Dolaucothi Estate trail
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
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
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.
Stage 2
Follow the path. On your right you will see the tranquil Dolaucothi Estate Caravan Park.
Stage 3
Cross the bridge and turn right.
Stage 4
Turn left off the track, then follow the footpath through the woodland and across the field.
Stage 5
Leave the field via the gate and continue straight ahead through the woods, joining the farm track.
Stage 6
At the end of the farm track, cross the forestry road and take the gate into the field, then follow the path across the field heading uphill.
Stage 7
Take the right-hand track and follow the path through woods and farmland to the trig point, which gives a superb view over the Cothi Valley. This is the highest point on the estate at 925ft (282m), which means there is a bit of a climb to the top.
Trig point looking north at Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler Stage 8
From the trig point, head north-east.
Stage 9
Turn right down a very steep part of the route, then turn right again before reaching the river.
Stage 10
Follow the route along the valley floor as the River Cothi meanders on your left. This part of the route can get muddy in winter.
Stage 11
As the river runs away from you, follow the field boundary up to join the forestry road. Turn left onto the forestry road and follow it straight to Pumsaint village.
Stage 12
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. At the road sign for Dolaucothi Gold Mines, fork left down the lane and walk back to the car park.
The visitor centre near Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler End point
Dolaucothi Woodland National Trust car park, grid ref: SN662403
Trail map
Map of the Dolaucothi Estate trail, Carmarthenshire | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 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.
Miner’s 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 walk
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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