BY LEWIS NUNN APR 21, 2019
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
This May, Wales Coast Path and Ramblers Cymru will come together to launch a new Wales Coast Path Walking Festival, which will cover the entire iconic coastline of South Wales over 16 days in May.
To celebrate the seven year anniversary of the uninterrupted 870-mile coast path, the festival will offer 40 new guided walks, including fully accessible strolls, short family walks, nature trails and more challenging hikes.
Fit for all ages and abilities, the festival will take place on seven days, between 4th and 19th May. Most of the walks are completely free and showcase the stunning landscape and unique wildlife the South Wales coast has to offer.
For more information on the Wales Coast Path Walking Festival, visit their website. In the meantime, add these eight South Wales walking hotspots to your bucketlist…
1. Slade Garden
Originally built for Caroline, Countess of Dunraven, in 1852, Slade Garden encompasses nine acres of ancient woodland, herbaceous borders and specialist trees. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the beach, it offers stunning views of Dunraven Bay and its surrounding agriculture. Be sure to stop by afterwards for a mouth-watering slice of their homemade chocolate gateau.
VISIT THE VALEADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
2. Saints & Castles Walk (Wick to Llantwit Major)
Start your expedition at an Iron Age hill fort as you walk along this nine-mile route bursting at the seams with history; from the iconic Nash Point Lighthouse to the hidden treasure beauty of Trwyn Y Wrach – or the ‘Witches Nose’, as it’s referred to. Stroll by St Donats Castle and conclude your journey at St Illtyd’s Church in Llantwit Major: dating back to 395 AD where it was home to one of the first teachings of Christianity (have a browse of their vast collection of carved stones and effigies).
WALES COAST PATHM
3. Kites, Castles and Standing Stones Family Walk (Llanelli to Burry Port)
Drag the kids out of bed and venture across this four-mile hike filled with wildlife, wetlands and wide stretches of sand. Kicking off in Llanelli, you can practice your kite-flying skills over a wealth of sandy beaches before exploring Motte-and-Bailey Castle and Wales’ mini Stonehenge: the Eisteddfod standing stones. Lap up the jaw-dropping views of the famous Gower Peninsula and conclude your hike with a short visit to the brand new RNLI Lifeboat Station.
WALES COAST PATH ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
4. Dunraven Bay
Trek along Dunraven Bay, a pilgrimage site for major Doctor Who fans who will remember it as ‘Bad Wolf Bay’, the famous location where The Doctor and Rose say their final goodbyes. Hop through the copious rock pools and take in the sights of the cascading waterfalls from the cliff tops.
Tip: Bring a hiking pole, you’ll need it!
VISIT THE VALEMore info
5. Pembrey Country Park
Set in 500 acres of woodland and eight miles of golden sands, Pembrey Country Park was once the home of Pembrey’s Royal Ordnance factory – a key location in Women’s History where thousands of females were employed during the war efforts. Nowadays, guests can be found horse-riding, skiing, tobogganing, or taking a ride on the miniature railway.
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCILADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW More info
6. Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk
Admirers of poet Dylan Thomas will be absorbed into this interactive experience, where you can follow his scenery-inspired trail of thought which helped him write Poem in October. Trudge up the Salt House Farm hill and, as you reach the top, gaze over at the far stretched salt marshes of Laugharne.
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
7. Laugharne Castle
Medieval castle turned Tudor mansion, Laugharne Castle was built by the De Brian family in the 13th century: but during the Civil War, was partially dismantled by parliamentary forces. Swan through the Victorian gardens where both Dylan Thomas and Richard Hughes crafted their masterpieces in the summerhouse.
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
8. St Cadoc’s Church
Grade I listed building in the Vale of Glamorgan, St Cadoc’s Church (or Llancarfan Church) has had a wave of media attention following a restoration that took place in 2013, where layers of limewash were removed from the walls to uncover paintings of the Seven Deadly Sins and Saint George and the Dragon, dating back to what is estimated as the 15th century.
