nature - Part 2

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

Wonderful Wildlife and Nature Attractions

Wildlife and Nature in Mid West Wales

One of the best things about our location is the abundance of wildlife and nature in Mid West Wales. Even around the cottages in the meadows you will see a wonderful variety of birds. Our all year round residents include Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Redstarts, Woodpeckers, Red Kites, Buzzards, Sparrowhawks, Tawny Owls, Ravens, Chaffinches, Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Blue, Great and Cole Tits, Robins, Magpies and Jays . In spring and summer we have Goldfinches, Wagtails, Long-Tailed Tits, Swallows, Cuckoos and a fleeting visit from the Housemartins. In Autumn & Winter we look forward to seeing Bullfinches, Redwings, Fieldfares and our local murmuration of Starlings. But there is so much more to see just a short drive away – here are some of our favourite spots.

Dolphin Watching

Cardigan Bay is home to Britain’s biggest resident population of dolphins – New Quay is a hotspot to see them. It is just 30 minutes away from Coedmor Cottages. Harbour porpoises are also frequently seen and if you’re really lucky the odd Orca or humpback may swim by!

You can sometimes spot dolphins from New Quay harbour wall or while walking the coastal path. To increase your chances, take one of the daily charter boats out into the bay from New Quay Main Pier.

Dolphin Spotting Boat trips offer a variety of different cruises. As well as dolphins and porpoises you may also see grey seals and you are guaranteed to see a variety of seabirds. Our guests can get 10% off boat trips with a unique code from the leaflet in your cottage!

RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas

This reserve is set in one of the most beautiful parts of the Cambrian Mountains. It is home to all sorts of birdlife including Red Kites, Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts, Common Sandpipers, Dippers and Grey Wagtails.

Dinas nestles along steep sided valleys clothed in woodland and bisected by fast flowing rivers. In May the woodlands are covered in a carpet of Bluebells. It is close to Llyn Brianne so worth combining a visit to both in the same day.

The Dinas trail is open from dawn till dusk, and the trail takes about 2 hours to complete. There is a boardwalk at the start of the trail from the carpark, however the majority of the trail is rugged, steep in places and next to a fast flowing river and to fully complete requires some scrambling.

Find out more: RSPB Gwenffrwd- Dinas

Welsh Wildlife Centre & Teifi Marshes

The stunning Teifi Marshes near Cilgerran is one of the best wetland sites in Wales. It is home to some of the most wonderful flora and fauna in the UK with a diversity of habitats to explore.

In winter the area attracts large numbers of wildfowl, notably Teal, Wigeon and Mallard. Exciting visitors include Water Rail, Snipe, Curlew and Lapwing. Peregrines hunt over the marshes and Herons breed nearby.
Other birds who breed here include Reed, Sedge & and Cetti’s Warblers as well as Whitethroats and Shelduck.
Otters are present in the marshes, Water Shrews are numerous and Sika and Red Deer are now resident. There are several Nature Trails and bird hides around the reserve.

Entry to the Reserve & Visitors Centre is free but there is a £4 charge for parking. There are toilets, a shop and exhibitions as well as a cafe with great views. Do check opening times before visiting.
Find out more: Welsh Wildlife Centre

Talley Lakes and Woodland

Just 30 minutes away from the cottages, the reserve consists of two lakes lying in glacial hollows separated by a narrow neck of land. Great Crested Grebes and Mute Swans regularly breed there and Tufted Duck and Pochard visit. Goldeneye and Goosanders are also winter visitors. The upper, southern lake is almost 16 acres and in summer the flowers and floating leaves of the Yellow and White Water Lily are a striking feature. It’s a real haven for wildlife and nature.

There are 3 walking trails through the woodland with beautiful views over Talley village and the historic Abbey.

Find out more: Talley Woodland & Talley Lakes

Bwlch Nant yr Arian

Bwlch Nant yr Arian has been a red kite feeding station since the 1990s, and over 100 of these distinctive birds of prey come in to feed every day.

The feeding takes place by the lake at 2pm in winter (GMT) and at 3pm in summer (BST). Follow the accessible Barcud Trail to the viewing area and large bird hide or watch through your binoculars from the outside seating area at the café.

There are also several miles of way marked walking trails to follow with spectacular views and a gift shop and cafe at the visitor centre. It is about an hours drive from our cottages.

More information: Visit Bwlch Nant yr Arian

Cors Caron

Cors Caron National Nature Reserve is a vast area of wetland filling the broad valley of the River Teifi near Tregaron. The three raised peat bogs are surrounded by reedbeds, fen, wet grassland, woodland, waterways and ponds, and these varied habitats support a wealth of wildlife.

Red kite, hen harrier, curlew and skylark can fill the skies above the reserve, whilst the bog itself bustles with dragonflies, lizards and otters.

The fully accessible boardwalk goes over the south-east bog and to the large bog hide where you can enjoy a peaceful view of the landscape and wildlife. There is also a longer trail you can do that follows an old railway track along the edge of the reserve.

Cors Caron is about 30 minutes from Coedmor Cottages. Find out more: Visit Cors Caron

RSPB Ynys Hir

The reserve covers an area of 800 hectares containing some really important sites for wildlife. Ynys-hir treats you to a variety of habitats: Welsh Oak woodland, estuary saltmarsh, lowland wet grasslands, freshwater pools, reedbeds and peat bog.
The sheer variety here means there’s a whole host of wildlife to spot too. Pied Flycatchers, warblers, Small Red dragonflies, Brimstone butterflies, Otters, Common Lizards, Slow Worms, and Grass Snakes all call this patch home.
With the mountains of southern Snowdonia to the north and the Cambrian mountains to the south, once you enter the Ynys-hir reserve, you’ll be surrounded by beauty.
Find our more: Visit Ynys Hir
It is around an hour and 10 minutes away form our cottages, but you can combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Dyfi Wildlife Centre & Osprey Project

Dyfi Wildlife Centre & Osprey Project

Cors Dyfi is home to the Dyfi Wildlife Centre and the Dyfi Osprey Project and is teeming with wildlife. The ospreys are typically around from April to September. Spring and summer are also the best times to see common lizards, grasshopper, reed & sedge warblers, yellow flag iris and four-spotted chaser dragonflies.

During the winter you may glimpse the elusive bittern in the reed beds. Year round there are regularly otter and red kites on the reserve.
There is a 360 observatory tower and an Osprey room where you can see the live feeds from the Osprey nest and footage from the Beaver Cameras. The on site cafe has a wildlife watching window and there is also a gift shop. Boardwalks from the observatory allow you to get closer to nature.
Find out more: Cors Dyfi & Dyfi Osprey Project

Skomer Island

Skomer is an excellent place for a daytime adventure. Bursting with seabirds including Atlantic Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots and Razorbills, this National Nature Reserve is one of Britain’s most important seabird colonies. It is peaceful and wild at all times of year.

It is a 2 hour drive from our cottages to Martin’s Haven , but just a 20-minute boat trip from the mainland across to the island. Between April and August, boats depart Martin’s Haven every 30 minutes between 10:00 and 12:00. Return boats run from 15:00 onwards and are allocated according to your outward journey. Skomer is open April-August (Tuesday-Sunday) and in September on a reduced schedule. The Puffins are mostly seen from May to mid-July.
Find out more: Visiting Skomer

Ynyslas

Ynyslas Beach and dunes are part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve. You can park right on the beach and there are waymarked walks to follow and a visitor centre. The beach is on the Dyfi estuary and you can see pretty Aberdyfi across the water on the other side. An abundance of birds to spot and beautiful scenery. About an hour and 10 mins drive from the cottages.

Find out more: Visiting Ynyslas

30 August 20232 September 2024Days Out, Walks

Best Things to do at Dinefwr National Trust

Visiting Dinefwr National Trust – a historic estate located in Carmarthenshire. Dinefwr is known for its grand mansion, extensive parkland, and rich history dating back many centuries. The estate encompasses Dinefwr Castle, Newton House, and a large area of parkland that has been designated as a National Nature Reserve. It is about a 40 minute scenic drive from Red Kite & Woodpecker Cottages. There is a large car park which is free to NT members or £5 for a full day for non-members. The easiest way to find it is with What3Words : Compelled : Trailer : Park

Newton House

A Georgian mansion that was built within the estate during the 17th century. It served as the home of the Rhys family, who were descendants of the Lord Rhys. The mansion is a prime example of Georgian architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is open to the public and offers visitors a glimpse into the estate’s history. Entry to the house is currently £9 per adult for non NT members.

There is so much to do at Dinefwr. You can explore the castle ruins, tour Newton House, enjoy walks through the parkland, and appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The estate offers a combination of history, architecture and nature.

Dinefwr Castle

A medieval fortress that sits on top of a hill overlooking the River Tywi. 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. You can visit the castle for free and the views over the Tywi Valley are stunning.

Parkland and Nature Reserve

The parkland surrounding Dinefwr is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The estate’s landscape includes woodlands, meadows, and the picturesque Dinefwr Deer Park. The park is home to a herd of fallow deer that roam freely, adding to the scenic charm of the area. The estate’s parkland has been designated as a National Nature Reserve, emphasising its ecological importance.

Rare Breed Cattle at Dinefwr © Coedmor Cottages

The walks around the estate are beautiful in all seasons. Late spring is especially lovely when the bluebells are out.

Bluebell time at Dinefwr Estate. © Coedmor Cottages

Here’s a handy map showing all the different areas. There are plenty of picnic areas scattered through the estate and also a cafe for refreshments. You can definitely spend a whole day exploring! Find out more on the NT website: National Trust Dinefwr

Photos 1,2,4,6,7, 9 & 12 – © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales. All other photographs © Coedmor Cottages.

2 August 20232 September 2024Walks

Coed y Foel Woodland Walks

We took a drive out to Coed Y Foel Woodland Nature Reserve a couple of days ago for a walk (about 25 minutes from the cottages). It’s a really beautiful woodland and is a mixture of established broadleaf forest with a more open “nursery woodland”.

There is a small car park with a few more spaces out on the quiet road.

The older part of the forest is mostly oak and the newly planted part is a mix of hazel, alder and other native species.

There is a pretty steam running through the valley – Ziggy enjoys a cooling dip there.

It’s a moderately challenging walk but very peaceful and quiet and there are several circular routes you can take to make it more or less challenging. At this time of year there are lots of bilberries to snack on as you walk too!

There are information boards to show you the trails and the route is way marked (although not clearly in some places).

Here’s a little Reel I made for Instagram 😊

See more of our Instagram Reels here:

https://www.instagram.com/coedmorcottages/

25 May 20232 September 2024Days Out, Gardens

Cae Hir Gardens – a Feast for the Senses

Just a 20 minute drive from Coedmor Cottages is gorgeous Cae Hir Gardens. They have been an RHS Partner Garden for 18 years and are one of the original Magnificent 6 – the ‘Great Gardens of West Wales’.

Whether you’re a keen gardener, nature enthusiast, or looking for a serene escape, you can easily while away hours exploring. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, discover unusual plants, and find peace in the tranquility of a beautifully crafted garden.

The colours are really stunning in the sunshine. There are some rare and unusual specimens to discover.

As you explore the winding pathways, you’ll be treated to a variety of stunning features and plantings. From vibrant flower beds to manicured lawns, Cae Hir Gardens offers a feast for the senses at every turn.

Working with Nature

The gardens have been designed in a naturalistic style, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The Wild Garden is one of my favourite parts of the garden. Nature is allowed to flourish. Situated in a beautifully secluded spot at the very bottom of the garden, it runs adjacent to the ‘Bran’ – a delightful, winding stream.

Rounding off your Visit

If you are inspired by the garden’s plants, some of them are available to buy in the on-site nursery.
And the best way to round off your visit is to visit “Y Sied” tearoom. Treat yourself to a home-baked scone or cake with a pot of tea or the local Teifi Coffee . 😋 If the weather is warm, you can also try the locally produced Conti’s Ice Cream – made right here in Lampeter. Entry to the nursery and tearoom are free so you can pop in even if not touring the gardens.

Opening Times

The gardens open at 10am and close at 5pm daily through the season which runs from April 1st to October 31st. More information and current prices can be found on their website: Cae Hir Gardens

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

11 November 20222 September 2024Days Out

Our Visits to Cenarth Falls Through the Seasons

Cenarth Falls is a picturesque waterfall on the River Teifi located in the village of Cenarth. It is on the border of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. The Teifi is one of the longest rivers in Wales. It cascades over a series of rocky steps to create Cenarth Falls. The waterfall is particularly stunning during times of heavy rainfall when the water flow is at its peak.

The village is such a pretty place with a lovely riverside walk and plenty of cafes for a cream tea.

There are boardwalks along the riverside making the walk easy and accessible. There is a circular walk you can do along the river, then up through woodland and back through the village to the car park.

The area is also well-known for fishing, and the River Teifi is abundant with salmon and sea trout.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cenarth is also famous for its history, with a long-standing tradition of coracle fishing. Coracles are small, round boats made of wicker and coated with tar or bitumen. Fishermen have used these unique vessels for centuries to navigate the river and catch fish. The National Coracle Museum by the river is worth a visit.

There is a Car Park at the Falls. Parking is £3 per car for all day parking (9am – 6pm). Cenarth is easily reached in around 30 minutes from Red Kite & Woodpecker Cottages.

We’ve visited Cenarth three times this year and each time has been so different. First time in May there had been so little rain that the falls were small and you could see much of the underlying rock.
In September they were perfectly flowing. This week after so much rain they are a force of nature, so powerful! Whenever you visit, Cenarth is very pretty.

Here’s a Reel I made for our Instagram showing the different seasons.

Tag: nature