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

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

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

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





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





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






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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more
Learn more

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

Learn more
Learn more







Llandeilo
Ammanford
Llandovery
Swansea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more
Learn more

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

Learn more
Learn more







Llandeilo
Ammanford
Llandovery
Swansea

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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.


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.

Learn more
Learn more
Ammanford







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”




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”




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”




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”




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”




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”




Plenty to see & do

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
