The Celtic Trail: A journey of discovery

Stretching from the Irish Sea to the English Border, this epic route takes in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast, the rural countryside of Carmarthenshire, and the picturesque Valleys, that powered the industrial revolution.

The Celtic Trail offers opportunities to experience the diversity of Welsh culture, history and natural beauty, as well as some of Wales’ finest tourist attractions. 

As the Celtic Trail weaves its way along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline from St Davids, it’s worth stopping off at one of the amazing beaches for a picnic, a dip in the sea, or just to admire the view.

One of our favourites is the 2-mile beach at Newgale. Popular with surfers, you can easily find a quiet corner to watch them take on the waves rolling in from the Atlantic.

Laugharne is the place that inspired Wales’ greatest poet, and it’s easy to see why. Dominated by the ruined Laugharne Castle and with staggeringly beautiful views of the Taf Estuary and Gower beyond, Laugharne’s charm is undeniably captivating. 

Dylan Thomas famously wrote Under Milk Wood here, basing the characters on the people of Laugharne. You can also visit the New Three Mariners pub where pictures of famous visitors adorn the walls.

Set in 450 acres, the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre is an absolute haven for wildlife. Crisscrossed with lakes, streams and lagoons and sitting next to the salt marshes of the Burry Inlet, you’re likely to see thousands of migratory birds and a vast array of botanical wonders. There are lots of great activities for children too, including bug hunts, den building, pond dipping and hand feeding birds. (Handfeeding the birds may be unavailable at certain times of the year). Get there via the Millennium Coastal Path.

If all the cycling has built up a hunger, then take a slight detour from the Celtic Trail into Swansea Town Centre where you’ll find Wales’ largest indoor market.

The award-winning Swansea Market has kept a century-old tradition of trading in the centre of the City and providing visitors and local residents with a unique shopping experience 6-days a week.

Wales has lots of stunning castles, but Castell Caerffili (Caerphilly Castle) is the biggest, and arguably, the best. Built in the 13th century, this vast fortress is surrounded by a series of moats and was the brainchild of Gilbert ‘the Red’ de Clare, a redheaded nobleman who also built Castell Coch outside Cardiff.