Can you imagine anything more dreamy that going for a long meander through woodland as the sunshine beats down through the trees and the bright bluebells blossom around you? If the answer is 'no' then this walking route through Dinefwr Castle Woods in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, needs to be your next place to explore in Wales this spring - you can even treat yourself afterwards to a pint in a stunning old 16th century pub that's just a stone's throw from the stunning ancient area in the town.
These glorious woods, which look like something straight out of a fairytale, are made up of two areas of ancient semi-natural woodland that overlooks the River Tywi, which itself is shadowed by the ruins of 12th century Dinefwr Castle, which fell derelict by 1523 but was lovingly restored by Cadw. These woods don't just house oaks, beeches and sycamores that have seen kings and rulers come and go, but also stunning flora whose bluebells (and other stunning flowers such as wild garlic, dog’s mercury, lesser celandine, wood sorrel and wood anemone) light up the forest, known as Castle Wood.
And while birds and other wildlife inhabit this part of town, just a stone's throw away there is an 18th century deer park where fawn can roam free, so don't be surprised if you spot doe-eyes peering at you through the wooded ridges.
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As you make your way through the woodland - within which also stands an old charming church, Llandyfeisant, with a stream running along it - and find yourself at the top, Dinefwr Castle and its restored limestone ruins are a magnificent sight to behold.
The views from the top over the valley below are breath-taking and are well worth the trek. It has been said that this is one of the best "truly Welsh castles" still standing today - if that's not incentive for a visit, we don't know what is.
If you're a history buff, we recommend continuing your walk to Newton House, a Grade II listed building and the former family home, for over 300 years, of The Lord Rhys - Rhys ap Gruffydd - Prince of the Welsh Kingdom of the Deheubarth (and his descendants).
Built in 1660 by Edward Rice, the property's name takes inspiration from the ‘New Town’ built for English settlers in the medieval period. It was built upon a 2000-year-old site in the 17th century - so is a pretty impressive stop on this gorgeous jaunt - and is surrounded by a National Nature Reserve. Feast your eyes on exhibitions and displays before making your way through the gardens and surrounding flora before wandering downhill to the town of Llandeilo - which in 2022 was named as the best place to live in Wales - where your trek can be rewarded by a stiff drink at the 400-year-old pub, The White Horse.
This pub is one of the town's oldest buildings and was formerly a 16th century coaching inn. Inside, you'll find pictures throughout history of the surrounding area - including one of George Barnes who was head games keeper on Dinefwr estate over 100 years ago - and is the perfect place on a warm day to quench your thirst after a long walk.
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