Tywi Valley Path
Tywi Valley Path
An exciting project is well underway in the stunning Tywi Valley with the former railway track between Carmarthen and Llandeilo being brought back to life as a major leisure and visitor attraction.
Providing a 13-mile mostly traffic-free path through one of the most scenic areas of Wales, it will follow an almost adjacent route to that of the River Tywi as it flows from Llandeilo to Carmarthen, through stunning scenery which takes in castles, country parks and historical estates as well as attractions including the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and Aberglasney Gardens.
Tywi Valley Path
An exciting project is well underway in the stunning Tywi Valley with the former railway track between Carmarthen and Llandeilo being brought back to life as a major leisure and visitor attraction.
Providing a 13-mile mostly traffic-free path through one of the most scenic areas of Wales, it will follow an almost adjacent route to that of the River Tywi as it flows from Llandeilo to Carmarthen, through stunning scenery which takes in castles, country parks and historical estates as well as attractions including the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and Aberglasney Gardens.
Tywi Valley Path so far
The Western section of the path between Abergwili and Nantgaredig is open to walkers, wheelchair users, and cyclists, along with two further sections open between Llanarthne and Cilsan.
Parking areas are available adjacent to the museum grounds in Abergwili, Tafarn Y Railway, Nantgaredig (where refreshments can be purchased) and at Dryswlyn Castle. The installation of two new bridges spanning the River Tywi and the River Cothi also marked a significant step forward in creating this flagship route.
Further progress is expected later this year, with the route from Ffairfach, Llandeilo to Llanarthne set to be completed. The path set to be fully completed in the New Year, giving local communities and visitors the chance to explore one of the most scenic stretches of the valley.
It is important to note that there is no public access to the rivers at any point along the route.
Ancillary features such as additional signage, rest areas, and interpretation boards are still under review and will be delivered as part of the wider scheme as it progresses.
The Tywi Valley Path will attract visitors from all over the UK and beyond with the potential to generate around £4.4million a year for the local economy, creating jobs in local businesses through enhanced visitor attraction and spend.
This major development has been supported by £16.7million from the UK Government, the council is now planning to work with existing and new leisure, hospitality, event organisers and accommodation providers to maximise the large potential of this facility alongside the other traffic free paths the County offers.
Tywi Valley Path so far
The Western section of the path between Abergwili and Nantgaredig is open to walkers, wheelchair users, and cyclists, along with two further sections open between Llanarthne and Cilsan.
Parking areas are available adjacent to the museum grounds in Abergwili, Tafarn Y Railway, Nantgaredig (where refreshments can be purchased) and at Dryswlyn Castle. The installation of two new bridges spanning the River Tywi and the River Cothi also marked a significant step forward in creating this flagship route.
Further progress is expected later this year, with the route from Ffairfach, Llandeilo to Llanarthne set to be completed. The path set to be fully completed in the New Year, giving local communities and visitors the chance to explore one of the most scenic stretches of the valley.
It is important to note that there is no public access to the rivers at any point along the route.
Ancillary features such as additional signage, rest areas, and interpretation boards are still under review and will be delivered as part of the wider scheme as it progresses.
The Tywi Valley Path will attract visitors from all over the UK and beyond with the potential to generate around £4.4million a year for the local economy, creating jobs in local businesses through enhanced visitor attraction and spend.
This major development has been supported by £16.7million from the UK Government, the council is now planning to work with existing and new leisure, hospitality, event organisers and accommodation providers to maximise the large potential of this facility alongside the other traffic free paths the County offers.
Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers about the Tywi Valley Path.
If you can't find the answer to your question here, please email TowyValley@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Further sections will be completed over the summer months, where appropriate sections will be made available to use by the public. Members of the public are asked to refrain from attempting to access and use the path along these sections where live construction work is on-going. The final elements of the path will be the 2 main bridges spanning the Tywi and Cothi rivers. These are due for delivery and installation in the Autumn.
Parking areas are available adjacent to the museum grounds in Abergwili and at Tafarn Y Railway, Nantgaredig, where refreshments can be purchased.
A number of locations have been considered as entry points / hubs which will incorporate additional facilities such as parking, rest or picnic areas, These will be primarily at or near points where the path meets the public highway, or other public rights of way. Other access may be available by agreement with landowners.
The access point which is now open for use is next to Carmarthenshire museum in Bishop's Palace, Abergwili where there are parking spaces and refreshments.
We welcome commercial ventures and ideas along the path and any parties interested are encouraged to email Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk
There is no public access to the rivers at any point along the route.
Good initial design with appropriate specification and features can minimise the need for maintenance. Initial vegetation maintenance during the construction phase, along with the chosen surfacing will ensure a long maintenance-free period and minimal input thereafter, contributing to a low whole-life costing.
We have made a commitment to maintain this valuable community asset at the same time as seeking to set up a local volunteer group such as Pride in your patch, contact Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk
A scoping report assessed a number of potential on and off road options, and concluded to utilise wherever possible the route of the old railway line.
It is noted that former railway lines make excellent routes for walking and cycling paths, already being direct established continuous transport routes connecting communities. They are reasonably level with gentle gradients, and also have a good base for construction. The links into the community/urban centres at each end and along the route are subject to further feasibility work and options are being investigated.
Environmental and ecological reports and surveys were undertaken at an early stage so designs could not only minimise and eliminate the impact on sensitive locations but also provide environmental enhancement where possible.
No, whilst the path may cross over a land holding, the land to each side will not be severed. Access for the landowner can be maintained to suit the particular needs, by agreement.
The Compulsory purchase process has been successfully completed, with all lands necessary to deliver the scheme now vested, and in the control of the Local Authority.
The shared use path is mainly 3 metres wide and will be constructed using a variety of surfaces suitable for its use and the surroundings. The path will be classed as a cycle track and will cater for pedestrians and cyclists.
We have received £16.7million from the UK Government, Welsh Government's Local Transport Fund and Active Travel Fund grants. Further money has been secured through Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. These grants have contributed towards scheme development and works completed to date.
You can submit feedback by emailing the team.
Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers about the Tywi Valley Path.
If you can't find the answer to your question here, please email TowyValley@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Further sections will be completed over the summer months, where appropriate sections will be made available to use by the public. Members of the public are asked to refrain from attempting to access and use the path along these sections where live construction work is on-going. The final elements of the path will be the 2 main bridges spanning the Tywi and Cothi rivers. These are due for delivery and installation in the Autumn.
Parking areas are available adjacent to the museum grounds in Abergwili and at Tafarn Y Railway, Nantgaredig, where refreshments can be purchased.
A number of locations have been considered as entry points / hubs which will incorporate additional facilities such as parking, rest or picnic areas, These will be primarily at or near points where the path meets the public highway, or other public rights of way. Other access may be available by agreement with landowners.
The access point which is now open for use is next to Carmarthenshire museum in Bishop's Palace, Abergwili where there are parking spaces and refreshments.
We welcome commercial ventures and ideas along the path and any parties interested are encouraged to email Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk
There is no public access to the rivers at any point along the route.
Good initial design with appropriate specification and features can minimise the need for maintenance. Initial vegetation maintenance during the construction phase, along with the chosen surfacing will ensure a long maintenance-free period and minimal input thereafter, contributing to a low whole-life costing.
We have made a commitment to maintain this valuable community asset at the same time as seeking to set up a local volunteer group such as Pride in your patch, contact Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk
A scoping report assessed a number of potential on and off road options, and concluded to utilise wherever possible the route of the old railway line.
It is noted that former railway lines make excellent routes for walking and cycling paths, already being direct established continuous transport routes connecting communities. They are reasonably level with gentle gradients, and also have a good base for construction. The links into the community/urban centres at each end and along the route are subject to further feasibility work and options are being investigated.
Environmental and ecological reports and surveys were undertaken at an early stage so designs could not only minimise and eliminate the impact on sensitive locations but also provide environmental enhancement where possible.
No, whilst the path may cross over a land holding, the land to each side will not be severed. Access for the landowner can be maintained to suit the particular needs, by agreement.
The Compulsory purchase process has been successfully completed, with all lands necessary to deliver the scheme now vested, and in the control of the Local Authority.
The shared use path is mainly 3 metres wide and will be constructed using a variety of surfaces suitable for its use and the surroundings. The path will be classed as a cycle track and will cater for pedestrians and cyclists.
We have received £16.7million from the UK Government, Welsh Government's Local Transport Fund and Active Travel Fund grants. Further money has been secured through Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. These grants have contributed towards scheme development and works completed to date.
You can submit feedback by emailing the team.
