Teifi Valley, Valleys Lampeter, Ceredigion - Wales where to go, what to see and where to stay in Wales

The landscapes of the Teifi valley are very attractive and the valley is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Wales. The area is a paradise for walkers, fishermen and bird watchers. <br><br> The River Teifi rises at Llyn Teifi in the Cambrian Mountains some 2000 feet above sea level, and the Teifi valley runs through the heart of south-west Wales. The picturesque Teifi valley forms a natural boundary between the Ceredigion plateau to the north and the Carmarthenshire plateau to the south. <br><br> On its journey west to Cardigan Bay the Teifi passes through spectacular white water gorges, waterfalls, lush water meadows and shallow riffles that provide a rich range of habitats for wildlife. <br><br> The river flows past Strata Florida Abbey and then through Pontrhydfendigaid before reaching the main valley floor. Here the valley is known as Gors Goch Glan Teifi, or the Tregaron Bog. The Teifi meanders generally south-west in a gentle arc, passing through the towns and villages of Tregaron, Cwmann, Lampeter, Llanybydder, Rhyddlan, Llandysul, Newcastle Emlyn, Cenarth, Llechryd and finally Cardigan. <br><br> Each of the delightful market towns and villages along the way have an interesting tale to tell with most of the traditional architecture still untouched. <br><br> The many walking trails include the Teifi Trail from Cenarth to Cwmann, and the Tregaron trails - 7 circular walks in the spectacular upper Teifi valley area. The length of the walks progress from 3.5 miles to 11 miles and take you to spectacularly scenic locations including the National Nature Reserve and RAMSAR site at Cors Caron; the ruins of Strata Florida abbey, once the Westminster of Wales; and to Llanddewi Brefi. Other walks include the Alltgoch Walk at Lampeter - a variety of paths and forest tracks stretching for several miles east of Lampeter along a gently undulating ridge between the River Teifi and its tributary, the Afon Dulas. <br><br> In the lower reaches of the Teifi Valley, between Cenarth and Cardigan, there is an ancient tradition of fishing and travel using coracles – light-weight boats made of bent sticks covered with waterproofed hide or skins. The principal use for coracles is for salmon fishing using nets.