Communities of the Cambrian Mountains

Each of the communities of the Ceredigion Cambrian Mountains has its own distinct character, reflecting its location. The rich heritage of the Cambrian Mountains can be seen not only in the mining remains, abbey ruins, churches and chapels, but in the landscape itself and the ancient routes that traverse it.

Devil's Bridge

Three separate bridges span the river Mynach - one built on top of the other between the 11th and 19th century. The legend of how the first was built and the picturesque setting continues to draw visitors - many by steam train from Aberystwyth.

Devil's Bridge

Pontrhydygroes, Ysbyty Ystwyth and Cwmystwyth

The Picturesque landscape of Hafod and the industrial drama of silver-lead mining drew the first tourists to the Ystwyth valley. These now peaceful communities were also on medieval pilgrim routes to Strata Florida Abbey.

Pontrhydygroes, Ysbyty Ystwyth and Cwmystwyth

Pontrhydfendigaid

Pontrhydfendigaid - 'the bridge of the blessed ford' lies near the ruins of the 12th century Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida. The humpbacked bridge is the first main crossing point on the Teifi river, which rises at at the nearby Teifi Pools.

Pontrhydfendigaid

Tregaron and area

A truly Welsh town, with over 60% of its population able to speak Welsh, Tregaron received a royal charter for a market in 1292. It is the perfect starting point for exploring the Cambrian Mountains. Tregaron was the chosen site of the 2020 (eventually the 2022) National Eisteddfod of Wales.

Tregaron and area

Llanddewi Brefi

Wales’s Patron Saint, St David is said to have performed one of his miracles in Llanddewi Brefi. Early Christian carved stone crosses can be seen in the church. Llanddewi was a gathering point for the drovers before they started on their journey across the mountains to market.

Llanddewi Brefi

Lampeter - market town and gateway to Ceredigion

Lampeter, a market town in the Teifi Valley, is located at an important point in the geography of south west Wales, being a point where several roads meet, and where the traveller decides whether to go on to the coast of Cardigan Bay or go head into the Cambrian Mountains. It has an interesting history as an university town and centre of commerce.

Lampeter - market town and gateway to Ceredigion

The eastern Cambrian Mountains

The communities of the Cambrian Mountains are said to be placed around the core mountain area like a necklace. To the north is Machynlleth, Owain Glyndwr's capital, where you'll find his parliament House.

To the east, reached from Aberystwyth along the A44 to Llangurig, are the towns of Llanidloes and Rhayader, which lie on the A470 - The Wales Cambrian Way.

Llanidloes is the gateway to the Clywedog valley and reservoir, which boasts the tallest concrete dam in the UK, whilst Rhayader is the turning off point from the Cambrian Way for the vast Elan Valley Estate and its series of dramatic dams and reservoirs constructed in the 19th century to provide water to Birmingham.

To the south east is the town of Llanymddyfri (Llandovery), in Carmarthenshire. A market town, famous for its annual sheep festival, and nearby Welsh home of HRH Charles Prince of Wales.

Nearby is the Brianne reservoir, just over the county border in Carmarthenshire, captures the headwaters of the Tywi.

Ceredigion's Cambrian Mountains settlements are generally smaller and more scattered than those to the east. But the description of a necklace is apt- each place is a pearl, and worth discovering.