Carmarthenshire has some stunning nature reserves and at this time of year they are bursting back to life with spring leaves and fantastic shows of bluebells and other wildflowers such as wild garlic and orchids. Wildlife is abundant with all sorts of animals and birds to see, and it’s always worth keeping an eye out for the red kite overhead with its easily recognisable forked tail.
Visit the reserves to take in the sights, sounds and smells. They are great places for an adventure with the children, romantic walks or just a casual stroll. Even your dog will love it! And while you're out, why not make an afternoon of it? There are plenty of varied restaurants and pubs serving fantastic, locally sourced food all there to welcome you for a well-deserved meal after your walk.
Aberglasney Gardens
Aberglasney Gardens are fine historical gardens dating from around 1477. Renowned for their use of rare and unusual plants, the gardens are a favourite for keen plantsmen and plantswomen.
Spring sees the Stream Garden and Pigeon House Woods carpeted in Bluebells, Wild Garlic, Early Purple Orchids and Wood Anemones.
After you're finished exploring, take a break with some tea and homemade cake on the terrace overlooking the lake and allow yourself to be enveloped by the delicate scent of Bluebells on the spring breeze.
Dinas Nature Reserve Rhandirmwyn, near Llandovery
Take a relaxing walk along way-marked paths through wet and Oak woodlands to the fast-flowing River Tywi, circle the mountain, and visit Twm Sion Cati’s Cave (a local Robin Hood character). The woods are some of the best in Carmarthenshire for Bluebells and can be seen from the end of March, often into May. They carpet the woodland floor in blue and their scent fills the air for miles. You can also see orchids and other varieties of flower growing in and near the woods.
Red Kites are a common site as they circle above looking for prey. There are stunning views from the walk of the Tywi River as it crashes through the valley.
After your travels, you can visit Ty Te Twm in Rhandirmwyn for some of the tastiest cake around and a cup of tea. Or visit The Royal Oak, or Tywi Bridge Inn in the village for some outstanding food. The reserve has a RSPB car park, and interpretation boards with visitor information. A £1 donation for parking can be put in the honesty box. Grid Ref SN787470.
Castle Woods at Dinefwr Park and Castle, near Llandeilo
Once featured in Red magazine as one of the best in the UK, this well-known reserve, made up of ancient mixed and Oak woodland with one of the best spring carpets of Bluebells, is best viewed from the end of March to May.
After you marvel at the Bluebells take a walk to the castle for beautiful views over the Tywi Valley.
Llandeilo boasts some fantastic pubs and hotels, serving superb food. A fantastic way to end a busy day exploring the countryside.
Parking is available at the National Trust’s Dinefwr Park and Castle car park where visitor information and walk leaflets can be found at the reception office. Grid Ref SN625221.
For further information contact Dinefwr Park and Castle on 01558 824512.
Carmel Woods Nature Reserve, Llandybie
A nature reserve built around a massive quarry near Llandybie, and one of the best places to see bluebells in Carmarthenshire, best seen between the end of March and May. You'll also find the intriguing disappearing Turlough Lake fed only by underground water - it vanishes in the summer!
Along with the bluebells you’ll also see (and smell!) swathes of Wild Garlic.
Keep an eye out for the Greater Butterfly Orchid, Birds Foot Trefoil and Lily of the Valley while you're exploring.
The nearest car park is located off the A476, near SA14 7TL, or near the village of Pentregwenlais near Llandybie. Grid Ref SN589161.
Green Castle Woods, near Carmarthen
Visit these mixed Oak woods, with rich wildflower meadows and wetland areas and wander along the way-marked trails through the wood.
Throughout the spring, swathes of bluebells and other wildflowers, can be found blanketing the woodland floor with stunning views towards Carmarthen, the Tywi Valley, and towards Ferryside across the estuary.
The new All Wales Coast Path passes through the reserve. Grid Ref SN391167.
You can find a free visitor car park and information boards off the B4312 between Carmarthen and Llansteffan.
Crychan Forest, near Llandovery
Nestled between Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons) and the Cambrian Mountains in the north of Carmarthenshire, Crychan Forest offers miles of way-marked trails along grassy tracks and forest roads.
The end of March to May sees the springtime forest floor turn blue with thousands of stunning bluebells perfuming the air with their heady aroma.
Wildlife includes many species such as badgers, foxes, roe deer, goshawks, buzzards, and the graceful red kite.
The forest is served by ample car parking at four sites and welcomes walkers, cyclists and horse riders, on its various family friendly trails. The reserve is located to the Northeast of Llandovery on the A483. Grid Ref SN848410.
Cwm Rhaeadr, Cilycwm Woods, near Llandovery
Located in the Tywi valley north of Llandovery, Cwm Rhaeadr Forest has great spring displays of Bluebells and other wildflowers under the forest canopy. The way-marked trails take you through the best bits of the forest, through massive trees and along bright glades.
Walkers who follow the Waterfall Walk will gain glimpses of the waterfall through the trees as they are taken along valley sides as they are taken into the further reaches of the forest. There is even an accessible walk giving access to the forest for all abilities, including wheelchair users.
The forest is well placed for the visitor with great food at the Neuadd Fawr Inn in Cilycwm and numerous establishments just south down the road in Llandovery, or to the North in Rhandirmwyn. Grid ref: SN765422.
The forest has a car park with interpretation boards just through the village of Cilycwm.
Tregib Woods
Tregib Woods near Llandeilo are one of the most spectacular Bluebell woods in Wales. Each spring the woods are transformed bright blue from the masses of Bluebells that carpet the forest floor.
Along with Bluebells, the woods are also full of Wild Garlic and even Early Purple Orchids can be seen. Wild Garlic is great in salads, with the flower-heads adding great tasting interest to any meal!
The woods are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and are managed by the Woodland Trust who provide a car park for visitors, way-marked trails running through the woods, a sculpture trail and benches for you to relax on.
Wildlife highlights include foxes, badgers, rabbits, rare dormice and even deer, while birdlife includes buzzards, red kites and many others!
The Town of Llandeilo is located nearby and has great restaurants, cafes, shops and a lovely gallery.
National Botanic Gardens
Spread across 500 acres, the National Botanic Garden of Wales is home to stunning views and a wide range of trails to explore. Whether you’re going for a quiet stroll or for something exciting to do with the children, springtime brings swathes of life to the grounds, with plenty to see and do.
As you explore the grounds, you’ll find bluebells in abundance, along with plenty of other springtime flora and fauna colouring the ground with their vibrant scents filling the air.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Great Glasshouse which houses some of the world’s most endangered plants. The kids will love the Gruffalo trail, which takes you deep into the magical woods. And when you’re done, you can browse the gift shop, which sells unique, local items or relax with something to eat and a cuppa in the café.
Image Copyright: Nigel McCall
