One of our favourite local places for a country walk is The Dolaucothi Estate & Gold Mines. It is only 15 minutes drive from the cottages and offers several different walking options – from easy to challenging. The beautiful 2,500-acre estate has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It offers 25km of scenic footpaths. Wander through peaceful riverside trails, charming meadows, enchanting woodlands, and breathtaking upland landscapes.
Over time, nature has transformed this former industrial landscape so beautifully that it feels like a completely natural woodland. However, look a little closer, and you’ll discover there’s much more hidden beneath these rolling, tree-covered hills!
Here, the industrial past and the wild world come together to create the perfect home for lichens, mosses, and rare ferns.
Dolaucothi Through the Seasons
Every season brings something special to Dolaucothi!
🌸 Spring – Wander through woodlands blanketed in bluebells and watch the parkland trees burst into vibrant color.
☀️ Summer – Count the busy bees and pollinators in the sunshine whilst Red Kites soar overhead.
🍂 Autumn – Take in the breathtaking valley views from the trig point, the estate’s highest spot at 925ft (282m), surrounded by golden hues.
❄️ Winter – No need to stay indoors! Pull on your wellies and explore crisp trails, spotting wildlife along the way.
There’s always something to see and enjoy—whatever the season.
Around the estate you’ll see nuthatches, pied wagtails, blackbirds, thrushes and a variety of tits (including long-tailed). Look up to watch the swallows who return to nest every year. You may even be lucky enough to spot a tree-creeper or pied flycatcher. Listen out for Woodpeckers drumming as you enjoy the bird song. The estate has some very beautiful trees too, like this majestic Lime.
Stop for a moment beside the River Cothi. It is so peaceful and the water is very clean. Otters and kingfishers live along the banks.
Walking Trails at Dolaucothi Estate & Gold Mines
There are four way marked trails: The Parkland Trail (Easy), The Woodland Trail (Moderate), The Miner’s Way Trail (Moderate) and The Estate Trail (Strenuous).
TWIG Project
At the beginning of 2024, the Dolaucothi Estate was awarded a sum of money from The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG). This project is jointly funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and aims to create and enhance woodlands for local communities to use and enjoy.
They are using the funds to try to boost local biodiversity, through the installation of Pine Marten and wildlife nesting boxes, and a programme of native species tree planting.
Next, they are improving access to the Dolaucothi Estate with improved walking trails, enhanced waymarking and new interpretation boards.
The Gold Mines
The Dolaucothi Gold Mines are ancient Roman surface and underground mines. These mines are believed to be the only known Roman gold mines in Britain, and they have a history that dates back over 2,000 years. The Romans are thought to have extracted gold from this site as early as the first century AD. Mining then continued over the ages until it was finally closed in 1938.
There are several guided tours you can take and the mines are generally open from mid-March to the end of October. Do check opening days as these vary with the time of year & whether there are school holidays.
Check opening Times & Prices: Dolaucothi Estate & Gold Mines Visitor Information
Here’s a little Reel I made for Instagram of the bluebells in May.
See more of our Instagram Reels here:
