Llandeilo  Saturday 8th January 2022

The weather forecast was for rain, so despite some walkers withdrawing at the last minute, a total of 17 of us gathered in the railway station car park for an introduction about Llandeilo and details of the walk. We then proceeded across the River Towy on the 'swing bridge' which was swinging well as we all crossed together, then walked across fields to the Bethlehem Road and along it before entering Coed Tregib Nature Reserve. After completing a muddy, competitive circuit of the reserve which involved crossing flooded streams, finding our way over fallen trees and climbing gates we eventually found the road again and walked through Fairfach over the Towy bridge turning left into Castle Woods. After a quick break at Llandyfeisant Church we carried on through the woods to Dynefwr Castle where we admired the fantastic views down the valley towards Carmarthen, and had lunch in the picnic area nearby. Lunch over we continued into the National Trust Park and on past the impressive Newton House where we saw many deer in the beautifully landscaped parkland so skillfully done by Capability Brown. Further along the path we stopped to look at the famous White Park cattle, well housed and fed in their open fronted shed. We soon crossed the main A40 road and headed toward the village of Pen Y Banc before crossing over a bridge, turning right and following the stream which took us past Gurrey Manor and Nantyrhibo and on to Cae William. We walked up the hill and went to visit the Bandstand in Penlan Park, a little-known area in Llandeilo but well worth a visit for the outstanding views of the town and surrounding area. We then walked through King Street and did some window shopping before proceeding through the church yard and back to the cars.

Thanks to everyone that came on what turned into a great day out without the rain that was forecast.

Walk leader Chris Wellings