Waterfalls, Lakes and Dams of Mid & West Wales

Stunning Waterfalls, Lakes, Dams & Rivers to Explore

A visit to our beautiful corner of Mid & West Wales would not be complete without discovering some of its wonderful water features. The rivers are clean and full of wildlife. The lakes are so scenic and many have dramatic dams. The waterfalls are amazing and many come with a great walk included. This is just a small selection of the ones we know. Get out there and explore!

Cenarth Falls

Cenarth is a lovely small village on the border of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. The focus of the village is Cenarth Falls, a series of small waterfalls and pools on the river Teifi and a well-known salmon leap.
There is a Coracle museum and 13th-century flour mill overlooking the falls.
Cenarth has a couple of pubs and a tea room serving traditional cream teas and meals with a large garden for warmer days.
There are boardwalks along the riverside making the walk easy and accessible.

Find out more: Our Visits to Cenarth

Llyn Brianne

The drive from Coedmor Cottages to Llyn Brianne is a delight in itself. Take your time and savour the views as you enter the Cambrian Mountains.
The lake is actually a reservoir created in the late 1960’s/ early 70’s. But the scenery is reminiscent of Canada or Scandinavia – just beautiful.
The dam at Llyn Brianne is the UK’s tallest at 91m (300 ft). Walk across the top of the dam and see martins swooping below.There is a good track to walk around part of the lake.
If you are keen on stargazing, the car park at Llyn Brianne is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site being part of the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail.
The drive around the lake is a great way to take in the scenery and for an alternative route back to the cottages the road between Llyn Brianne and Tregaron is worth a detour for spectacular Cambrian Mountain scenery.
Find out more: Llyn Brianne

Devil’s Bridge Falls

About 50 minutes away from Coedmor Cottages, Devil’s Bridge Falls is a picturesque spot known for its natural beauty and fascinating legend. The bridge itself is an architectural marvel, actually comprised of three bridges stacked on top of each other, each built in different centuries.
The walking trail from the bridges offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, wooded valleys, and lush greenery.
Make sure to visit the Devil’s Punchbowl, a dramatic chasm carved out by the River Mynach over thousands of years. The sight of the river cascading into the gorge below is truly awe-inspiring.
Round off your visit in The Hafod (next to the exit) for food & drinks. Or treat yourself to something sweet at Sarah Bunton Chocolatier.

Find out more: Visiting Devil’s Bridge Falls

Elan Valley

Elan Valley is one of our top picks for places to visit. Located about 90 minutes from our cottages, near the town of Rhayader, it is renowned for its stunning landscapes, reservoirs, dams and abundant wildlife.
There is a network of walking, hiking and cycling trails that cater to various skill levels. But simply driving around the reservoirs, as well as visiting the various dams, is a great day out. Start at the visitor centre to get your bearings (and coffee & cake).

The reservoirs are scenic but it is the dams which make this a unique place to visit. They are a marvel of engineering in addition to being very beautiful.
Make sure your route back to the cottages takes you along the Mountain Road from Elan Valley to Devil’s Bridge. You can thank us later. 🙂
Discover more: Visiting Elan Valley

Wolf’s Leap, Abergwesyn

Abergwesyn Pass in the Cambrian Mountains is one of our favourite spots (but don’t tell everyone)! It has dramatic awe-inspiring cliffs and the River Irfon flows through it. The most dramatic part of the river is Wolf’s Leap -a real natural wonder, with water cascading down rugged rocks into deep pools. There are several lovely spots beside the river to relax and have a picnic and if you are brave you can swim there too. Watch out for Peregrine Falcons on the cliffs above.
You drive the Devil’s Staircase to get to Abergwesyn which is known as one of the most epic roads in Wales. It is in total about a 60 minute drive from our cottages.

Find out more: Wolf’s Leap & Abergwesyn

Llyn Berwyn

If you really want to get away from the crowds, Llyn Berwyn is usually a very quiet spot. The drive from Tregaron is very scenic and there is a picnic spot at the small Cwm Berwyn car park with stunning views down the valley. A short walk from the car park through Cwm Berwyn woods is the hidden 40 acre lake. In summer you will see swallows swooping over the water from their nests in the boat house. Wild bilberries line the banks and you may see wild brown trout in the lake. It is about 40 minutes drive from our cottages and we recommend visiting as part of a day exploring the Cambrian Mountains.

Location: Llyn Berwyn on Google maps

Llyn Teifi Pools

Towards the west edge of the Cambrian Mountains, the Teifi Pools are a group of six lakes and reservoirs. They can be reached by a narrow, one-track road near the village of Pontrhydfendigaid, site of the picturesque ruins of Strata Florida Abbey. A few of the lakes have been harnessed for water supply and have dams. The rest are totally untouched. There are no signs of human habitation for miles.

Llyn Teifi is the largest of the reservoirs and is the source of the River Teifi. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, it is a popular spot for trout fishing and a great destination for nature lovers.
The area is almost completely undeveloped, and has a great feeling of remoteness.
You can find details of walks around the lakes on Google – here is a detailed 6.5 mile route: Teifi Pools Circular

Teifi Gorge

The Teifi Gorge is a Special Area of Conservation. Lined with steep, densely wooded banks, it is a haven for wildlife. You can take a half or full day canoe trip down the river, passing through the gorge. You have the chance to see some fantastic creatures like Otters, Red Kites, Salmon, Kingfishers and even Red Deer.

Find out more: Canoeing on the Teifi

Four Falls Trail

The Four Falls Trail is a scenic hiking trail that takes you through the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park, showcasing four stunning waterfalls along the way. The trailhead is easily accessible by car and is well-signposted from the main road.
The trail is a long challenging walk. You should allow at least three hours (plus snack-stops) to navigate it. Expect a fair amount of up-and-down over uneven terrain.

The highlight is the chance to see four beautiful waterfalls nestled within the lush woodland scenery. The waterfalls you’ll encounter along the trail are Sgwd Clun-Gwyn (the Fall of the White Meadow), Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn (the Lower Fall of the White Meadow), Sgwd y Pannwr (the Fall of the Fuller), and Sgwd-yr-Eira (the Fall of Snow). Each waterfall has its own unique characteristics.
Find out more: Four Falls Trail

Castles of Mid & West Wales

Magnificent Castles to Visit from the Cottages

Wales is often referred to as The Land of Castles. No surprise as it boasts the most castles per square mile in the whole world! There are some wonderful examples within a short journey from Coedmor Cottages. Here are a few of the best Castles of Mid & West Wales for inspiration.

Carreg Cennan Castle

About 50 minutes from the cottages, this dramatic castle stands on a great limestone crag. Nearly 300ft/90m above the River Cennen it has stunning views over the Carmarthenshire countryside.
One of the unique features of the castle is a natural limestone cave. Some recent findings down there suggest that is was one of the oldest inhabited caves in the whole of Wales.
The castle is situated next to a traditional working farm which offers free parking. The farm is free to visit and also has Tea Rooms and a Gift Shop.
Find out More: Visit Carreg Cennan

Dryslwyn Castle

Dryslwyn is a native Welsh Castle, sited on a rocky hill roughly halfway between Llandeilo and Carmarthen. The castle is about 45 minutes from the cottages. It stands on high ground overlooking the Tywi Valley with extensive views. Built in about the 1220s, it changed hands several times in the struggles between the Welsh and English over the ensuing centuries. It is considered one of the most important remaining structures built by a Welsh chieftain and is a Grade I listed building.

Find out more: Dryslwyn Castle

Dinefwr Castle

A medieval fortress that sits on top of a hill overlooking the River Tywi (about 40 minutes from the cottages). It has a strategic location that allowed its occupants to control and monitor the surrounding landscape. The castle has a long history, with its origins dating back to the early 12th century. Over the years, it was the seat of the Lord Rhys, a powerful Welsh prince, and played a significant role in Welsh history during periods of conflict with the English.
The rest of the Dinefwr Estate is beautiful too so a great day out with lovely walks.

More Info: Visiting Dinefwr

Laugharne Castle

Castles of Mid & West Wales - Laugharne.

The castle, located on the estuary of the river Taf was originally established in 1116. It was rebuilt as a Norman stronghold. Two giant medieval stone towers stand guard over the remains of a magnificent Tudor mansion, all set in 19th century ornamental gardens. It changed hands twice during the English Civil War being eventually captured by Parliamentary forces in 1644.
This is the ‘brown as owls’ castle beloved of Dylan Thomas, Laugharne’s most famous resident. Why not visit Dylan Thomas’ Boat House too.

Laugharne is about an hour away from the cottages: Visiting Laugharne.

Llansteffan Castle

Castles of Mid & West Wales - Llansteffan.

The castle sits on a much older Iron Age promontory fort occupied in 600 BC. This proves Llansteffan has been inhabited for several millennia. The hill where the castle stands overlooks the River Tywi estuary and Carmarthen Bay.
Although ruined, the castle retains its power to intimidate. Especially when you approach its massive twin-towered gatehouse, built in around 1280 and still looming large.

Llansteffan is about an hour away from the cottages: Visiting Llansteffan Castle

Kidwelly Castle

A stunning medieval fortress rising above the river Gwendraeth. Kidwelly was used as a location for the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, appearing in the very first scene after the titles.
The plan of the castle consists of a square inner bailey defended by four round towers. They overlook a semi-circular outer curtain wall on the landward side, with the massive gatehouse next to the river.
The castle occasionally hosts Bird of Prey events.
It is about an hour from our cottages – find out more: Visiting Kidwelly Castle

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

The castle is strategically located in a loop of the River Teifi and only approachable by land from the west. It was established as a timber and earth fort in the middle of the 13th century, then developed into a stone castle by 1287. Being left in ruins by the civil war of the 1640s, the ‘new castle’ of Emlyn has had an eventful history.

Visitors can walk round the remains of the castle (a short walk from the high street) and the surrounding loop of the Teifi River. It is about 40 minutes drive from the cottages to Newcastle Emlyn.

Find out More: Visit Newcastle Emlyn Castle

Cilgerran Castle

This striking medieval 13th-century fortress is perched on a wooded hill overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge – about 1 hour from the cottages. It offers beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. You can also combine your visit to the castle with a trip to the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve and Welsh Wildlife Centre.

Opening Times & Prices: Visiting Cilgerran Castle

Wonderful Gardens to Visit in Mid & West Wales

Our Favourite Gardens in Mid – West Wales

If you enjoy wandering around beautiful gardens, there are some gorgeous examples within easy reach of Coedmor Cottages. They all have something different to offer and some are even free to visit. Here is a list of our favourite gardens in Mid – West Wales.

Cae Hir

Just 15 minutes from our cottages- a super place to spend a few hours wandering or just sitting and taking in the artistry of the planting and gorgeous views.
They have managed to create a staggering amount of beauty and variety in around 6 acres. You are bound to be inspired with ideas for your own outdoor space at home.

There’s also a small on-site nursery where you can buy some of the unusual specimens you see around the gardens. And the best way to round off your visit is to treat yourself to tea and a home-baked scone or cake from “Y Sied” tearoom.
The gardens open from 10am to 5pm daily through the season which runs from April 1st to October 31st. Cae Hir Gardens Website

Aberglasney

Aberglasney is renowned as one of Wales’ finest gardens, including a fully restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden which is the only surviving example of its kind in the UK today. There are 10 acres to explore with woodland walks, kitchen gardens, a yew tunnel, formal planted areas and a unique Ninfarium with exotic plants.
The ground floor of Aberglasney’s grade II listed mansion has been restored and often hosts art & craft exhibitions and events.
And no trip is complete without a visit to the on site Tearooms!
We have a partnership with Aberglasney to offer all our cottage guests 10% off the entrance fee – you will find a discount flyer in your cottage. 😊
More info: Visiting Aberglasney

National Botanic Gardens of Wales

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is spread over 560 acres with an amazing collection of over 8000 different plant varieties. It has the largest single-spanned glasshouse in the world and the best display of Mediterranean climate zone plants in the Northern Hemisphere.
Along with the themed gardens there is also a Butterfly House and Waun Las Nature Reserve with wildflower-rich meadows. There are two cafes and a restaurant on site as well as the Garden Plant Shop selling plants and gifts and a craft shop and art gallery too. It is one of the most popular gardens in Mid – West Wales.
More Info: Visit National Botanic Gardens

Llanerchaeron

Just 20 minutes away from our cottages is the lovely National Trust Llanerchaeron.
It is home to an elegant Georgian villa, designed by architect John Nash in 1790, complete with a walled garden, farmyard lake and wild parkland. It has remained unaltered for over 200 years.
The walled garden was built in the late 18th century and is still producing fruit and vegetables. The fruit trees are amazing shapes!
The parkland has beautiful woodland walks. We love to follow the old railway line track to Aberaeron (2 and a half miles) for a spot of lunch. It is a lovely pretty walk through the woods and open fields and along the river.

Find out more: Visiting Llanerchaeron

Tŷ Glyn Aeron

Gardens to Visit in Mid & West Wales - Ty Glyn

Tŷ Glyn Aeron gardens are open throughout the year, admission free (donations are welcome). They are set within a beautiful woodland area alongside the River Aeron and have a wonderfully secluded sensory walled garden.
The woodland glade features mass plantings of spring bulbs including snowdrops, wood anemones and bluebells. Within the walls of the garden, the lower level includes herbaceous borders, a restored orchard and a potager kitchen garden.
The gardens are part of the Ty glyn Trust, and have special fundraising days through the National Garden Scheme.
Find out more: Visit Tŷ Glyn

Bwlch y Geuffordd Gardens

A garden with something for everyone. It’s a sculpture park, a water garden, a wildlife garden and a garden of peace and tranquility. It’s one of the lesser known gardens in Mid – West Wales.

Although the individual gardens differ widely in character, they still hang together as a delicious whole. It’s an appreciation of water, wood, and stone, an enthusiasm for plants and local wildlife.

Find out more: Visit Bwlch y Geuffordd Gardens

Colby Woodland Gardens

An 18th-century coalfield transformed into a hidden woodland garden covering eight acres. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils, then swathes of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, followed by hydrangeas and the summer wildflowers.
Enjoy shady woodland walks, the wildflower meadow and colourful walled garden in summer, and the marvellous colours of acers, dogwoods and sweet-gum in autumn.
Explore the meadow with its lovely stream, stepping stones, log bridge and abundant dragonflies and butterflies.

Find out More: Visiting Colby Gardens

Farmyard Nurseries

Our favourite place to shop for plants also has garden and woodland areas you can walk around. The gardens and walks are open whenever the nursery is open.

While you are there, check out their amazing range of plants and shrubs. They are always great quality and the staff are brilliant if you need some advice.

It’s one of the lesser-known “secret” gardens in Mid – West Wales.

Find out More: Visiting Farmyard Nurseries

26 February 202429 March 2024activities, Days Out, News

Events in Mid Wales 2024

When you’re planning your holiday to Coedmor Cottages you may need some ideas for days out. Here is a handy list of events in Mid Wales 2024 including festivals, fairs and concerts to help you to make the most of your time in wonderful Wales. Events in West Wales are easily accessible from our cottages too. All these days out are doable as a day trip from our cottages and each listing is a clickable link so you can find out more about the event.

March

2^nd & 3^rd March St David’s Day Food & Drink Festival
Pembrey Country Park

2^nd & 3^rd March St David’s Day Food & Craft Weekend
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 16:00)

15^th – 17^th March – The Laugharne Weekend
Laugharne

23^rd & 24^th March – Spring Steam Rally
Pembrey Country Park

April

20^th April – Lampeter Stallion Show
Talsarn, SA48 8QB

20th April – Pride in Aberystwyth
Bandstand, Marine Terrace

27^th April – Barley Saturday – Horse Parade
Cardigan

27^th & 28^th April – A Taste of Wales Spring Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 17:00)

27^th & 28^th April – Wonderwool Wales
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Mach comedy Festival Events in Mid Wales 2024

May

3^rd-5^th May – Machynlleth Comedy Festival
Various venues Machynlleth

14^th May – International Dylan Thomas Day

18^th & 19^th May – Smallholding and Countryside Festival
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

26th & 27th May – Ceredigion Garden, Craft & Food Festival
Alban Square, Aberaeron

Events in Mid Wales 2024 - royal welsh show

June

6^th – 10^th June – Westival
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

7^th – 9^th June – Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival
South Beach, Tenby

8^thJune – Aberystwyth & Ceredigion Show
Gelli Angharad Fields, Aberystwyth

15th June – Llandeilo Pride
Market Street, Llandeilo

28^th-30^th June – Wales Balloon Festival
Carmarthen Showground

29th-30th June – Towy Valley Vintage Show (Vehicles)
Pontargothi Showground, Llandeilo

July

6^th & 7^th July – Wales National Airshow
Swansea

8^th July – Tivyside Agricultural Show
Glan-Llyn Fields Newcastle Emlyn

12th-14^th July – Saundersfest
Saundersfoot

13th July – Llanelli Pride
Selwyn Samual Centre, Park Crescent

19^th – 21^st July – Brecon Choir Festival
Brecon

20th July – Aberaeron Sailing Regatta
Aberaeron Yacht Club

22^nd-25^th July – Royal Welsh Show
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

27^th July – Lampeter Food Festival
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Campus

28^th July – West Wales Shire Horse Annual Show
Alban Square, Aberaeron

August

2^nd– 4^th Aug – New Quay Music Festival
New Quay FC Parc Arthur

3^rd August – Brecon County Show
Brecon County Showground

3^rd August – Cardigan County Show
PantyGrwndy, Cardigan

TBC Aug – Cilgerran Festive Week
Cilgerran

9^th – 11^th Aug – Tresaith Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

9^th – 11^th Aug – Cardigan Bay Regatta
New Quay

Events West wales 2024 Aberaeron regatta

10^th Aug – Aberaeron Beer & Cider Festival
Aberaeron Yacht Club (12:00 – late)

14^th-16^th August – Welsh National Sheepdog Trials
Pontrhydfendigaid, Tregaron

16^th-18th August – Tresaith Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

17^th Aug – Cardigan River and Food Festival
Quay Street Cardigan (10:00 – 17:00)

17^th August* – Llandeilo Show
Cawdor Fields, Ffairfach

24^th Aug – Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta
Aberaeron Yacht Club & The Harbourmaster

Events in Mid Wales 2024 bog snorkelling

25^th Aug – World Bog Snorkling Championship
Waen Rhydd Bog Llanwrtyd Wells

25th August – Cruise Culture Car Show
Carmarthen Showground

23^rd – 25^th August Aberystwyth Street Food Festival
Aberystwyth Marina

23^rd – 26^th August – Tresaith Regatta & Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

26^th Aug – Aberaeron Carnival
Aberaeron Harbour (Parade starts at 13:45)

26^th August – Tregaron Show
Tregaron

30^th August – 1^st September – Rali Ceredigion
Aberystwyth

Aberglasney events in 2024 West wales attractions

September

6^th – 8^th September – Craft Festival Wales
Cardigan Castle (10:00-17:00)

7^th & 8^th Sept. – Aberglasney Food & Music Fayre
Aberglasney, Llangathen

14^th & 15^th September – Llandovery Sheep Festival
Market Square, Llandovery

27^th September – Apple Weekend at Llanerchaeron
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

28^th & 29^th September – Narberth Food Festival
Town Moor, Narberth (10:00-18:00/10:00-16:00)

28^th& 29^th Sept. – Steam Rally & Country Fayre
Pembrey Country Park (11:00 – 16:00)

October

4^th – 6^th October – Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Aberystwyth

11^th – 14^th October Brecon Baroque Festival
Brecon Cathedral/Theatr Brycheiniog

31^st October – 2^nd November – Other Voices Cardigan
Various venues, Cardigan

November

15^th – 17^th November* – Llandeilo Festival of Senses
Llandeilo

25^th & 26^th November – Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

29^th November – 1^st December – Aberglasney Winter Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen (10:00-16:30)

* Denotes dates to be confirmed

Check available dates for our cottages: Romantic Holiday Cottages for Couples

30 January 202428 March 2024Days Out, Fauna & Flora, Walks

Awesome Llyn Brianne & the Uk’s Tallest Dam

The drive from Coedmor Cottages to Llyn Brianne is a delight in itself. You want to take your time and savour the views as you enter the Cambrian Mountains. It is about 20 miles / 45 minutes from Coedmor Cottages.

There are a few places to stop and admire the views. This viewpoint is just off the Carreg Clochdy car park & picnic spot – the What3words address is ///hogs.raven.clinic
Not technically a Natural Wonder, the lake is actually a reservoir created in the late 1960’s/ early 70’s. The scenery is reminiscent of Canada or Scandinavia – just beautiful.

Fannog Farm – Fferm y Fannog

There is another small car park and picnic area at Fannog (what3words: ///self.crinkled.angel . In 2022 the water level was so low that we got to see Fferm y Fannog (Fannog Farm) which appears very rarely. This was an abandoned farm that was covered by the water when the reservoir was created. See a little Reel of Fferm y Fannog from our Instagram

Fannog Farm revealed, Fferm y Fannog, Llyn Brianne

Fannog Farm uncovered, Fferm y Fannog, Llyn Brianne

Llyn Brianne Dam

The dam at Llyn Brianne is the UK’s tallest at 91m (300 ft). You can walk across the top of the dam and see martins swooping below.There is a good track to walk around part of the lake from here. There is a big car park and toilets (which are sometimes open) – what3words: ///cuddled.villas.tinkle
The woodland here is famous for being one of the last places you can see Red Squirrels. You will also likely see Red Kites and Buzzards overhead.

Llyn Brianne - Cambrian Mountains Red Squirrels.

If you are keen on stargazing, the car park at Llyn Brianne is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site – part of the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail.

Heading Home from Llyn Brianne

The drive around the lake is a great way to take in the scenery and for an alternative route back to the cottages the road between Llyn Brianne and Tregaron is worth a detour for spectacular Cambrian Mountain views.

If you drive back towards Llandovery, you will come across the Towy Bridge Inn – right next to the bridge on the River Towy (where else would it be!) Pop in for a drink or some food (do check opening times beforehand as they can be limited to weekends). This route also takes you past RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas and through Rhandirmwyn valley which is just stunning.

Cycling

If you are a keen cyclist, then the Big Wilderness Adventure takes in Llyn Brianne along the route. It is a 65 mile circular route that you can get onto just 5 minutes from our cottages. You can make it shorter by not going all the way to Llandovery!

23 January 202429 March 2024activities

Stargazing – Dark Sky Areas Near the Cottages

We have wonderfully dark skies here – around the cottages on a clear night it is stunning. And we also have lots of Dark Sky Discovery sites within easy reach of the cottages around the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay if you want to experience truly epic stargazing. 🤩

Leigh has become pretty good at Astro Photography, capturing pictures around the cottages and our meadows.

Stargazing - dark sky areas. Dark Sky Discovery sites.

Red Kite Cottage Starlapse image.

The Milky Way taken in Picnic Meadow.

Another shot of the Milky Way from the cottages’ Picnic Meadow. The best seasons for stargazing are Spring, Autumn & Winter.

Venturing further afield, Leigh went on a night time expedition up Drygarn Fawr in the Cambrian Mountains near Tregaron for even darker skies.

Dark Sky Discovery Sites

There are plenty of great designated Dark Sky Discovery sites within easy reach of the cottages. From the map above the three easiest to get to are:

7: Llyn Brianne

8: Mynydd Llanllwni

9: Llanerchaeron

Penbryn Beach is another wonderful location for really dark skies to make the most of the stars.
Find out more: Dark Sky Discovery Sites

Check available dates for our cottages here: Dark Sky Holiday Cottages for Couples