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A herd of fallow deer standing on grass in parkland at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire, with trees on rising ground to both sides, and in the background
A herd of deer in parkland at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Wales

Dinefwr Park wildlife walk

This 3-mile circular walk takes in some of the great wildlife-spotting places in Dinefwr’s historic parkland, famed for its abundance of wildlife and stunning valley views, as well as a medieval castle and 17th-century mansion. Some of the 'veteran' trees are thought to be more than 700 years old and support such a high diversity of lichens and invertebrates that the park has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve.

Trail not accessible in winter

Please note the Deer Park is closed between November and March so the trail can’t be accessed during this time.

Total steps: 8

Total steps: 8

Start point

Car park at Dinefwr Park, grid ref: SN615224

Step 1

Turn right out of the car park towards the castle. Go over the cattle grid and carry on down the stone track until you get to the deer house. Then follow the heron waymarks (River Walk). Head downhill, and Mynachdy, an old red-brick gamekeeper's cottage, is soon passed on your left.

Step 2

Beyond the former deer house (now a holiday cottage), turn right through a gate into Bogwood and follow a boardwalk to the millpond.

Step 3

Once you come out of the deer park, cross the millpond wall with the pumphouse on your left. Follow the tree-lined land on your right towards the floodplain.

Step 4

The River Tywi forms the oxbow lakes that mark the southern boundary of Dinefwr. Follow the tree line on a path, with the ruins of 12th-century Dinefwr Castle towering above to your left.

Step 5

With the river to your right, walk through the Twyi Valley.

Step 6

Turn left here on a path to Llandyfeisant church.

Step 7

Continue until you reach the church at Llandyfeisant. An important feature in the designed landscape, this church was largely rebuilt in the 19th century but actually has medieval origins.

Step 8

On the track back to the car park, pass the site of a large Roman fort over the hill to your right. Archaeological surveys show that it existed, but nothing is visible above ground. All that remains is for you to admire the long-horned White Park cattle as you cross the parkland and return to your start point.

End point

Car park at Dinefwr Park, grid ref: SN615224

Trail map

Dinefwr wildlife walk map
Dinefwr wildlife walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Dinefwr Park, Newton House, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6RT

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