Local Area & Places to Visit
Caio Village
Caio Forest Trail
Another View of Caio Forest
Dolaucothi Woods, Pumsaint
Caio (Welsh spelling Caeo") is located near Lampeter on the Carmarthenshire/Ceredigion border and was once an important stopping place for the Drovers on their way to London taking livestock to market. It is also the birthplace of Llewellyn ap Gruffyd, the last Prince of an independent Wales before it's conquest by Edward I of England in 1282.
Although rural, the area is not remote and is served by a good range of local shops and amenities both in nearby Lampeter just over the border into Ceredigion as well as a very well-stocked village shop, garage and garden centre within a couple of miles from the cottage. There are also several good eat-in pubs, the nearest being the award-winning Dolaucothi Arms in Pumsaint about a mile from the cottage.
Caio Forest is located at the far end of Caio Village within walking distance of the cottage. There are approximately 25 square miles of forestry tracks which are ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. A little further away is Brechfa Forest where there are dedicated cycle trails with different degrees of difficulty catering to all abilities.
There are also horse-riding, cycling and fishing facilities nearby.
This part of Carmarthenshire is steeped in history - the well-known Dolaucothi Goldmines in nearby Pumsaint, now managed by the National Trust, date back to Roman times and regular underground tours are available to visitors from Easter through to the end of October and are well worth a visit.
Wales has more castles than any other country in Europe and Carmarthenshire has some of the oldest and most complete in the whole of the UK.
With it's folklore, myths and legends, this magical location is an ideal place to explore as well as being an area renowned for it's outstanding landscapes and breath-taking scenery. The West Wales coastline, with it's spectacular coves and sandy beaches is within easy reach with the coastal towns of New Quay and Aberaeron within a half-hour drive from the cottage.
Known as The Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire is blessed with a huge variety of attractions including amazing sandy beaches, castles, country houses, fabulous gardens and stunning scenery. Brynhyfryd Cottage is located close to the Ceredigion border with easy access to the West Wales coast along the Cardigan Coast.
The Brecon Beacons National Park is within easy reach of the Cottage, making it an ideal location to sample the many attractions on offer in this beautiful area.
Local attractions include:
The Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Pumsaint (National Trust)
Dinefwr Park and Castle, Llandeilo (National Trust)
National Botanic of Wales, Llanarthne
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathne, near Llandeilo
Aberaeron, Ceredigion
Llanerchaeron House and grounds, Ciliau Aeron, near Aberaeron (National Trust)
For more information about the area, visit: