Castles
Carmarthenshire has several ancient castles all of which are open to the public.
Carreg Cennen
Dinefwr
Dryslwyn
Carreg Cennen (SN667194)
Perhaps the most spectacular is Carreg Cennen (shown right) which sits precariously on a high rocky crag. Dating back to the 13th Century it affords superb views of Black Mountain to the South and the Towy valley to the North. An added attraction, especially for children, is the dark cave that runs deep underneath the castle.
Dinefwr (SN612217)
Overlooking the Towy river Dinefwr castle is thought to date from the 9th century. It is one of the most important castles in Wales once having been the seat Welsh rulers of Deheubarth, the medieval principality of southwest Wales. The castle is in the grounds of Dinefwr Park, where you can also find Newton House (NT), a deer park and ancient woodlands.
Dryslwyn (SN554223)
Above the meandering Towy river Dryslwyn castle probably dates from the 13th century. Offering excellent views of Paxtons tower (19th century folly) to the South West and Carreg Cennen to the West the castle was once used by the famous Welsh nationalist Owain Glyndwr.
Slightly further away, but also worth a visit are Carmarthen, Llansteffan and Laugharne.
For more information visit Jeffrey Thomas'/Lise Hulls' excellent website Castles of Wales.
Yew tunnel at Aberglasney
National Botanic Gardens
Newton House
Red Kite
Llandovery
Statue at Llandovery
Llandeilo
Parks,Gardens and Nature Reserves
There are numerous parks and gardens within easy reach of Myddfai including the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and the nationally renowned Aberglasney.
Aberglasney (SN581222)
Recently restored, the ancient gardens of Aberglasney are a delight for the horticulturist or historian. One of the few Jacobean garden structures still to be found the visitor can explore it's pools, parapets arcades and tunnels as well as discovering some of the rare and exiting plants. Don't miss the ancient Yew tunnel!
National Botanic Gardens of Wales( SN522183)
A international centre of conservation and research, the gardens have numerous attractions including the world's largest single span greenhouse, a Mediterranean Garden, and the Wallace garden honouring famous Welsh botanist Alfred Russell Wallace. Do not miss the exhibition featuring the physicians of Myddfai.
Gelli Aur (SN595197)
Country park of 60 acres including arboretum, nature trails, deer park and visitor centre built around a baronial mansion (not open to the public). Contact 01558 668885.
Dinefwr Park (SN615225)
An 18th century landscaped park with nature reserve, bog wood and deer park surrounding the carefully restored Newton House (NT). Home to the ancient herd of Dinefwr White Park cattle. Events and tours held March to November.
Dinas Nature Reserve (SN781467)
A few miles north of Rhandirmwyn is Dinas Nature Reserve which provides a spectacular circular walk among the waterfalls of the upper Towy valley. Run by the RSPB bird watchers should keep an eye out for redstarts, wood warblers, dippers, sandpiper and pied flycatchers as well as the Red Kites for which this area is famous. Twm Sion Catti, the Welsh outlaw, was reported to have hidden in the caves here.
Towns and Villages
Llandovery (SN765344)
The nearest town to Myddfai, Llandovery is an ancient drovers town with a history dating back to the Roman times. Its Welsh name, Llanymddfri, means "The Church Amidst The Waters" being bordered on one side by the river Towy and the river Bran on the other. Next to the ruin of the town's Norman Castle is the Heritage Centre where you can learn about Twm Sion Cati, the notorious Highwayman, and William Williams, the famous Welsh hymn-writer as well as history and myths surrounding the Physicians of Myddfai. Places of interest in the town include Llandovery College, the site of the Bank of the Black Ox (an old drovers bank), Llanfair church and the old printing works.
Llandeilo
Once the county town of Carmartheshire, Llandeilo is a pretty town perched above the river Towy. Dating back to the 5th century, it was named after the 5th century Saint Teilo. It's historic streets have a number of excellent pubs, eating places and art galleries. Built on a hill, access from the South is by an elegant stone bridge. At the top of the hill is the beautiful park of Dinefwr.
Carmarthen
The origins of the Carmarthen go back to the time of the Roman conquest of Wales when a Roman military fort was established in around 75 AD. First mentioned in history by the famous Greek astronomer Ptolemy around 140 AD, this thriving Roman town even had an amphitheatre, part of which still exists today.
Perched above the river Towy (tidal here), by medieval times it had become a thriving port. According to legend the wizard Merlin was born here and the name Carmarthen is derived from Caerfyrddin meaning 'fort of Merlin'.