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 scenery as you enter the Cambrian Mountains. It is about 20 miles / 45 minutes from Coedmor Cottages.

Llyn Brianne views

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. 

Llyn Brianne Views
Llyn Brianne Roads

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

Llyn Brianne - Cambrian Mountains

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.
Llyn Brianne Dam - Cambrian Mountains

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.

Llyn Brianne - Cambrian Mountains

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!

Events Mid Wales 2026

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 2026 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.

Events Mid Wales 2026 - food and drink festivals

January, February & March

24th & 25th January 2026 – Food & Craft Market (10am – 4pm)
National Botanic Garden of Wales

6th & 7th February 2026 – Transform Festival
Aberystwyth Arts Centre

7th & 8th February 2026 – Antiques Weekend (10am-4pm)
National Botanic Garden of Wales

28th February 2026 – Lampeter Beer & Cider Festival (12pm-10pm)
Lloyd Thomas Refectory, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

28th Feb & 1st March 2026 St David’s Day Food & Drink Festival
(11am-4pm) Pembrey Country Park

20th-22nd March 2026– The Laugharne Weekend
Laugharne

21st-22nd March 2026 – Battle on the Beach Cycle Race
Pembrey Country Park/Cefn Sidan Beach

Events Mid Wales 2026 - horse shows

April

18th April 2026 – Lampeter Stallion Show
Talsarn, SA48 8QB 

25th April 2026 – Aberystwyth Pride
Bandstand, Marine Terrace

25th April 2026– Barley Saturday – Horse Parade
Cardigan

25th & 26th April 2026- Wonderwool Wales
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

26th April 2026 – West Wales Plant Fair
(10am-3pm) Rhosygilwen Mansion, Cilgerran

Mach comedy Festival Events Mid Wales 2026

May

1st-3rd May 2026 – Machynlleth Comedy Festival
Various venues Machynlleth

3rd & 4th May 2026 – Cae Hir Gardens Plant Fair 
(10am-4pm) Cae Hir, Cribyn, Lampeter

10th May 2026 – Llanllyr NGS Open Garden & Plant Fair
(2pm-6pm) Llanllyr, Talsarn

14th May 2026 – International Dylan Thomas Day

24th & 25th May – Spring Fair
National Botanic Garden of Wales

24th & 25th May 2026 – Ceredigion Garden, Craft & Food Festival
(10am-4pm) Alban Square, Aberaeron

21st – 31st May 2026 – Hay Festival
Hay-on-Wye

Events Mid Wales 2026 - royal welsh show

June

12th – 14th June 2026 (TBC) – Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival
South Beach, Tenby

13th June 2026 – Man v Horse
Llanwyrtd Wells

13th June 2026 – Aberystwyth & Ceredigion Show 
Gelli Angharad Fields, Aberystwyth 

13th & 14th June 2026 – Pride Cymru
Coopers Field & Cardiff Castle

20th June 2026 – Llandeilo Pride
Market Street, Llandeilo

21st June 2026 – Llanllyr NGS Open Garden & Plant Fair
(2pm-6pm) Llanllyr, Talsarn

27th & 28th June 2026 – Towy Valley Vintage Show (Vehicles)
Pontargothi Showground, Llandeilo

Saundersfest - events west wales 2026

July

2nd – 5th  July 2026 – Westival
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

4th July 2026 – Lampeter Agricultural Show
Pontfaen Fields, Lampeter SA48 7JN

TBC July 2026 – Wales National Airshow
Swansea

11th July 2026 – Tivyside Agricultural Show
Glan-Llyn Fields Newcastle Emlyn

11th July 2026 – Llanelli Pride
Selwyn Samual Centre, Park Crescent

16th – 19th  July 2026– Brecon Choir Festival
Brecon

18th July 2026 TBC – Carmarthen River Festival
The Quay Centre Carmarthen

20th – 23rd July 2026 – Royal Welsh Show 
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

25th  July 2026 – Lampeter Food Festival
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Campus

26th July 2026 – West Wales Shire Horse Annual Show
Alban Square, Aberaeron

Events Mid Wales 2026 Royal Welsh show

August

31st July – 2nd  Aug 2026 – New Quay Music Festival 
New Quay FC Parc Arthur

1st August 2026 – Brecon County Show
Brecon County Showground

1st August 2026 – Cardigan County Show
PantyGrwndy, Cardigan

TBC August 2026 – Brecon Jazz Festival
Various Venues in Brecon

TBC  August 2026 – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

8th August 2026 Lampeter Town Carnival
Town Centre (12:30pm)

8th August 2026 – Aberaeron Beer & Cider Festival
Aberaeron Yacht Club (12:00 – late)

8th August 2026 – Llanilar Agricultural Show
Castle Hill Fields (nr The Falcon)

12th August – Llandewi Brefi Show
Llandewi Brefi

18th – 20th  Aug 2026 – Cardigan Bay Regatta
New Quay

TBC Aug 2026 – Cilgerran Festive Week
Cilgerran

Events West wales 2025 Aberaeron regatta

15th Aug 2026 – Cardigan River and Food Festival
Quay Street Cardigan (10:00 – 17:00)

15th August 2026 – Llandeilo Show
Cawdor Fields, Ffairfach

24th August 2026 – Tregaron Show
Tregaron

29th Aug 2026 – Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta
Aberaeron Yacht Club & The Harbourmaster

Events in Mid Wales 2025 bog snorkelling

30th Aug 2026 – World Bog Snorkelling Championship
Waen Rhydd Bog Llanwrtyd Wells

30th August 2026 – Cruise Culture Car Show
Carmarthen Showground

TBC August 2026 – Tresaith Regatta & Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

31st Aug 2026 – Aberaeron Carnival
Aberaeron Harbour (Parade starts at 13:45)

Aberglasney events in 2025 West Wales attractions

September

4th – 6th September 2026 – Rali Ceredigion
Aberystwyth

4th-6th September 2026 – Harbour Feastival
Saundersfoor Harbour

5th September 2026 – Llandysul Agricultural Show
Hengae Fields, Saron SA44 5DP 

5th & 6th Sept. 2026 – Aberglasney Summer Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen

11th -13th September 2026 – Craft Festival Wales
Cardigan Castle (10:00-17:00)

19th September 2026 – Llandovery Sheep Festival
Market Square, Llandovery (10am-4pm)

TBC September 2026 – Food & Craft Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10am-6pm)

26th & 27th September 2026 – Narberth Food Festival
Town Moor, Narberth (10:00-18:00/10:00-16:00)

26th & 27th Sept. 2026 – Autumn Steam Rally & Country Fayre
Pembrey Country Park (11:00 – 16:00)

Music Festival Mid and West Wales 2025

October

TBC October 2026 – Apple Weekend at Llanerchaeron
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

2nd – 4th  October 2026 – Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Aberystwyth

16th – 19th 2026 October Brecon Baroque Festival
Brecon Cathedral/Theatr Brycheiniog

Christmas Festivals and Fairs Mid and West Wales 2025

November & December

13th-15th November 2026- Tenby Blues Festival
Various Venues in Tenby

13th – 15th November 2026 – Llandeilo Festival of Senses
Llandeilo

30th Nov & 1st December 2026 – Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

TBC November 2026 – Aberystwyth Lantern Parade
Aberystwyth

28th November 2026 – Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle (10:00am – 4:00pm)

4th -6th December 2026 – Aberglasney Winter Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen (10:00-16:30)

TBC December 2026 – Llanercharon Christmas Fair
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

Date TBC December 2026 – Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade & Fireworks
Cardigan (19:00 – 20:00)

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

All Images © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales.

Elan Valley – Beautiful Lakes & Dramatic Dams

Visiting Elan Valley is one of our top recommendations if you’re happy to travel a little further from The Cottages. It is about 90 minutes away, but the drive itself is all part of this marvellous experience. Elan Valley boasts 72 square miles of unspoilt nature and reservoirs. But it is the dams that make this such a unique place to spend a day.

Visitor Centre

When you arrive, head to the visitor centre where you can get a guide with maps of the estate. There is a gift shop, cafe and loos there and they often host art and photography exhibitions. You can pay for parking (£3.00) here, then you can park in any of the car parks around the Estate for the whole day. You can also hire a mountain or E-bike from the visitor centre. Either book in advance through the website or hire on the day.

Which Way First?

There are several routes you can take to explore the estate. You will see Caban Coch Dam first as it is close to the Visitor Centre. Caban Coch was the first dam worked on and was designed to look like a waterfall when it overflows. The stone in the quarry nearby was used inside the dams. The facing stone was a sandstone brought up from the Vale of Glamorgan. 

Caban Coch Dam - Visiting Elan Valley

Claerwen Dam

We like to visit Claerwen Dam next. There is a large car park at the bottom of the dam (with toilets and picnic benches). There is also a smaller parking space at the top of the dam. It’s worth doing both – the dam is so dramatic from the bottom, but you also get great views from the top.

The construction of the Claerwen Dam, the last of the dams in the district, took six years, using a workforce of 470. It was ceremonially declared open by the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II in October 1952, in one of the first official engagements of her reign. There are walks that you can do here: More info on Claerwen

Garreg Ddu Dam

The submerged dam can only be seen at low reservoir levels. Garreg Ddu has two purposes: to hold back water to enter the Foel Tower, and to provide access to the Claerwen valley. The Foel Tower is where drinking water is extracted to start its three day journey to Birmingham. Drive across the bridge and there is a car park on the other side. Park here and there is a nice walk by the river and through woodland to the next dam – Pen y Garreg.

Visiting Elan Valley - Garreg Ddu

Pen y Garreg

Pen y Garreg is the smallest dam and reservoir. When full, it holds just over two weeks’ worth of water. The tower was built in the Birmingham Baroque style. This dam is unusual in that it houses an access tunnel to the central tower which is lit by apertures in the downstream side of the dam. This enables Pen y Garreg to be opened to the public on certain days of the year. It is a little spooky inside and best avoided if you get claustrophobic! The walk to Pen y Garreg from the car park at Garreg Ddu is steep in places, so do wear walking shoes or boots. You can drive to the top of the dam and view it from there if you don’t want to do the walk.

Pen y Garreg - Visiting Elan Valley Dams

Craig Goch

Craig Goch is the highest upstream of the series of dams in the Elan Valley and is often referred to as the ‘top dam.’ Many people think it is the most attractive of the dams, with its elegantly curved retaining wall and a series of arches carrying a narrow roadway across the top. It has a domed valve tower and it is typical of the ‘Birmingham Baroque’ style of much of the waterworks scheme.

Craig Goch - Visiting Elan Valley, Mid Wales

Find Out More

The landscape is of national importance for the diversity of lower plants (mosses, liverworts and lichens) and the Estate is the most important area for land birds in Wales. It is covered by 12 separate Sites of Special Scientific Interest. 

The Estate has been awarded an International Dark Sky Park Award and it is filled with a wealth of nocturnal Wildlife which thrives under the very dark skies.

Elan Valley is good to visit all year round as the landscape changes with the seasons. Autumn is a particularly splendid time to go for the colours and a higher chance that water will be flowing over the dams.

Find out more about visiting Elan Valley : Elan Valley Trust and Elan Valley Welsh Water.

Make sure your route back to the cottages takes you along the Mountain Road from Elan Valley to Devil’s Bridge – it is awesome!!

Splendid Isolation in the Cambrian Mountains

Our romantic holiday cottages are located in the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains Area of Astounding Natural Beauty. You can even see the highest mountain – Pumlumon Fawr – in the distance from our meadows.

Cambrian Mountains - Pumlumon Fawr

The natural beauty of the plateaux, valleys and gorges of the Cambrian Mountains is equal to and often greater than some British national parks. Although distributed among three counties – Powys, Ceredigion & Carmarthenshire – the Cambrian Mountains are geographically one area, and actually form the main watershed of Wales. 

Cambrian Mountains

The rivers Severn, Wye, Elan, Irfon, Tywi, Cothi, Teifi, Ystwyth, Rheidol, and Twymyn all have their sources here. There are only a few roads across the mountains and they are acknowledged as some of the most scenic routes in Britain.

Cambrian Mountains - Hafod Estate
Hafod Estate
Cambrian Mountains - Abergwesyn Pass
Abergwesyn Pass

The walker is king in the Cambrian Mountains and you can find many routes online, such as the ones on Walking Britain. The landscape is vast, but with plenty of beautiful features. There are gorgeous lakes and reservoirs that will make you feel like you could be in Canada! 

Cambrian Mountains - Llyn Clywedog
Llyn Clywedog

Interesting features like Strata Florida, The Teifi Pools, Vale of Rheidol Railway and Devil’s Bridge mean that you can easily spend a week or more exploring the area. 

Cambrian Mountains - Strata Florida
Strata Florida
Cambrian Mountains - Claerddu waterfall
Claerddu Waterfall, Teifi Pools
Cambrian Mountains - Vale of Rheidol Railway.
Vale of Rheidol Railway
Cambrian Mountains - Devil's Bridge
Devil’s Bridge

There are also amazing wildlife habitats like Cors Caron Nature Reserve which has great walking trails and is recognised internationally as an important wetland reserve.

Cambrian Mountains - Cors Caron
Cors Caron

And no visit to the Cambrian Mountain is complete without stopping off at the most remote phone box in the UK! You can even post letters from the post box there (we have seen the postie collecting mail from it). 😂 To find it, the What3words is ///campsites.guarding.brain

Cambrian Mountains - Phone Box

Of course, one of the outstanding features of the Cambrian Mountains is the Dark Skies. There are a number of Dark Sky Discovery Sites within easy reach of our cottages.

Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies stargazing

The Cambrian Mountains are such a special place and still relatively unknown. The area is unspoilt and always quiet and peaceful – sometimes you will hardly see another soul all day! Don’t miss out on exploring this astoundingly beautiful area if you stay with us.

Events in Mid Wales 2025

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 2025 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.

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - food and drink festivals

February & March

15th February 2025 – Lampeter Beer & Cider Festival
Lloyd Thomas Refectory at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

1st & 2nd March 2025 St David’s Day Food & Drink Festival
Pembrey Country Park

Date TBC March St David’s Day Food & Craft Weekend
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 16:00)

28th-30th  March 2025 – The Laugharne Weekend
Laugharne

29th-30th March – Battle on the Beach Cycle Race
Pembrey Country Park/Cefn Sidan Beach

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - horse shows

April

19th April 2025 – Lampeter Stallion Show
Talsarn, SA48 8QB 

Date TBC April 2025 – Pride in Aberystwyth
Bandstand, Marine Terrace

26th April 2025– Barley Saturday – Horse Parade
Cardigan

Date TBC April 2025 – A Taste of Wales Spring Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 17:00)

26th & 27th April 2025- Wonderwool Wales
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Mach comedy Festival Events in Mid Wales 2025

May

2nd – 4th May 2025 – Machynlleth Comedy Festival
Various venues Machynlleth

14th May 2025 – International Dylan Thomas Day

17th & 18th May 2025 – Spring Festival
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Date TBC May – Ceredigion Garden, Craft & Food Festival
Alban Square, Aberaeron

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - royal welsh show

June

5th – 9th June 2025 – Westival
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

Dates TBC  June – Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival
South Beach, Tenby

14th June 2025 – Man v Horse
Llanwyrtd Wells

14th June 2025 – Aberystwyth & Ceredigion Show 
Gelli Angharad Fields, Aberystwyth 

21st & 22nd June 2025 – Pride Cymru
Coopers Field Cardiff

Date TBC June 2025 – Llandeilo Pride
Market Street, Llandeilo

Date TBC June – Towy Valley Vintage Show (Vehicles)
Pontargothi Showground, Llandeilo

27th -29th June – Balloons & Tunes Festival
Carmarthen Showground

Saundersfest - events west wales 2025

July

5th July 2025 – Lampeter Agricultural Show
Pontfaen Fields, Lampeter SA48 7JN

5th & 6th July 2025 – Wales National Airshow
Swansea

12th July 2025 – Tivyside Agricultural Show
Glan-Llyn Fields Newcastle Emlyn

12th July 2025 – Llanelli Pride
Selwyn Samual Centre, Park Crescent

17th – 20th  July 2025– Brecon Choir Festival
Brecon

19th July 2025 – Carmarthen River Festival
The Quay Centre Carmarthen (11:00-15:00)

20th July – BBQ and Beats
Aberaeron Yacht Club

21st – 24th July 2025 – Royal Welsh Show 
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

26th  July 2025 – Lampeter Food Festival
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Campus

27th July 2025 – West Wales Shire Horse Annual Show
Alban Square, Aberaeron

27th July 2025 – Mind Body Spirit Fair
Ystwyth Garden Nursery (11:00-17:00)

Events in Mid Wales 2025 Royal Welsh show

August

1st – 3rd  Aug 2025 – New Quay Music Festival 
New Quay FC Parc Arthur

2nd August 2025 – Brecon County Show
Brecon County Showground

2nd August 2025 – Cardigan County Show
PantyGrwndy, Cardigan

8th -10th August 2025 – Brecon Jazz Festival
Various Venues in Brecon

9th  August 2025 – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

9th August 2025 Lampeter Town Carnival
Town Centre (12:30pm)

9th August 2025 – Aberaeron Beer & Cider Festival
Aberaeron Yacht Club (12:00 – late)

9th August 2025 – Llanilar Agricultural Show
Castle Hill Fields (nr The Falcon)

14th – 16th  Aug 2025 – Cardigan Bay Regatta
New Quay

16th August 2025 – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

16th – 24th Aug 2025 – Cilgerran Festive Week
Cilgerran

Events West wales 2025 Aberaeron regatta

16th Aug 2025 – Cardigan River and Food Festival
Quay Street Cardigan (10:00 – 17:00)

16th August 2025 – Llandeilo Show
Cawdor Fields, Ffairfach

23rd  August 2025 – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

23rd Aug 2025 – Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta
Aberaeron Yacht Club & The Harbourmaster

Events in Mid Wales 2025 bog snorkelling

24th Aug 2025 – World Bog Snorkelling Championship
Waen Rhydd Bog Llanwrtyd Wells

24th August 2025 – Cruise Culture Car Show
Carmarthen Showground

24th August 2025 – Tresaith Regatta & Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

25th Aug 2025 – Aberaeron Carnival
Aberaeron Harbour (Parade starts at 13:45)

25th August 2025 – Tregaron Show
Tregaron

Aberglasney events in 2025 West Wales attractions

September

5th – 7th September 2025 – Rali Ceredigion
Aberystwyth

5th – 7th September 2025 – Craft Festival Wales
Cardigan Castle (10:00-17:00)

6th September 2025 – Llandysul Agricultural Show
Hengae Fields, Saron SA44 5DP 

6th & 7th Sept. 2025 – Aberglasney Summer Fayre
Aberglasney, Llangathen

20th & 21st September 2025 – Llandovery Sheep Festival
Market Square, Llandovery (10am-4pm)

20th September 2025 – Dark Sky Festival
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Visitor Centre

21st September 2025 – Harvest Festival
Ystwyth Garden Nursery

27th & 28th September 2025 – Food & Craft Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10am-6pm)

27th & 28th September 2025 – Narberth Food Festival
Town Moor, Narberth (10:00-18:00/10:00-16:00)

27th & 28th Sept. 2025 – Autumn Steam Rally & Country Fayre
Pembrey Country Park (11:00 – 16:00)

Music Festival Mid and West Wales 2025

October

3rd – 5th October 2025 – Apple Weekend at Llanerchaeron
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

3rd – 5th  October 2025 – Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Aberystwyth

12th October 2025 – Tywi Valley Vintage Car Rally
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10am – 4pm)

17th – 20th 2025 October Brecon Baroque Festival
Brecon Cathedral/Theatr Brycheiniog

30th October – 1st November 2025 – Other Voices Cardigan
Various venues, Cardigan

Christmas Festivals and Fairs Mid and West Wales 2025

November & December

14th-16th November 2025 – Tenby Blues Festival
Various Venues in Tenby

14th -16th November 2025 – Llandeilo Festival of Senses
Llandeilo

24th & 25th November 2025 – Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

29th November 2025 (TBC) – Aberystwyth Lantern Parade
Aberystwyth

29th November 2025 – Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle (10:00am – 4:00pm)

30th November 2025 – Christmas Market
Ystwyth Garden Nursery

5th – 7th December 2025 – Aberglasney Winter Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen (10:00-16:30)

5th – 7th December 2025 – Llanercharon Christmas Fair
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

Dates TBC December 2025 – Polar Express Train Rides
Vale of Rheidol Railway Aberystwyth

Date TBC December 2025 – Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade & Fireworks
Cardigan (19:00 – 20:00)

Date TBC December 2025 – Lampeter Christmas Fayre
Lloyd Thomas Dining Hall, Lampeter University (10:30-15:00)

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

All Images © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales.

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

Waterfalls, Lakes, Dams & Rivers in Mid West Wales - 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

Devil's Bridge Falls - Waterfalls, Lakes, Dams & Rivers in Mid West Wales

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 - Waterfalls, Lakes, Dams & Rivers in Mid West Wales

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

Four Waterfalls Walk, Four Falls Trail, Brecon.

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