Rhydlewis lies in its own shallow valley. The Afon Ceri flows through the valley towards the Teifi. These two details provide a simple sense of location: the valley describes the landscape around the village, while the course of the river adds a direction towards the Teifi. Alongside this landscape, walking routes and local literature are key themes for a trip to Rhydlewis.

Walking and Routes

There is a 7.7 km (4.8 mile) circular walking route around Rhydlewis. Its stated length provides a concrete measure for planning a walk. An older route description gives the longest circular walk from Rhydlewis as about 8 miles (13 km). A path from Rhydlewis also passes near the ancient earthworks at Caerau. Route conditions can change; check the condition of your chosen route before setting out. For the older route, you should also pay attention to the waymarking.

The path near Caerau adds an archaeological aspect to the walking themes. Alongside the valley and river landscape, the ancient earthworks provide a specific point of interest in the surrounding area.

Literature in Rhydlewis

Rhydlewis was the setting for “My People,” a collection of short stories by Caradoc Evans. Evans moved with his mother and four siblings to Lanlas Uchaf in Rhydlewis and returned there for his annual holidays. A named residence and recurring visits thus connect the author’s literary relationship with the village.

The Rhydlewis of Evans’s childhood became the fictional village of Manteg. Rhydlewis is the place connected to his biography, while Manteg is the name of the fictional village. “My People” also records the local custom of “Dydd Iau Mawr”: an annual trip to the sea on the second Thursday in August. The different connections are distinct: the residence and holidays belong to Evans’s biography, Manteg to fiction, and Dydd Iau Mawr to a custom recorded in his work.

Another literary connection is Moelona, the pseudonym of a Welsh-language author associated with Rhydlewis. Her works include “Teulu Bach Nant-oer.” While Evans’s connection encompasses biographical and narrative aspects, Moelona’s Welsh-language authorship is central.

Twr-Gwyn Chapel

Twr-Gwyn Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel was built in 1750; the present building dates from 1846. Its style is “Simple Round-Headed,” and its building type is “long-wall entry.” The dates distinguish the chapel’s founding from the construction date of the present building; the style and type describe two aspects of its architecture. The chapel therefore adds its own architectural and historical connection to the biographical and literary ones.

Discover more destinations: Lampeter, Llangeitho, Aberystwyth, Tregaron, Pontarfynach, Llangwyryfon, Borth, Cardigan

For the main travel overview: Ceredigion.