A newly established long-distance walking trail in Wales showcases dramatic gorges, ruined abbeys and expansive sandy shores.
Stretching from the Cambrian Mountains to Cardigan Bay, the 132km Teifi Valley Trail is a seven-day route created as a grassroots initiative to help revitalise a once-thriving region.
The project has been a collaborative effort involving local Ramblers groups, Walkers are Welcome communities and footpath associations along the valley. Together, they have worked to reopen neglected paths, secure land access, install waymarkers and produce a comprehensive guide. Careful consideration has also been given to the quality of the route, accommodation options and access via public transport.
High in the windswept Cambrian Mountains of north Ceredigion, the River Teifi begins its journey towards the Irish Sea. From the man-made lake of Llyn Teifi, this young river descends from its moorland source to Strata Florida and into the valley below, where it encounters a rich tapestry of history, culture and community life shaped by its presence.
Although the towns and villages along the way offer places to rest and refresh, the route remains distinctly rural. Walkers will pass through farmland, nature reserves, woodlands, floodplains and marshes, before reaching the estuary and coastal views.
The trail is divided into three stages. The first, from Teifi Pools to Lampeter (3-day/50km), descends to the ruins of Strata Florida before crossing farmland and small communities. The second stage, Lampeter to Llandysul (2 day/35km), follows a meandering river through historic market towns. The final stage, from Llandysul to Poppit Sands (3-day/48km), features waterfalls, castles and abbeys, finishing at the estuary for a memorable conclusion.