Walk 
8 nights
74 mls (km)
South-West Wales
Easy to Moderate 
Mar to Oct
£1125
Meander Through Sleepy Towns and Rolling Fields in Carmarthen
- Laugharne, Kidwelly & Llansteffan Castles – A trio of imposing medieval fortresses with spectacular coastal settings.
- Dylan Thomas Heritage Sites – Explore the life of Wales’ most famous poet, from his writing retreat at Browns to his final resting place at St. Martin’s Church.
- Pendine Sands – A vast, windswept beach where Sir Malcolm Campbell set the land speed record in 1927.
- National Botanic Garden of Wales – A stunning landscape of gardens, glasshouses, and rich biodiversity in the Towy Valley.
- Wharley Point – Offers breathtaking views over Laugharne and the Taf Estuary, a perfect reward for walkers.
Walking Carmarthen Bay
This scenic section of the Wales Coast Path blends rolling farmland, sweeping beaches, and estuarine wetlands. Walkers follow a route shaped by history, passing Iron Age forts, Norman castles, and quiet fishing villages. The path meanders between sheltered woodlands and open clifftops, with panoramic views across Carmarthen Bay. Dylan Thomas found inspiration in these landscapes, and the relaxed pace of life remains unchanged. From windswept dunes to peaceful estuaries, the journey showcases a rich mix of wildlife, from seabirds along the shore to waders in the wetlands. With a variety of terrain and ever-changing coastal scenery, this walk offers a perfect balance of challenge and tranquillity.
Path Walkthrough
The journey begins in Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas' boathouse overlooks the Taf Estuary. From here, the path heads east, skirting wooded slopes before reaching the expansive sands of Pendine and the rugged heights of Marros Beacon. After tracing the coastline, the route turns inland before rejoining the shore near Llansteffan, where a short detour leads to its imposing Norman castle. The path continues through pastoral landscapes to Carmarthen before following the meandering Tywi to Ferryside. From here, the route weaves past tidal marshes and Kidwelly Castle before reaching Burry Port. The final stretch runs along the Loughor Estuary, passing the National Wetlands Centre before concluding in Penclawdd, marking the transition to the Gower Peninsula.
A Landscape of Inspiration
Carmarthen Bay’s landscapes have inspired poets, artists, and travellers for centuries. Dylan Thomas’ Laugharne captures the area’s timeless charm, with its pastel-painted houses and winding estuary views. Llansteffan Castle, perched above the Towy, echoes the region’s medieval past, while Kidwelly Castle stands as one of Wales’ finest Norman fortresses. The path also leads through rich wetland habitats, where migratory birds gather in vast numbers. This blend of history, culture, and wildlife makes for a walk that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful. Whether tracing the footsteps of poets or watching the tides shift in quiet estuaries, this route leaves a lasting impression.
Our Carmarthen Bay Itineraries
Amroth to Penclawdd
Distance: 74 miles (119km)
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Carmarthen Bay holidays are available to walk March to October.
The weather along the west of Wales is prone to wet weather, with short outbursts of rainfall a possibility throughout the course of the year.
A large stretch of Pendine Sands will be closed intermittently due to MOD activity, to plan the best time to visit the area consult the weekly forecast.
Westbound travellers by train can change at Swansea for Saundersfoot, other train services typically have to make a change at Bristol Parkway for Swansea.
The nearest railway station to Penclawdd is Gowerton, easily reached by bus from the village. Here, services head westbound towards Llanelli (where they continue to either West Wales or to Shrewsbury) and eastbound towards Swansea.
There are regular services between Carmarthen, Cardiff and London towards Milford Haven.
📷Amroth © Patrick Gruban
📷Amroth © Reading Tom
📷Writing Shed, Laugharne © Visit Britain
📷Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Taf Estuary, Laugharne © Visit Wales
📷Llansteffan Castle © Visit Wales
📷Pendine Sands © Ed Webster
📷Train running alongside Llansteffan © Visit Wales
📷Dylan Thomas's writing desk, Laugharne © Visit Wales
📷Wharley Point
📷Ruins of St. Michaels Church
📷Scott's Bay
📷Black Scar Point
📷Laugharne Castle
📷Llansteffan Castle
📷Llansteffan Castle
📷Route to Llansteffan Castle
📷Halfway along Pendine Sands
📷Brown's Bar
📷View over Laugharne from Laugharne Castle
📷Living Room
📷The infamous Babs, in which J.G Parry made his last attempt.Carmarthen Bay Client Reviews
5/5 based on 6 reviews
Very good and would recommend
Graham Ford - September 2023
Celtic Trails plan the itinerary according to our wishes where possible. It is very reliable and they choose good accommodation and the best taxi services. the long distance hikes take us through places we would never see otherwise. We chose this walk as part of our Wales Coast Path Walk. Despite some boring road walking, the spectacular views are a big reward. It is always inspiring to meet other walkers.
Siân and Rolf - June 2023
Better than other companies. Very good communication. Very well organised. Top quality walking walk in excellent format. Great combo of beaches and cliffs.
Clare & Steve Rothery - June 2021
Celtic Trails are better than other companies - very good and comprehensive.
Nick - October 2019
We loved the natural beauty of the countryside and the coastal environment. We are very well and were surprised and delighted by the high quality of the food, even in small villages. The people we met were friendly and helpful. The accommodations were comfortable. We would recommend Celtic Trails to a friend.
Sarah & Susan - September 2019
Always first class service and excellent accommodation from Celtic Trails.
Anon. - June 2019
