\">Where to stay, eat and explore in the Welsh county, by <strong>Carwyn Graves<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Carmarthen-colour-_preview-1024x690.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Carmarthen-colour-_preview-1024x690.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Carmarthen-colour-_preview-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Carmarthen-colour-_preview-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Carmarthen-colour-_preview-1536x1035.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Carmarthen-colour-_preview-2048x1380.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead has-ccp-primary-dark-color has-text-color\"><strong>PLACES TO STAY, EAT AND DRINK<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Heather_Birnie_The_Warren_003_web_preview-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30048\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Heather_Birnie_The_Warren_003_web_preview-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Heather_Birnie_The_Warren_003_web_preview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Heather_Birnie_The_Warren_003_web_preview-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Heather_Birnie_The_Warren_003_web_preview-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Heather_Birnie_The_Warren_003_web_preview.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The Warren <\/strong>in Carmarthen (above) powers its vegetarian cafe and restaurant on renewable energy.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/warrenmanselst.co.uk\/\">warrenmanselst.co.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Dexters Steakhouse <\/strong>in Carmarthen serves local, sustainable meat.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/dexterswales.co.uk\/\">dexterswales.co.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Wright\u2019s Food <\/strong>in Llanarthne uses local produce in its delightful menus.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shop.wrightsfood.co.uk\/\">shop.wrightsfood.co.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Unknown_preview.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30049\" width=\"512\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Unknown_preview.jpg 640w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Unknown_preview-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>White Hart Inn and Brewery <\/strong>(above) in Llanddarog is a thatched, characterful pub.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/coles.wales\/pub-restaurant\">coles.wales\/pub-restaurant<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>Royal Oak <\/strong>at Rhandirmwyn is welcoming and remote.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/the-royal-oak-inn-1.ueniweb.com\">the-royal-oak-inn-1.ueniweb.com<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/MG_9228_preview-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30050\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/MG_9228_preview-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/MG_9228_preview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/MG_9228_preview-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/MG_9228_preview-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/MG_9228_preview-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>The Forest Arms <\/strong>in Brechfa is a traditional pub with comfortable B&amp;B rooms, with miles of forest walks and mountain biking on your doorstep. <br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/forestarms.com\">forestarms.com<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>Mansion House Hotel <\/strong>in Llansteffan has plenty of sea views. Double rooms from \u00a3175 a night. <br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/mansionhousellansteffan.co.uk\">mansionhousellansteffan.co.uk<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-ccp-primary-dark-background-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead has-ccp-primary-dark-color has-text-color\"><strong>PLACES OF INTEREST <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Carmarthenshire holds a wealth of gardens and castles and a quirky collection of museums: <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1295974_preview.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30052\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1295974_preview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/1295974_preview-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>Dolaucothi Gold Mines <\/strong>(above) is a National Trust property with both Roman and Victorian mines, set in an enchanting wooded valley. Advance booking is advised. <br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/nationaltrust.org.uk\/visit\/wales\/dolaucothi\">nationaltrust.org.uk\/visit\/wales\/dolaucothi<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>Laugharne Castle. <\/strong>An imposing medieval castle. <br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/cadw.gov.wales\/visit\/places-to-visit\/laugharne-castle\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/cadw.gov.wales\/visit\/places-to-visit\/laugharne-castle\">cadw.gov.wales\/visit\/places-to-visit\/laugharne-castle <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>National Coracle Centre <\/strong>is a pretty museum devoted to coracles by lovely Cenarth Falls. <br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/coracle-centre.co.uk\">coracle-centre.co.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2D6X7EG_preview-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30053\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2D6X7EG_preview-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2D6X7EG_preview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2D6X7EG_preview-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2D6X7EG_preview-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2D6X7EG_preview.jpg 1772w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>Plas Llanelly House <\/strong>(above) is Wales\u2019s finest Georgian building and offers tours three times a week. Advanced booking advised. <br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/llanelly-house.org.uk\">llanelly-house.org.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/DH6427_preview-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30054\" width=\"341\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/DH6427_preview-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/DH6427_preview-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/DH6427_preview-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/DH6427_preview-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/DH6427_preview.jpg 1181w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 341px) 100vw, 341px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>Laugharne Boathouse <\/strong>(above) was Dylan Thomas\u2019 home from 1949-1953. <br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/dylanthomasboathouse.com\">dylanthomasboathouse.com<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Hywel Dda Centre <\/strong>is a garden and heritage centre that celebrates the codes of law of Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good), an early medieval Welsh king. <br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/hywel-dda.co.uk\">hywel-dda.co.uk<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>Llanddeusant Red Kite Feeding Station <\/strong>has feedings of these raptors each afternoon.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/redkiteswales.co.uk\">redkiteswales.co.uk<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-ccp-primary-dark-background-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-undefined uagb-block-63ea3aad-0440-447b-a323-d9f03caf6649 article-boxout\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-center sans-serif article-subhead\"><strong>A GOOD BOOK\u2026 <\/strong><br><br><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/784fb7fc-4ebe-47dc-afdb-130230ad6786.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-29718\" width=\"434\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/784fb7fc-4ebe-47dc-afdb-130230ad6786.jpg 579w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/784fb7fc-4ebe-47dc-afdb-130230ad6786-300x269.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">The obvious English-language representation of Carmarthenshire in literature is Dylan Thomas\u2019 <em><strong>Under Milk Wood, <\/strong><\/em>set in a fictional version of Laugharne. For the million or so across the UK learning Welsh, the classic to read is DJ Williams\u2019 autobiography, <em><strong>Hen D\u0177 Ffarm, <\/strong><\/em>set in late 19th-century Rhydcymerau. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">A recent film representation of the county town comes in the rather lovely <em><strong>Save the Cinema <\/strong><\/em>(2022), based on a true story of the campaign to save the town\u2019s independent Lyric in the early 90s. And if folk music evokes place for you, then <strong>Cynefin\u2019s <\/strong>reworking of folk songs from the Teifi Valley in the north of the county give a sense of the area\u2019s rural liveliness like nothing else (<a href=\"http:\/\/cynefinmusic.wales\">cynefinmusic.wales<\/a>). <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-ccp-primary-dark-background-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead has-ccp-primary-dark-color has-text-color\"><strong>THREE FANTASTIC WALKS <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1330080285_preview-1024x655.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30055\" width=\"512\" height=\"328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1330080285_preview-1024x655.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1330080285_preview-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1330080285_preview-768x491.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1330080285_preview-1536x983.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_1330080285_preview-2048x1310.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-subsubhead\"><strong>Llansteffan to Ferryside <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">For a coastal romp you\u2019ll have to yourself, follow the Wales Coast Path in this full-day 16-mile loop; there are no finer estuary views to be had. Time it well and you can cross back as late as 8pm using the ferry. Crossings are dependent on the tides; see <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/carmarthenbayferries.co.uk\">carmarthenbayferries.co.uk<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_561237315_preview-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30056\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_561237315_preview-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_561237315_preview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_561237315_preview-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_561237315_preview-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/GettyImages_561237315_preview-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-subsubhead\"><strong>Llyn y Fan Fach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">This famous but bite-sized walk (four miles, 400 metres ascent) bursts with mountain air. Start at the car park south-east of Llanddeusant. Follow the path along the river to the northern edge of the lake, before descending along the ridge to your west, taking in wide moorland vistas ahead. <\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2JAETDX_preview-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-30057\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2JAETDX_preview-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2JAETDX_preview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2JAETDX_preview-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2JAETDX_preview-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/2JAETDX_preview-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-subsubhead\"><strong>Llyn Llech Owain Country Park<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">A range of easy access, level walks with facilities and fine views can be had at this park near Llanelli, with a central lake and peat bog providing home to a wealth of wildlife. Rare plants include bogbean and royal ferns and birdlife ranges from pochards to reed buntings, little grebes and house martins.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><br><br><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"footer\">Photos: Alamy, Dave Willis, Drew Buckley, Aled Llywelyn\/Wool Museum, Getty. Map: Liz Pepperell\/www.illustrationx.com; Getty, Alamy, National Trust Images\/Chris Lacey<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Carmarthenshire is a place of crumbling castles and bustling market towns, empty beaches and tempting trails<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":29691,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","purple_page_number":"22","purple_custom_meta_purple_page_number":"22","purple_seq_number":"1","purple_custom_meta_purple_seq_number":"1","purple_source_article":"article_22-1.xml","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_article":"article_22-1.xml","purple_source_issue":"September-2023","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_issue":"September-2023","purple_external_id":"September-2023-22-1","purple_custom_meta_purple_external_id":"September-2023-22-1","purple_issue_code":"|0000084073||","purple_custom_meta_purple_issue_code":"|0000084073||","purple_android_product":"com.im.countryfile.207","purple_custom_meta_purple_android_product":"com.im.countryfile.207","purple_ios_product":"com.im.countryfile.207","purple_custom_meta_purple_ios_product":"com.im.countryfile.207","purple_web_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_web_product":"","purple_publication_id":"91da22fd-9e7f-40d1-a93f-fc46e9516d91","purple_migrated":"","kt_blocks_editor_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"2023-08-24T08:20:49Z","apple_news_article-theme":"","apple_news_api_id":"e270b0cb-d4c4-47da-89b4-1a68fc341872","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2023-08-24T10:22:17Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQ==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/A4nCwy9TER9qJtBpo_DQYcg","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":true,"apple_news_is_preview":true,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_article_theme":"","apple_news_sections":"[]"},"categories":[26],"tags":[14],"apple_news_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"14","apple_news_title":""},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa.jpg",2048,1355,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-300x198.jpg",300,198,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-768x508.jpg",768,508,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-1024x678.jpg",800,530,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa-1536x1016.jpg",1536,1016,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/8a6d7f0c-6bfd-47a9-94ac-33e931f1b4aa.jpg",2048,1355,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Carmarthenshire is a place of crumbling castles and bustling market towns, empty beaches and tempting 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