5 Ideas for Walks / Days Out for Dog Friendly Holidays in West Wales
Here at Tŷ Mawr Country Hotel in Carmarthenshire, West Wales we are very dog friendly and have spent the lockdown period discovering walks from our door or a short drive away.
This blog details a number of walks / days out for you to consider, if you would like more detail please contact us. We have been amazed at the beauty of these walks and how are suitable they are for dogs. Carmarthenshire is a true undiscovered gem which has such alot to offer for enjoying the good old outside. From our door also there are a number of local walks which vary in length, all to be fair have a hill involved as we are in a valley so you can enjoy your time with your dog without jumping in the car. Further afield we have listed out a number of places to visit with your dog which have defined dog walks as part of the location.
Keepers and Gwarallt Walks – Brechfa Forest
Less than 10 minute drive. A regular walk for Mel and I this is a wonderful one which goes through the most beautiful forest, along streams across rivers. Keepers is a longer walk around 45 minutes, steep in some places and Gwarallt much shorter. Bring your boots as even in the summer Keepers does have some muddy parts. You dog will love playing in the river if you will let them.
Abergorlech – Brechfa Forest
An 8 Minute drive. Abergorlech is home to a picnic site with childrens’ play area in a wooded location where the Gorlech and Cothi rivers meet. Strangely shaped stones have been found in the river, and examples of these Gorlech Stones are displayed in the front gardens of cottages in the villages. Sewin (sea trout) and salmon find their way up the river Gorlech each year to spawn. There are three waymarked walks going from 1 mile to 5 miles from Abergorlech, one of which goes to Brechfa Forest Garden. Each one becomes a bit harder, the river Gorlech is wonderful, you can walk alongside it and there is a nice picnic area.
The Botanical Garden of Wales – Doggy Days!
A 15 minute drive. With over 8,000 different types of plants across over 560 acres of beautiful countryside there is a huge amount to experience. A lovely place to wander with your pooch. There are Doggy Days every Monday and Friday plus designated weekends so well worth checking with them as you will have lots to see including the world’s largest single spanned glasshouse, plus you can take your dogs into the restaurant and shop.
https://botanicgarden.wales/doggy-day-rules/
Dinefwr Park and Castle
A 30-minute drive. One of our favourite places the views from the Castle are astounding. You have two parts to this location the Castle and also Newton House which is National Trust. There are fabulous walks over some fantastic landscapes – a gentle trot around the White Park Cattle walk seeing the cattle and calves or a more challenging uphill climb to Dinefwr Castle where you and your dog can view the Tywi valley. Stop for a snack at the outlet in the car park or you can sit outside the café at Newton House. For the enjoyment of all visitors, dogs are asked to be kept on a lead and dog waste picked up. Areas not accessible for dogs (except assistance dogs) are the ancient deer park, boardwalk and Newton House.
You can then pop into Llandeilo and look round this lovely town which has great shops and more cafés!
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/dinefwr-castle
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dinefwr
Carreg Cennen
A 35 minute drive and 900 foot above the River Cennen stands the most wonderful castle. There are two dog friendly trails you can follow here. One leads to the hilltop castle where you will be amazed by the wide, panoramic views. The other takes you around the foot of the hill upon which the castle stands, and along the tranquil River Cennen.
NB: Take care around the sheep and cattle in the surrounding fields. Dogs should be kept under close control or on a lead. Follow the Red signs for the longer route and the Yellow signs for the Shorter route
http://www.carregcennencastle.com/
There are many, many more ideas we have for you when you stay including a spectacular mountain walk with views which give you an alpine feeling.