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Tywi Valley Path

Tywi Valley path

The landmark 13-mile walking and cycling route through the Tywi Valley has been officially opened, marking a major milestone for sustainable travel and tourism in Carmarthenshire.

The Tywi Valley Path, which follows the route of a former railway line closed in 1963, has been delivered through a £16.7 million investment from the UK Government, alongside funding and support from Carmarthenshire County Council and regional contractors.

The path provides a wonderful resource for walking, cycling and wheeling. This shared use path through one of Wales’s most picturesque landscapes connects Carmarthen and Llandelio with a direct route, allowing local residents and visitors to access services and hospitality and enjoy the landscape.  From supporting local businesses through its construction to boosting local tourism, the economic legacy of the route will continue for years to come.

The Tywi Valley Path is a much-anticipated new facility for both residents of and visitors to Carmarthenshire supporting sustainable transport, promoting healthier lifestyles, and stimulating the local tourism and rural economy. Council officers are working with leisure providers, hospitality businesses, and event organisers to maximise the route’s impact and connect it with other traffic-free paths across the county.

 

 

The route offers a safe, accessible and scenic corridor for cyclists, walkers, families and visitors, guiding them through some of Carmarthenshire’s most spectacular landscapes. Along the way, users can enjoy panoramic views across the Tywi Valley, including Paxton’s Tower, Dryslwyn Castle and Dinefwr Castle, each set within the dramatic rolling countryside. With the landscape constantly changing throughout the seasons, the path offers year‑round beauty.

The surrounding area offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, with Carmarthen Museum at Abergwili and the tranquil Parc Yr Esgob close to the route, as well as some of Wales’s most celebrated gardens, including the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Aberglasney and Gelli Aur (Golden Grove).

Food lovers can enjoy excellent local stops, including Wrights Food Emporium, Stacey’s Kitchen and a range of independent cafés and places to eat. With the vibrant market towns of Carmarthen and Llandeilo anchoring each end of the path, visitors have excellent opportunities to start or finish their journey with shopping, culture and local hospitality.

The path acts as a key cultural and leisure corridor, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits that directly support the local visitor economy, ensuring economic benefits are felt by town centres, rural businesses and community enterprises alike.

 

Find More information on Discover Carmarthenshire


The official launch event, held on Friday 15 May at Bremenda Isaf Farm during National Walking Month, welcomed more than 70 attendees who gathered to celebrate the completion of the route between Carmarthen and Llandeilo.

A highlight of the event saw former professional cyclist and double European junior champion Manon Lloyd ride into the celebration alongside children from Nantgaredig Primary School, showcasing the path’s accessibility and strong community appeal. Lloyd, who competed in major international events including the Women’s Tour of Britain and now works as a presenter for TNT Sports, covering all of women’s cycling coverage and also co-hosts the Occurring Femmes podcast brought added inspiration to the occasion.

The event was attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales Anna McMorrin, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Linda Evans, alongside local representatives and project partners.

The scheme was delivered in partnership with contractors including T Richard Jones Ltd.,Tregaron Trading Services, Walters Group, Evan Pritchard Contractors Ltd and CCC's own Highway Services Operational Team.

 

 

Since the opening of the first section in April 2025, the path has quickly established itself as a popular destination, with strong daily use from walkers, cyclists and families. Its success has continued to grow, recently hosting a Parkrun that attracted more than 200 runners and reinforcing its role as a vibrant hub for community recreation. Plans are already in place for a series of exciting events in the coming weeks and months, including a half marathon and a walking festival.

The Tywi Valley Path is expected to play a key role in boosting the visitor economy, supporting active travel, and strengthening connections between Carmarthen and Llandeilo for generations to come.

Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers about the Tywi Valley Path.

 

Who will be able to use the path? - open content

The shared use path is mainly 3 metres wide and has been constructed using a variety of surfaces suitable for its use and the surroundings. The path has the classification of Cycle Track and only permits cyclists and pedestrians (including those using mobility aids and motorised wheelchairs/mobility scooted).

Where can I park to access the path? - open content

Parking areas are available adjacent to the museum grounds in Abergwili and at Tafarn Y Railway, Nantgaredig, where refreshments can be purchased, along with Dryslwyn Castle. There is also parking available at the old Ysgol Tregib Site which requires a short, on-road cycle through a signalised junction to reach the path.

Where will the access points be? - open content

You can access the path at the following locations: 

  • Bishop’s Palace, Abergwili (Carmarthenshire Museum)
  • Nantgaredig
  • Llanarthne
  • Dryslwyn
  • Between Cilsan Bridge and Gelli Aur College Farm
  • Adjacent to Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ffairfach

We welcome commercial ventures and ideas along the path and any parties interested are encouraged to email Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk

 

 

Can I access the river from the path? - open content

There is no public access to the rivers at any point along the route.

How is the path maintained? - open content

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 committed to providing a small team of Rangers, dedicated to the maintenance and inspection of the route. This team will be supported by an enthusiastic group of volunteers who will be coordinated by CCC. 

Ancillary features 

Signage – we are in the process of installing both directional signage and interpretation panels which will help to tell the story of the path and draw attention to the natural and historical features of the valley. 

Seating – a number of benches have been installed on the Western section of the path. These have a backless design due to the route running through a flood plan and the need to minimise debris capture in the event of a flood. Benches with backs are on order for sections of the route less prone to flooding. These will be installed by May.  

Picnic Areas – locations for small, picnic areas have been identified at at Nantgaredig, Dryslwyn and at the boardwalk near Castell Dinefwr. These are due to installed soon.. Due to the linear nature of the route there are limited options to provide larger picnic areas, but we hope this encourages users to explore the communities along the route which have ample opportunity for seating and hospitality venues. 

Bins – bins are planned for installation by May. There will be a litter bin and a recycling bin at each road intersection, totalling 16 bins along the route. 

How did we arrive at this route option and what other options were looked at? - open content

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.

How has the environmental impact be minimised in this sensitive area? - open content

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. Ongoing commitment has been made to operate and maintain the path and surrounding area in a way which protects and enhances local biodiversity.

Does the route sever farm land? - open content

No, whilst the path may cross over a land holding, the land to each side will not be severed. Access for landowners can be maintained to suit the particular needs, by agreement.

Is there a Code of Conduct for the Path? - open content

A Code of Conduct for the path has been developed to encourage all users to act responsibly and to ensure everyone can enjoy the path.

 

Funded by UK Government: Wedi ei ariannu gan Llywodraeth y DU

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