Neuadd Arms - Inn, Restaurant, Accommodation in Carmarthenshire

Things to see and do

Situated on the outskirts of Brecon Beacons National Park Cilycwm is the ideal base for a wide range of outdoor activities from walking or cycling to fishing or golf. Located in the beautiful upper Towy valley, to the South is the rugged and unspoilt Black Mountain, to the North the beautiful Cambrian Mountains and to the South East Brecon Beacons and the highest peak in South Wales, Pen-y-fan. For details of arts, music and other cultural events in the Tywi valley visit Tywys.

Local Towns

Llandovery (SN765344)

The nearest town to Cilycwm, Llandovery is an ancient drovers town with a history dating back to the Roman times. Its Welsh name, Llanymddyfri, means "The Church Amidst The Waters" being bordered on one side by the river Towy and the river Bran on the other. Next to the ruin of the town's Norman Castle is the Heritage Centre where you can learn about Twm Sion Cati, the notorious Highwayman, and William Williams, the famous Welsh hymn-writer as well as history and myths surrounding the Physicians of Myddfai. Places of interest in the town include Llandovery College, the site of the Bank of the Black Ox (an old drovers bank), Llanfair church and the old printing works.

Llandeilo

Once the county town of Carmarthenshire, Llandeilo is a pretty town perched above the river Towy. Dating back to the 5th century, it was named after the 5th century Saint Teilo. It's historic streets have a number of excellent pubs, eating places and art galleries. Built on a hill, access from the South is by an elegant stone bridge. At the top of the hill is the beautiful park of Dinefwr. Learn more

Castles

Carmarthenshire has several ancient castles all of which are open to the public.

Carreg Cennen (SN667194)

Perhaps the most spectacular is Carreg Cennen which sits precariously on a high rocky crag. Dating back to the 13th Century it affords superb views of Black Mountain to the South and the Towy valley to the North. An added attraction, especially for children, is the dark cave that runs deep underneath the castle.

Dinefwr (SN612217)

Overlooking the Towy river Dinefwr castle is thought to date from the 9th century. It is one of the most important castles in Wales once having been the seat Welsh rulers of Deheubarth, the medieval principality of southwest Wales. The castle is in the grounds of Dinefwr Park, where you can also find Newton House (NT), a deer park, the famous Dinefwr white cattle and ancient woodlands

Parks, gardens & nature reserves

There are a number of parks, gardens and nature reserves within easy reach of Cilycwm.

Dinas Nature Reserve (SN781467)

A few miles north of Cilycwm is Dinas Nature Reserve which provides a spectacular circular walk among the waterfalls of the upper Towy valley. Run by the RSPB bird watchers should keep an eye out for redstarts, wood warblers, dippers, sandpiper and pied flycatchers as well as the red kites for which this area is famous. Twm Sion Cati, the Welsh outlaw, was reported to have hidden in the caves here.

Aberglasney (SN581222)

Recently restored, the ancient gardens of Aberglasney are a delight for the horticulturist or historian. One of the few Jacobean garden structures still to be found the visitor can explore it's pools, cloister walk and tunnels as well as discovering some of the rare and exiting plants. Don't miss the ancient Yew tunnel!

National Botanic Gardens of Wales (SN522183)

A international centre of conservation and research, the gardens have numerous attractions including the world's largest single span greenhouse, a Mediterranean garden, and the Wallace garden honouring famous Welsh botanist Alfred Russell Wallace.

Dinefwr Park (SN615225)

An 18th century landscaped park with nature reserve, bog wood and deer park surrounding the carefully restored Newton House (NT). Home to the ancient herd of Dinefwr White Park cattle. Events and tours held March to November.

Activities

Local Activities

ACTIVITY	NAME / WEB SITE	TELEPHONE
Bird Watching	Dinas RSPB Reserve	01550 760276
	www.kitecountry.co.uk
Canoeing	Heritage Canoes	01559 371235
Fishing	Springwater Lakes (course & trout)	01558 650788
	www.fishing-in-kite-country.co.uk
	Carmarthenshire Fishing Federation
Gliding	Black Mountain Gliding Club	01874 711463
Golf	Llandovery (9 hole)	01550 720315
	Cradoc Golf Club (18 hole)	01874 623658
	Brecon Golf Club (9 hole)	01874 622004
Horse riding & treking	Five Saints riding & treking centre	01558 650580
	Cantref Riding Centre	01874 665223
	Llangorse climbing & riding centre	01874 658272
	Cae Iago riding centre	01558 650303
Indoor rock climbing	Llangorse climbing & riding centre	01874 658272
Indoor swimming	Llandovery pool	01550 721649
Mountain bike hire	Pedal Power	01550 750271
Railways	Heart of Wales railway	01597 826674
	Gwilli steam railway	01267 230666