Discover Carmarthenshire

Llanelli Festival of Walks

Every Spring, ramblers from across Europe head for Carmarthenshire as the county plays host to a popular festival celebrating the great outdoors.

The Llanelli Festival of Walks is thought to be the oldest event of its kind in Wales and draws in the crowds for a three-day extravaganza of walks which range from a gentle stroll to a more gruelling challenge.

Festival chairman, Alwyn Williams, says the event is attracting more and more visitors to Carmarthenshire every year. "This festival has opened people’s eyes to what we have to offer here and really helped to put Carmarthenshire on the map as an excellent walking destination."

To celebrate the completion in 2012 of the all-Wales Coast Path, a number of sections of the path have been included in this year's programme.

Some of the 2012 Walks...

Family Rambles:
One each day, these are gentle-paced and big of fun. Meet at the Selwyn Samuel Centre / Leisure Centre Car Park, Park Crescent, Llanelli for all walks.

Walk 18 - Llyn Llech Owain Country Park: This Site of Special Scientific Interest offers a delightful walking experience along a network of well surfaced footpaths that meander around the lake which is surrounded by forestry and full of wildlife. The Visitor Centre houses a variety of exhibitions, information on wildlife and, while enjoying refreshments at the coffee shop perhaps, offers splendid views across the lake (4 miles, easy).

Easy to moderate - expect some climbs in these rewarding 6-milers...

Walk 4 - Llansteffan: Starting at the village of Llanstephan with its 12th Century Norman Castle, this circular walk takes us along pleasant woodland trails and, from a vantage point on the coastal path, offers spectacular views across the Tywi Estuary to Ferryside, and Worms Head on Gower (6 miles, moderate).

Walk 17 - Bynea to Llanelli: Offering extensive views across the Loughor Estuary to Gower, this leisurely walk follows the Wales Coast Path from Bynea Gateway to Llanelli, passing the Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, continuing alongside the prestigious Machynys Golf Course and on to Llanelli Beach with its pleasant promenade (6 miles, easy).

More strenuous - for those with a fully-fledged walking addiction...

Walk 3 St. Clears to Llansteffan: Our walk sets off past the ruin of St.Clear’s Castle, through picturesque farmland, following the coastal path down the eastern side of the Taf Valley crossing a number of tributaries before reaching the estuary of the Taf by the ruins of St.Teilo’s Church. Leaving impressive views of Laugharne behind us, our route takes us high above the cliffs with views towards Tenby and Caldey Island, and the Gower Peninsula. We reach the Tywi Estuary and continue along the coastal path to Llanstephan with views across the estuary to Ferryside (9 miles, fairly strenuous).

For more information and a full festival programme click here or visit www.llanelliramblers.org.uk

(walking Map »)