New Tywi Valley Path opens
- Richard Hammond
- May 2
- 3 min read
A new 13-mile traffic-free trail has opened connecting Carmarthen to Llandeilo along a
former railway line which follows the gentle sweep of the River Tywi in West Wales.
This news story was first featured in the Global News pages of our free Green Traveller magazine
The path’s opening will be marked by a series of guided and themed Sunday Strolls from 17 May running for 4 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 60s, the 13-mile path is aimed at everyone who loves to explore on foot or bike.
The fully tarmacked Tywi Valley Path provides a car-free route for cyclists, walkers and families
through a swathe of Carmarthenshire’s spectacular scenery across the Tywi Valley
peppered with historic buildings such as Paxton’s Tower and Dinefwr Castle.
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 routesaway 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.
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.
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