The Celtic Trail: A journey of discovery

As the Celtic Trail winds its way along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline from St Davids, it’s worth stopping off at one of the amazing beaches for a picnic, a dip in the sea or just to admire the view. One of our favourites is the 2 mile beach at Newgale. Popular with surfers, you can easily find a quiet corner to watch them take on the waves rolling in from the Atlantic.

Laugharne is the place that inspired Wales’s greatest poet, and it’s easy to see why. Dominated by a ruined castle and with staggeringly beautiful views of the Taf estuary and Gower beyond, Laugharne’s charm is undeniably captivating. Dylan Thomas famously wrote 'Under Milkwood' here, basing the characters on the people of Laugharne. You can also visit the New Three Mariners pub (once owned by actor Neil Morrissey) where pictures of famous visitors adorn the walls.

Set in 450 acres, the Wetlands Centre is an absolute haven for wildlife. Crisscrossed with lakes, streams and lagoons and sitting next to the salt marshes of the Burry Inlet, you’re likely to see thousands of migratory birds and a vast array of botanical wonders. There are lots of great activities for children too, including bug hunts, den building, pond dipping and hand feeding birds.

If all the cycling has built up a hunger, then take a slight detour from the Celtic Trail into Swansea Town Centre where you’ll find Wales’ largest indoor market.  Here you can sample some traditional Welsh dishes – from freshly baked welsh cakes and spicy bara brith to laverbread and fresh-out-the-sea Gower cockles.

Wales has lots of stunning castles, but Caerphilly is the biggest, and arguably, the best. Built in the 13^th century, this vast fortress is surrounded by a series of moats and was the brainchild of Gilbert ‘the Red’ de Clare, a redheaded nobleman who also built Castell Coch outside Cardiff.