Local Area of West Wales

There is a landmark glacial feature called Cerrig Hyllod ('The Ugly Stones') in the Clettwr Valley and local history relates how these giant stones served in earlier times as a pulpit for a popular Welsh preacher who lived in the valley. You can see the glacial stones and bluebell wood featured in the Walkers are Welcome short film of nature trails in the area. Visitors are welcome to explore the ancient woodland nearby at Coed Foel, part of Coed Cadw / Woodland Trust which is also featured in the film, with public footpath, bluebell woods in May, and wild blueberries on the banks of the trails in summer.

Within walking distance, you can visit Rock Mills, one of the few working traditional woollen mills left in the country, and the Honorwood Flock farm and shop specialising in Shetland and Icelandic fleeces and Angora mohair. Walkers can enjoy part of the riverside Teifi Trail nearby, and our cycling visitors can join Route 82 of the National Cycle Network, which will take them through some wonderful scenery to the coast at Cardigan, or inland to the wild beauty of the nature reserves around Tregaron. For fishermen, the Llandysul Angling Association is located nearby, for details of local salmon and trout fishing in the Teifi Valley. The Llandysul Paddlers Canoe Club offers white water rafting, canoes and kayaks for some spectacular scenery along the Teifi for the water sports enthusiasts. A delightful promotional film “Teifi – from Sea to Source” has recently been produced by the Teifi Valley Tourism Association. This half-hour aerial film follows the Teifi River all the way from Poppit Sands at Cardigan Bay 75 miles to its source at Teifi Pools and includes traditional music, poetry and narrative about many historical sites along the river.

The beautiful coastline of Cardigan Bay, with its clean, unspoilt beaches at Poppit Sands, Llangranog, Penbryn, Mwnt, and charming harbour towns at New Quay, Tresaith and Newport Sands are all within a reasonable driving distance from your holiday cottage. The Heritage Coast Path provides cliff walking and stunning views all along the coast of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire with sights of rock pools, sea birds, seals and sometimes dolphins.

Dotted around the countryside are numerous ancient and medieval historical sites, from Celtic hill forts to Roman mines and Welsh monasteries from the Middle Ages. Also worth a visit are the National Botanic Garden of Wales and the restored 17th century house and garden at Aberglasney in Carmarthenshire. Details about these and other attractions and activities can be viewed on our Local Attractions page. Or browse the Coast & Countryside website for a calendar of local events throughout the year as well as where to find the best restaurants during your cottage holiday in West Wales.

This area has a very high proportion of artists and crafts people which is reflected in the number of galleries and craft shops selling unique locally made arts and crafts. There are also many local producers of fine foods, with an emphasis on organic and traditional methods of production; these are often available from the makers’ premises and local markets as well as shops.

Whether you are interested in walking, birdwatching, fishing, sailing, horse riding, browsing in local craft and antique shops or visiting historical sites, you will find a range of brochures in the holiday cottages about the many visitor attractions in west Wales.