Dolaucothi Estate trail
Wales
Follow this circular trail to the highest point on the Dolaucothi Estate in Carmarthenshire. Enjoy views over the winding Cothi River, Dolaucothi Gold Mines and the village of Pumsaint, before beginning your return along an old railway route. You may glimpse a red squirrel or pine marten in the woodland.
Near to
DolaucothiStart point
Dolaucothi Woodland National Trust car park, grid ref: SN662403Trail information
*Mix of paths, tracks and lanes with a steep climb and descent. For further details, please see Terrain section
**First section of path wheelchair-accessible, up to Step 3 on the map. For further details, please see Access section.
***Dogs on leads welcome. For further details, please see Facilities section.
Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
Dolaucothi Woodland National Trust car park, grid ref: SN662403
Stage 1
Start at the woodland car park (opposite the Gold Mines car park). At the far end of the car park follow the footpath. On your right you will see the tranquil Dolaucothi Estate Caravan Park.
Stage 2
Follow the path above the River Cothi. Go through the gate onto the track and turn left, down to the bridge. Cross the bridge through the metal parkland gate and turn right. Turn left off the track, then follow the footpath through the woodland passing the wall of the old Walled Garden.
Stage 3
Cross the field, on your right is an original estate gate and a flat lawn where the Dolaucothi mansion would have stood. Take the boardwalk and steps up through the woods. Join the farm track turning left.
Stage 4
Follow the track as it bends round to the right. Cross the forestry road and take the wooden gate into the field, then follow the path across the field heading uphill towards the woodland.
Stage 5
Take the right-hand track and follow the path as it meanders up through the woodland. Exit the woodland through a gate into farmland, following the red way markers as the path bends right towards metal farm gates.
Stage 6
Head through the first farm gate and turn immediately left through the second gate. Turn right and continue following the red waymarks as the path heads uphill, passing through two more gates to reach the trig point on your right.
Stage 7
The trig point is the highest point on the estate at 925ft (282m), which means there is a bit of a climb to the top, but it rewards you with a superb view over the Cothi Valley. From the trig point keep the fence line on your left and follow the red waymarks through a gate straight ahead. Continue following the path down to the forestry road.
Trig point looking north at Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler Stage 8
Turn left along the forestry road. Keep an eye and ear out for the abundant woodland wildlife. Turn right down a very steep part of the route, follow the path turning right again, into the woodland, before reaching the river.
Stage 9
Follow the path along the valley floor as the River Cothi meanders on your left. This part of the route can get very muddy in winter.
Stage 10
As the river runs away from you, follow the path around the field boundary to a gate onto the forestry road. Turn left onto the forestry road and follow it straight ahead to Pumsaint village.
Stage 11
When the track meets the road, you can turn right to explore the village of Pumsaint or turn left and carefully join the pavement alongside the road as it crosses the river Cothi. Turn left at the road sign for Dolaucothi Gold Mines, there is a 350m section of road walking with no pavement here. At the fork turn left returning to the car park.
End point
Dolaucothi Woodland National Trust car park, grid ref: SN662403
Trail map
Map of the Dolaucothi Estate trail, Carmarthenshire | © Crown Copyright and database right 2024 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Dolaucothi woodland trail
Walk through beautiful woodland, following paths once taken by horses dragging timber. Uncover the history of Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Pumsaint village and the former mansion as you go.
Miners' Way trail at Dolaucothi
Experience history on this moderate trail at Dolaucothi, where you'll follow in the footsteps of gold miners through the ages.
Dolaucothi parkland trail
Explore the parkland around Dolaucothi on this gentle stroll, taking in the grounds of the mansion and riverside paths, with spring bluebells and autumn fungi.
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