Estate trail at Dolaucothi
This trail takes you to the highest spot on the Dolaucothi estate. It has some spectacular views and you could catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or pine marten on your journey.
Map
Start:
Dolaucothi Gold Mines car park, grid ref: SN662403
1
Start at the Dolaucothi Gold Mines car park. Cross the road to begin your journey on the Dolaucothi estate trail.
Gold Mine
The mine was used by the Romans as early as 75 AD. Some evidence suggests that it may have been mined before that, and was intermittently mined in the 19th and early 20th century.
2
Follow the path. On your right you will see the beautifully tranquil Dolaucothi Estate Caravan Park.
Dolaucothi Caravan Park
Nestled in ‘Ogofau’ opencast pit; a landscape created by the Romans using nothing but the most primitive of hand tools. This caravan site is surrounded by history, geology, wildlife and wonderful scenery. The site is fondly referred to as one of the hidden gems of Carmarthenshire and a great place for a holiday escape.
3
Cross the bridge. This is a lovely spot to stop for a picnic.
Picnic site and bridge
The bridge was originally built over the Cothi in 1836, as part of the drive to Ogofau Lodge. If you sit quietly, you may catch a glimpse of an otter, sand martin, kingfisher or heron.
4
Walk along the walled garden and continue to follow the red waymarkers.
Walled garden
All that remains of the original mansion is the servants' quarters and kitchen which form the current farmhouse. The ha-ha, wall and ditch kept livestock away from the lawns while preserving the view across the parkland. The large wall surrounded a walled garden attached to the house.
5
Enter the field and bear right to the top of the field where the woodland begins.
View from the top field
On the opposite hillside, the scar of an old Roman leat and water tank can be seen as a large ‘dent’ in the ground. Bear left to continue on the woodland walk.
6
Walk through the woodland. Running alongside this beautiful path is the stream that once powered a saw-mill situated near Dolaucothi farm/mansion.
7
Climb to the trig point which gives a superb view over the Cothi valley. This is the highest point on the estate at 308yd (282m) (which means there is a bit of a climb to the top).
8
Walk along the old railway.
The old railway
This is a section of an old railway which was constructed in the early 20th century. It carried timber from further up the valley and remained in use until the late 1940s when it fell into disrepair and was dismantled.
9
See the visitor centre in Pumsaint. The old Coach House is now a visitor and red kite centre containing more history about the village and estate.
End:
Dolaucothi Gold Mines, grid ref: SN662403
