A new 3-day hiking trail is breathing life (and money) back into a historic valley in the Welsh countryside.
Famous for its valleys and its countryside, Wales is no stranger to hiking routes; the region has a robust rambling community and an existing famous trail that traces the Welsh coastline.
Now, meandering along the Teifi River, The Teifi Valley Trail allows hikers to experience 850 years of history, from the days of monastic hermitages to the industrial mill towns of the 19th century.
The following is taken from the itinerary on the trail’s website.
Originating in the Cambrian Mountains, the Teifi River drops quickly down to the 12th Century monastic ruins of Strata Florida. The trail then passes through farmland, a nature reserve and communities of varying sizes to reach the university town of Lampeter.
The middle stretch of the Teifi Valley introduces a mature meandering river, prone to flooding prompting diversions away from the river. The trail then passes through market and mill towns of old, harking back to the industrial heritage of the Valley.
The final stage of the trail offers waterfalls and wells, castles and ruined abbeys as well as fabulous riverside walking along the Teifi Gorge. Continue to the river estuary at Poppit Sands for the full trail experience.
“One of the main reasons for the trail is to get people with backpacks and boots down here to spend money,” trail organizer James Williams told the Guardian, whose correspondent walked the trail recently. “We’ve seen the economic effect the coastal paths have; we thought we could have a bit of that as well.”
The Teifi River used to be a substantial economic artery through the Welsh nation. It was critical for materials transportation and a robust fishing industry while the surrounding countryside was the heart of Welsh wool production.
According to the Guardian, virtually all those days are gone. What has been left instead is relatively quiet and unused beauty and heritage that is now getting the respect it deserves.
NEW HIKING TRAILS: Pioneer is First to Cross Texas Along His New xTx Trail – 1,500 Miles Devised for Hikers, Cyclists and Horses
One example is the Strata Florida Abbey, at one time the second-largest on the island of Great Britain, and known as the “Welsh Westminster.”
On day 3, along the final section, there are two antique stone bridges, and two castles. Inside one of these can be found another true charm of the route—local fables and myth. A local noblewoman known as Nest apparently bore King Henry I a son before being married off to a Norman lord.
WALES NEWS: Urine From Music Festival Toilets is Fertilizing a New Biodiverse Forest With Odor-Free Nutrients
Nest’s cousin Owyn would eventually lay siege to the castle and attempt to kidnap Nest after falling madly in love with her.
All this and more—meandering creeks, rich birdlife, and ancient woodland—await the intrepid hiker.
SHARE This Great Reason To Skip London For Wales…