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Welcome to the Western Beacons

From breathtaking landscapes to ancient market towns, it’s easy to see why this region is one of Carmarthenshire’s proudest possessions

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Welcome to the Western Beacons

From breathtaking landscapes to ancient market towns, it’s easy to see why this region is one of Carmarthenshire’s proudest possessions

Font

Welcome to the Western Beacons

From breathtaking landscapes to ancient market towns, it’s easy to see why this region is one of Carmarthenshire’s proudest possessions

Font

A visit to Carmarthenshire in South West Wales isn’t complete without experiencing the natural beauty of the Western Beacons. Known locally as the Black Mountain, this area of high rolling country above Llandovery, Llandeilo and the Tywi Valley may be the least well known part of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park — but its unique charm is not to be missed.

Learn more

Learn more

People in nature, Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Mountain, Bird, Highland, Slope, Grass
Plant community, Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Mountain, Highland, Grass
Hairstyle, Human, Window, Fashion, Eyewear, Textile, Standing, Gesture, Wall

A visit to Carmarthenshire in South West Wales isn’t complete without experiencing the natural beauty of the Western Beacons. Known locally as the Black Mountain, this area of high rolling country above Llandovery, Llandeilo and the Tywi Valley may be the least well known part of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park — but its unique charm is not to be missed.

Learn more

Learn more

People in nature, Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Mountain, Bird, Highland, Slope, Grass
Plant community, Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Mountain, Highland, Grass
Hairstyle, Human, Window, Fashion, Eyewear, Textile, Standing, Gesture, Wall

A visit to Carmarthenshire in South West Wales isn’t complete without experiencing the natural beauty of the Western Beacons. Known locally as the Black Mountain, this area of high rolling country above Llandovery, Llandeilo and the Tywi Valley may be the least well known part of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park — but its unique charm is not to be missed.

Learn more

Learn more

People in nature, Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Mountain, Bird, Highland, Slope, Grass
Plant community, Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Mountain, Highland, Grass
Hairstyle, Human, Window, Fashion, Eyewear, Textile, Standing, Gesture, Wall
Map, World

The great outdoors

Grab your walking boots and enjoy everything the Western Beacons has to offer

Click on points to learn more

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire

Starting in the charming village of Cil-y-cwm, this long walk traverses nature reserves, Bronze Age burial cairns, Iron Age hillforts and the Craig Rhossan waterfall.

Cil-y-cwm
Cloud, Bird, Sky, Beak

Learn more

Learn more

Enjoy panoramic views of the 12th century ruins of Talley Abbey and Talley’s two lakes, one of which is a nature reserve home to several species of waterfowl.

Talley Abbey
Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Atmosphere, Plant, Nature, Lighting, Dusk, Tree

Learn more

Learn more

This walk begins at a 13th century castle and features 360 degree panoramic news of the surrounding valleys. The castle itself was voted the most romantic ruin in Wales by readers of Countryfile magazine.
Source: BBC Countryfile magazine, 2010

Carreg Cennen
People in nature, Plant community, Natural landscape, Sky, Mountain, Highland, Grass, Grassland, Plain

Learn more

Learn more

Sat atop a hill overlooking the River Tywi, this charming market town was nominated as one of the best places to live in Wales by The Sunday Times.

Llandeilo
Sky, Plant, Wall

Learn more

Learn more

Situated on the north western edge of the Brecon Beacons, this market town is famous for its cattle drovers heritage. Visit one of the many local pubs and try a ‘Drover’s lunch’.

Llandovery

Sky, Plant, Cloud, Water, Tree

Learn more

Learn more

This circular walk starts in the centre of Llandeilo and passes through town and countryside. Don’t miss Dinefwr Park, home to the ruins of a 12th century castle and a 17th century manor house.

Llandeilo and Dinefwr Park
Natural landscape, Sky, Plant, Tree, Grass, Trunk

Learn more

Learn more

A strenuous walk and a strong contender for one of the UK’s most dramatic and rewarding walks, with magnificent views of Llyn Y Fan Fach (lake of the small Beacon hill) on the western flank of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Llyn y Fan — Carmarthen Fans
People in nature, Natural landscape, Sky, Plant, Highland, Mountain, Grass

Learn more

Learn more

Head to this peaceful nature reserve for a gentle stroll through an unspoilt area of the Carmarthenshire countryside. Visit Twm Sion Cati’s cave (the Welsh Robin Hood) and look out for various species of bird, including red kites.

RSPB Gwenffrwd Dinas
People in nature, Plant community, Natural landscape, Sky, Water, Tree, Mountain, Vegetation, Grass

Learn more

Learn more

Running from Swansea to Shrewsbury, the Carmarthenshire section of this rural railway line passes through beautiful countryside and charming villages. Hop off at one of the many stations and walk some of the Heart of Wales trail, a long-distance hike spanning the length of the tracks.

Heart of Wales Line
Natural landscape, Land lot, Cloud, Sky, Plant, Ecoregion, Mountain, Green, Highland, Vegetation

Learn more

Learn more

Map, Slope, Rectangle

Named for the ford that was once used to cross the River Amman, this former mining town is a great base for exploring the nearby Black Mountains on foot or by bike.

Ammanford
Fluvial landforms of streams, Natural landscape, Riparian zone, Water, Sky, Tree, Plant, Waterfall, Watercourse, Bank

Learn more

Learn more

Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Material property, Font
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe

Llandeilo

Ammanford

Llandovery

Swansea

Map, World

The great outdoors

Grab your walking boots and enjoy everything the Western Beacons has to offer

Click on points to learn more

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire

A strenuous walk and a strong contender for one of the UK’s most dramatic and rewarding walks, with magnificent views of Llyn Y Fan Fach (lake of the small Beacon hill) on the western flank of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Llyn y Fan — Carmarthen Fans
People in nature, Natural landscape, Sky, Plant, Highland, Mountain, Grass

Learn more

Learn more

This walk begins at a 13th century castle and features 360 degree panoramic news of the surrounding valleys. The castle itself was voted the most romantic ruin in Wales by readers of Countryfile magazine.
Source: BBC Countryfile magazine, 2010

Carreg Cennen
People in nature, Plant community, Natural landscape, Sky, Mountain, Highland, Grass, Grassland, Plain

Learn more

Learn more

Head to this peaceful nature reserve for a gentle stroll through an unspoilt area of the Carmarthenshire countryside. Visit Twm Sion Cati’s cave (the Welsh Robin Hood) and look out for various species of bird, including red kites.

RSPB Gwenffrwd Dinas
People in nature, Plant community, Natural landscape, Sky, Water, Tree, Mountain, Vegetation, Grass

Learn more

Learn more

Enjoy panoramic views of the 12th century ruins of Talley Abbey and Talley’s two lakes, one of which is a nature reserve home to several species of waterfowl.

Talley Abbey
Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Atmosphere, Plant, Nature, Lighting, Dusk, Tree

Learn more

Learn more

Starting in the charming village of Cil-y-cwm, this long walk traverses nature reserves, Bronze Age burial cairns, Iron Age hillforts and the Craig Rhossan waterfall.

Cil-y-cwm
Cloud, Bird, Sky, Beak

Learn more

Learn more

This circular walk starts in the centre of Llandeilo and passes through town and countryside. Don’t miss Dinefwr Park, home to the ruins of a 12th century castle and a 17th century manor house.

Llandeilo and Dinefwr Park
Natural landscape, Sky, Plant, Tree, Grass, Trunk

Learn more

Learn more

Sat atop a hill overlooking the River Tywi, this charming market town was nominated as one of the best places to live in Wales by The Sunday Times.

Llandeilo
Sky, Plant, Wall

Learn more

Learn more

Situated on the north western edge of the Brecon Beacons, this market town is famous for its cattle drovers heritage. Visit one of the many local pubs and try a ‘Drover’s lunch’.

Llandovery

Sky, Plant, Cloud, Water, Tree

Learn more

Learn more

Running from Swansea to Shrewsbury, the Carmarthenshire section of this rural railway line passes through beautiful countryside and charming villages. Hop off at one of the many stations and walk some of the Heart of Wales trail, a long-distance hike spanning the length of the tracks.

Heart of Wales Line
Natural landscape, Land lot, Cloud, Sky, Plant, Ecoregion, Mountain, Green, Highland, Vegetation

Learn more

Learn more

Map, Slope, Rectangle

Named for the ford that was once used to cross the River Amman, this former mining town is a great base for exploring the nearby Black Mountains on foot or by bike.

Ammanford
Fluvial landforms of streams, Natural landscape, Riparian zone, Water, Sky, Tree, Plant, Waterfall, Watercourse, Bank

Learn more

Learn more

Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Material property, Font
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe

Llandeilo

Ammanford

Llandovery

Swansea

Map, World

Carmarthenshire

The great outdoors

Grab your walking boots and enjoy everything the Western Beacons has to offer

Click on points to learn more

Carmarthenshire

A strenuous walk and a strong contender for one of the UK’s most dramatic and rewarding walks, with magnificent views of Llyn Y Fan Fach (lake of the small Beacon hill) on the western flank of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

People in nature, Natural landscape, Sky, Plant, Highland, Mountain, Grass
Llyn y Fan — Carmarthen Fans

Learn more

Learn more

This walk begins at a 13th century castle and features 360 degree panoramic news of the surrounding valleys. The castle itself was voted the most romantic ruin in Wales by readers of Countryfile magazine.
Source: BBC Countryfile magazine, 2010

People in nature, Plant community, Natural landscape, Sky, Mountain, Highland, Grass, Grassland, Plain
Carreg Cennen

Learn more

Learn more

Head to this peaceful nature reserve for a gentle stroll through an unspoilt area of the Carmarthenshire countryside. Visit Twm Sion Cati’s cave (the Welsh Robin Hood) and look out for various species of bird, including red kites.

People in nature, Plant community, Natural landscape, Sky, Water, Tree, Mountain, Vegetation, Grass
RSPB Gwenffrwd Dinas

Learn more

Learn more

Enjoy panoramic views of the 12th century ruins of Talley Abbey and Talley’s two lakes, one of which is a nature reserve home to several species of waterfowl.

Natural landscape, Cloud, Sky, Atmosphere, Plant, Nature, Lighting, Dusk, Tree
Talley Abbey

Learn more

Learn more

Starting in the charming village of Cil-y-cwm, this long walk traverses nature reserves, Bronze Age burial cairns, Iron Age hillforts and the Craig Rhossan waterfall.

Cloud, Bird, Sky, Beak
Cil-y-cwm

Learn more

Learn more

This circular walk starts in the centre of Llandeilo and passes through town and countryside. Don’t miss Dinefwr Park, home to the ruins of a 12th century castle and a 17th century manor house.

Natural landscape, Sky, Plant, Tree, Grass, Trunk
Llandeilo and Dinefwr Park

Learn more

Learn more

Sat atop a hill overlooking the River Tywi, this charming market town was nominated as one of the best places to live in Wales by The Sunday Times.

Sky, Plant, Wall

Learn more

Learn more

Llandeilo

Situated on the north western edge of the Brecon Beacons, this market town is famous for its cattle drovers heritage. Visit one of the many local pubs and try a ‘Drover’s lunch’.

Sky, Plant, Cloud, Water, Tree

Learn more

Learn more

Llandovery

Running from Swansea to Shrewsbury, the Carmarthenshire section of this rural railway line passes through beautiful countryside and charming villages. Hop off at one of the many stations and walk some of the Heart of Wales trail, a long-distance hike spanning the length of the tracks.

Natural landscape, Land lot, Cloud, Sky, Plant, Ecoregion, Mountain, Green, Highland, Vegetation
Map, Slope, Rectangle

Learn more

Learn more

Heart of Wales Line

Named for the ford that was once used to cross the River Amman, this former mining town is a great base for exploring the nearby Black Mountains on foot or by bike.

Fluvial landforms of streams, Natural landscape, Riparian zone, Water, Sky, Tree, Plant, Waterfall, Watercourse, Bank

Learn more

Learn more

Ammanford
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Material property, Font
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe
Footwear, Shoe

Llandeilo

Ammanford

Llandovery

Swansea

Llandeilo

Foodies welcome
Curated shopping
INSIDER TIP:

Discover narrow, winding streets and pastel-coloured Georgian houses in this scenic market town

Formal restaurant dining, cosy cafes or relaxed bar snacks, Llandeilo can offer it all. Head to Pitchfork & Provision for artisan baked goods or to Heavenly Chocolate Emporium for handmade chocolates.

Llandeilo delivers on independent traders and quirky shops, perfect for finding a unique souvenir or gift — it has even been recognised as one of the top 10 spots for independent shops in the UK, by American Express Shop Small.

“Don’t miss the incredible ruins of Dinefwr Castle”

Urban design, Window, Building, Plant, Fixture, Brick
Body of water, Residential area, Plant, Sky, Building, Tree, Grass, Neighbourhood

Llandeilo

Foodies welcome
Curated shopping
INSIDER TIP:

Discover narrow, winding streets and pastel-coloured Georgian houses in this scenic market town

Formal restaurant dining, cosy cafes or relaxed bar snacks, Llandeilo can offer it all. Head to Pitchfork & Provision for artisan baked goods or to Heavenly Chocolate Emporium for handmade chocolates.

Llandeilo delivers on independent traders and quirky shops, perfect for finding a unique souvenir or gift — it has even been recognised as one of the top 10 spots for independent shops in the UK, by American Express Shop Small.

“Don’t miss the incredible ruins of Dinefwr Castle”

Urban design, Window, Building, Plant, Fixture, Brick
Body of water, Residential area, Plant, Sky, Building, Tree, Grass, Neighbourhood

Llandeilo

Foodies welcome
Curated shopping
INSIDER TIP:

Discover narrow, winding streets and pastel-coloured Georgian houses in this scenic market town

Formal restaurant dining, cosy cafes or relaxed bar snacks, Llandeilo can offer it all. Head to Pitchfork & Provision for artisan baked goods or to Heavenly Chocolate Emporium for handmade chocolates.

Llandeilo delivers on independent traders and quirky shops, perfect for finding a unique souvenir or gift — it has even been recognised as one of the top 10 spots for independent shops in the UK, by American Express Shop Small.

“Don’t miss the incredible ruins of Dinefwr Castle”

Urban design, Window, Building, Plant, Fixture, Brick
Body of water, Residential area, Plant, Sky, Building, Tree, Grass, Neighbourhood

Llandovery

Rich heritage
Local legends
INSIDER TIP:

Fascinating history and spectacular nature come together in this pretty market town

Llandovery was the central point for Carmarthenshire drovers (men herding livestock on foot) and historical remnants can be found on every corner. Be sure to try a Drover’s lunch often including local cheese and a homemade Scotch egg.

Learn about Welsh hero Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, whose statue stands on the castle mound above the town.

“Challenge yourself with the cycle route up Black Mountain on the Western edge of the Brecon Beacons”

Bicycles--Equipment and supplies, Bicycle wheel, Cloud, Sky, Building, Window, Plant, Tire
People in nature, Natural landscape, Cloud, Water, Sky, Mountain, Plant, Highland, Lake, Bank
Natural landscape, Plant, Tree, Grass
Smile, Food, Wood, Tableware

Llandovery

Rich heritage
Local legends
INSIDER TIP:

Fascinating history and spectacular nature come together in this pretty market town

Llandovery was the central point for Carmarthenshire drovers (men herding livestock on foot) and historical remnants can be found on every corner. Be sure to try a Drover’s lunch often including local cheese and a homemade Scotch egg.

Learn about Welsh hero Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, whose statue stands on the castle mound above the town.

“Challenge yourself with the cycle route up Black Mountain on the Western edge of the Brecon Beacons”

Bicycles--Equipment and supplies, Bicycle wheel, Cloud, Sky, Building, Window, Plant, Tire
People in nature, Natural landscape, Cloud, Water, Sky, Mountain, Plant, Highland, Lake, Bank
Natural landscape, Plant, Tree, Grass
Smile, Food, Wood, Tableware

Llandovery

Rich heritage
Local legends
INSIDER TIP:

Fascinating history and spectacular nature come together in this pretty market town

Llandovery was the central point for Carmarthenshire drovers (men herding livestock on foot) and historical remnants can be found on every corner. Be sure to try a Drover’s lunch often including local cheese and a homemade Scotch egg.

Learn about Welsh hero Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, whose statue stands on the castle mound above the town.

“Challenge yourself with the cycle route up Black Mountain on the Western edge of the Brecon Beacons”

Bicycles--Equipment and supplies, Bicycle wheel, Cloud, Sky, Building, Window, Plant, Tire
People in nature, Natural landscape, Cloud, Water, Sky, Mountain, Plant, Highland, Lake, Bank
Natural landscape, Plant, Tree, Grass
Smile, Food, Wood, Tableware

Plenty to see & do

Land lot, Plant, Building, Property, Botany, Tree, House, Architecture, Sky, Hedge
Aberglasney Gardens

Set in the heart of the Tywi Valley, this much-loved attraction offers 10 acres of horticultural treasures to explore, including the unique Ninfarium.

Fluvial landforms of streams, Natural landscape, Water, Cloud, Sky, Plant, Highland, Tree, Lake, Biome
Dryslwyn Castle

Be transported back in time at the ruins of this 13th century castle, once an important seat of the ancient south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth.

Baseball cap, Hard hat, Sky, Shorts, Gesture, Tree
Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Channel your inner prospector at the UK’s only known Roman gold mine located in the forested hillsides of the Cambrian Mountains.

Explore attractions

Explore attractions

Land lot, Plant, Building, Property, Botany, Tree, House, Architecture, Sky, Hedge
Aberglasney Gardens

Set in the heart of the Tywi Valley, this much-loved attraction offers 10 acres of horticultural treasures to explore, including the unique Ninfarium.

Fluvial landforms of streams, Natural landscape, Water, Cloud, Sky, Plant, Highland, Tree, Lake, Biome
Dryslwyn Castle

Be transported back in time at the ruins of this 13th century castle, once an important seat of the ancient south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth.

Baseball cap, Hard hat, Sky, Shorts, Gesture, Tree
Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Channel your inner prospector at the UK’s only known Roman gold mine located in the forested hillsides of the Cambrian Mountains.

Explore attractions

Explore attractions

Land lot, Plant, Building, Property, Botany, Tree, House, Architecture, Sky, Hedge
Aberglasney Gardens

Set in the heart of the Tywi Valley, this much-loved attraction offers 10 acres of horticultural treasures to explore, including the unique Ninfarium.

Fluvial landforms of streams, Natural landscape, Water, Cloud, Sky, Plant, Highland, Tree, Lake, Biome
Dryslwyn Castle

Be transported back in time at the ruins of this 13th century castle, once an important seat of the ancient south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth.

Baseball cap, Hard hat, Sky, Shorts, Gesture, Tree
Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Channel your inner prospector at the UK’s only known Roman gold mine located in the forested hillsides of the Cambrian Mountains.

Explore attractions

Explore attractions

Visiting the Western Beacons

Urban design, Residential area, Plant, Building, Property, Window, Sky, Neighbourhood
Accommodation

From magical cottages and cosy hotels to historic inns and glamping lodges, this region offers something for all tastes and budgets.

Learn more

Learn more

Brown sauce, Food, Ingredient, Tableware, Recipe, Cuisine, Dish, Condiment
Food & drink

Discover a foodie’s delight, where you can visit an independent coffee roastery, sample woodfired pizza and enjoy handmade Welsh chocolates all in one day.

Learn more

Learn more

Dog breed, Scent hound, Vertebrate, Carnivore, Collar, Fawn
Dogs welcome

Plenty of dog-friendly walks and accommodation options across the region makes bringing your four-legged friend on holiday easier than ever.

Learn more

Learn more

Urban design, Residential area, Plant, Building, Property, Window, Sky, Neighbourhood
Accommodation

From magical cottages and cosy hotels to historic inns and glamping lodges, this region offers something for all tastes and budgets.

Learn more

Learn more

Brown sauce, Food, Ingredient, Tableware, Recipe, Cuisine, Dish, Condiment
Food & drink

Discover a foodie’s delight, where you can visit an independent coffee roastery, sample woodfired pizza and enjoy handmade Welsh chocolates all in one day.

Learn more

Learn more

Dog breed, Scent hound, Vertebrate, Carnivore, Collar, Fawn
Dogs welcome

Plenty of dog-friendly walks and accommodation options across the region makes bringing your four-legged friend on holiday easier than ever.

Learn more

Learn more

Urban design, Residential area, Plant, Building, Property, Window, Sky, Neighbourhood
Accommodation

From magical cottages and cosy hotels to historic inns and glamping lodges, this region offers something for all tastes and budgets.

Learn more

Learn more

Brown sauce, Food, Ingredient, Tableware, Recipe, Cuisine, Dish, Condiment
Food & drink

Discover a foodie’s delight, where you can visit an independent coffee roastery, sample woodfired pizza and enjoy handmade Welsh chocolates all in one day.

Learn more

Learn more

Dog breed, Scent hound, Vertebrate, Carnivore, Collar, Fawn
Dogs welcome

Plenty of dog-friendly walks and accommodation options across the region makes bringing your four-legged friend on holiday easier than ever.

Learn more

Learn more

The Western Beacons is just one of the fantastic locations in the county of Carmarthenshire — from Carmarthen Bay to the Cambrian mountains, more discoveries await for your next short break.

Ready to plan your trip?

Get started

Get started

Font

The Western Beacons is just one of the fantastic locations in the county of Carmarthenshire — from Carmarthen Bay to the Cambrian mountains, more discoveries await for your next short break.

Ready to plan your trip?

Get started

Get started

Font

The Western Beacons is just one of the fantastic locations in the county of Carmarthenshire — from Carmarthen Bay to the Cambrian mountains, more discoveries await for your next short break.

Ready to plan your trip?

Get started

Get started

Font