Dylan Thomas & Laugharne –

The poetic genius of Dylan Thomas lives on in Laugharne. Indeed, the homely little township snuggled into a nook of the River Taf attracts admirers from around the world.  There’s much to see, do and cherish. Dylan’s former homes, the Boathouse is the most iconic.  He lived there with his family from 1949 until his death in 1953, working in his writing shed on masterpieces such as Under Milk Wood. He and wife Caitlin are buried beneath a simple wooden cross in the graveyard at St Martins Church.  Make it part of an emotional walking tour. The streets, shoreline and hills which inspired Dylan are largely unchanged so do wander and enjoy the company and knowledge of those who live here.

Thrills and Spills –

The Pendine Museum of Speed saltes heroes such as the villages 1920s land speed record breakers Malcolm Campbell (in Blue Bird) and JG Parry-Thomas (Babs).   Pendine beach is golden, super-flat- and an incredible seven miles long.

The All Wales Coast Path –

Pendine to Amroth   Carmarthen Bay is a coastline of great natural contrasts and one of its loveliest stretches runs for around 4.5 miles between Pendine and Amroth.  An isolated coastline of rugged beauty, this forms part of the All Wales Coast Path.

Hilltops with iron age forts provide panoramic views, thousands of sea birds keep busy and there are fabulous plants that thrive in the shade of the blackthorn bushes.  A battered slab of concrete is among the evidence of a secret World War two training exercise and local legend has it that Teagues Wood was the place where the last wild wolf in Wales was killed.  Caves were once used by smugglers to store their contraband.

Look out for the common scoter – a sea duck, and Marros Mill, complete with remains of a wall built of beach pebbles.

Adventure Time –

A horse ride at Morfa Bychan Beach, Pendine will live in the memory forever,  The Marros Riding Centre takes good riders on an exhilarating gallop over the cinematic sands.  Nearby, Morfa Bay Adventure offers coasteering bushcraft, surfing, kayaking, land yachting, rock climbing and much more.

Treats –

Laugharne Castle:  This magnificent 13th Century fortress turned Tudor mansion became the perfect antidote to writers block for Dylan Thomas and author pal Richard Hughes who put pen to paper in the summerhouse here.  Looking out over the muscular estuary, this relic of ancient times demands you stand and stare.

Llansteffan Castle:  You must work your legs hard to clamber up a rocky path leading to this spectacular coastal viewpoint.  The efforts well worth it – you’ll see miles of hills, sea, sandy coast and village-dotted landscapes, Try the breathtaking Llansteffan Castle Figure of 8 Walk.