Llandovery combines a castle with walking paths, a cycling route and stories that span from Roman times to the drovers. You can explore the town through the lens of your stay: historic traces, a walk or a longer cycling tour. Llandovery Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle, first mentioned in 1113.
Castle history and historic traces
Castle Street is a historic street. A walk leads towards Llandovery Castle and the statue of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd Fechan. The castle and street can be seen as part of a tour through the town’s history. The Llandovery Audio Trail also offers a distinct focus: it includes a story about Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan. Before you travel, check where you can download the audio trail.
Another historic trace can be found at St Mary's Church in Llanfair-ar-y-bryn. The church stands within a Roman archaeological site, which is thought to be the auxiliary fort of Alabum. It was built in the 70s AD during the Flavian advance. The cautious identification as the probable site of Alabum is part of the town’s history, as is its dating.
Llandovery was also a central meeting point for the drovers of Carmarthenshire. They drove livestock on foot from Wales to England and onwards to London. The original site, still known today as The Old Printing Office, is now used as a café and shop. These places and stories reveal different aspects of local history, without requiring a single historical focus to tell the whole story.
On foot, by bike and by the River Towy
The short circular walk from Llandovery railway station is 5.7 km long. It follows pavements, crosses fields and passes through woodland, with two climbs and cattle grids. Along the way, the route follows the River Towy to Dolauhirion Bridge and passes Llanfair Church before returning to town. Check the warnings about railway crossings before setting out.
Another option is the circular walk through Llandovery: it is relatively easy, follows mostly flat terrain and includes some sections across fields. The two circular walks therefore offer different route profiles. If you are planning a cycling trip instead, the route to Usk Reservoir starts in Llandovery. The estimated duration for the 46 km route with 636 m of elevation gain is 2 to 3.5 hours. Compared with the 5.7 km circular walk, this is a considerably longer route.
The railway station is on the Heart of Wales Line between Shrewsbury and Swansea, and is about 500 to 600 yards from the town centre. This approximate distance is a useful guide when planning; train services can change, so check the connection for your travel date.
Fishing is another option on the River Towy. Llandovery Angling Association manages two fishing waters, one upstream and one downstream of Llandovery. The association’s fishing extends for more than seven miles upstream of the town; the river can be accessed from the road between Llandovery and Rhandirmwyn. Check the rules, permits and access conditions before fishing.
Local produce and getting your bearings
At Llandovery Farmers Market, the focus is mainly on produce grown, raised, caught or processed within 25 miles of Llandovery. Visitors can buy directly from farmers, growers and producers and learn how the products made their way from field to fork. This makes the market a practical insight into the origins of the goods on offer, not just their sale.
For getting your bearings, Llandovery has visitor information boards designed by local schoolchildren, intended to convey a sense of place. There is also a digital screen with visitor information in the car park. Llandovery is on the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Together, this information and the routes mentioned above offer different ways to tailor your stay around cultural history, scenery or activities.
Discover more destinations: Talley, Llanwrda, Kidwelly, Llangyndeyrn, Bancyfelin, Glanaman, Cilycwm, Newcastle Emlyn.
For the wider travel overview: Carmarthenshire.
