The county of Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales has a new accessible and scenic trail for cyclists, walkers and families – the 13-mile Tywi Valley Path.
The fully tarmacked pathway is designed for relaxed explorations and provides a traffic-free route for both the community and visitors alike through a swathe of Carmarthenshire’s spectacular scenery.
Expect panoramic views across the Tywi Valley peppered with historic buildings such as Paxton’s Tower and Dinefwr Castle, each set within the dramatic West Wales countryside.
The path’s opening will be marked by a series of guided and themed Sunday Strolls from 17 May running for four weeks.
Tipped as West Wales’s answer to the Camel Trail in Cornwall and following the river and the former railway line which closed in the 1960s, the 13-mile path is aimed at everyone who loves to explore on foot or bike and really opens up the area as a slow travel corridor.
For families who want to slow down and immerse in the route there are brilliant attractions along the way like the National Botanic Garden of Wales, or the stately Newton House and Dinewfr Castle. Or, for fitness fans looking to run the length for a challenge or training, the route is bookended with the vibrant market towns of Carmarthen and Llandeilo.
The largely flat and traffic free path makes it accessible for cycling families, more serious two wheelers and e-bike enthusiasts. For families and young peddlers the route is an exciting new addition to the county’s collection of routes away from the hustle and bustle of traffic.
For walkers, the Tywi Valley Path is ideal for relaxed strolls or more challenging full-day hikes. The route follows the rivers Tywi and Cothi, crossing new bridges and boardwalk which not only protects sensitive habitats, but also makes the walk safe, accessible, and enjoyable in all seasons.
Look out for red kites overhead and for wetland birds along the riverbanks, while historic landmarks like Dryslwyn Castle perched high above on a hill offer glimpses into Carmarthenshire’s rich past.
Arriving at the path is straight forward with car free visitors able to access either end using Llandeilo and Carmarthen railway stations.
Whilst both towns offer great places to eat and stay, there are also lots of overnighting options along the way to allow the valley path can be savoured and enjoyed at a slower, more immersive pace.
Visitors can choose to take a night or two at a cottage with a hot tub, pitch a tent, book into a clear topped bell tent for some stargazing, check into a boutique guesthouse or farmhouse B&B or even sleep in a converted Bedford truck, there are endless options.
Carmarthenshire’s slow travel corridor
For those wanting to explore further whilst keeping things car-free, the path can be easily linked with the Heart of Wales Line. Add in a day to cover the 11km hike from tiny Cynghordy’s railway station to Llandeilo for a slow and sustainable extra leg where walking between stations is rarely this scenic.
Or travel by train from Carmarthen to Llandeilo then head north on the Heart of Wales line to Llandovery to retrace the route on foot to Llandeilo via Cynhordy before picking up the Tywi Valley Path back to Carmarthen. The options to link and extend the route on bike or foot are many.
Food lovers can enjoy stops for a Welsh ploughman’s, a slice of bara brith or good coffee and bakery breakfasts at independent cafes such as Stacey’s Kitchen at the Carmarthen end, mid-way at Wrights Food Emporium and Pitchfork & Provision Llandeilo side.
Carmarthenshire County Council will be enhancing this new offering working with existing and new leisure, hospitality, event organisers and accommodation providers to maximise the large potential of this facility alongside the other traffic free paths the County already offers including the 13 mile Millennium Coastal Path.
See more at discovercarmarthenshire.com