Dolaucothi woodland trail
A wonderful trail for those looking for a moderately difficult walk in a beautiful woodland.
You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some of Britain's most elusive creatures including badgers and woodpeckers.
Map
Start:
Dolaucothi Gold Mines car park, grid ref: SN662403
1
Start at the car park at Dolaucothi Gold Mines; cross the road and go through the gate to start your 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 Estate 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 beautiful place 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.
Walled Garden
Dolaucothi Farm and remnant of the mansion and ha-ha. All that remains of the original mansions are 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
Follow the blue waymarkers to continue your journey on the woodland trail.
The Grotto and ‘Old Lumpy’
Beneath the sycamore, by the boardwalk, is a small grotto. Above, stands 'Old Lumpy’, a venerable oak, probably the oldest thing alive on the estate, perhaps 300 to 400 years old. Walk up the steps and continue to follow the blue waymarkers.
6
Follow the trail though the Dolaucothi Woodland. This is a great place to stop for a break and listen out for the tapping sound of woodpeckers.
Picnic area near two large trees
Have a rest near the two large beech trees on the border of the beech and fir forest. Both trees could be more than 200 years old.
7
Follow the blue waymarkers through the woodland. You may also be lucky enough to see a badger in this area. There are plenty of setts near here.
Timber extraction paths
These paths were well trodden by horses dragging timber behind then in order to extract it from the forest. The timber was used for charcoal and pit-props, some taken to the local saw mill. Look out for the numerous tree trunks that have been deformed by honeysuckle ‘strangling’ the tree.
8
Enjoy the view of Pumsaint village.
Pumsaint stone
Pumsaint means Five Saints in Welsh. There are many myths and legends about when five good men walked through the village. It is said that one of the men stopped to rest on Pumsaint stone, located near the Gold Mine, and left an indentation on the side of the stone. What do you think?
9
Follow the trail past the old Coach House in the village of Pumsaint and continue your journey back to the Dolaucothi Gold Mine car park.
The old Coach House
The old Coach House is now a visitor and red kite centre containing more history about the village and estate.
End:
Dolaucothi Gold Mines car park, grid ref: SN662403
