Llandovery means "the Church amidst the waters" as there are four rivers surrounding Llandovery, the river Towy, the river Bran, Gwydderig, and the Bawddwr.  It is an ideal tourist centre for exploring the beautiful stunning natural scenery of the Towy Valley , the Brecon Beacons National Park and offers you the chance to enjoy a typically warm Welsh welcome in idyllic surroundings.  Llandovery is easily accessible via the Heart of Wales Railway or just off the M4 motorway and along the A40 trunk road.

Llandovery and the surrounding area has a multitude of things to do and enjoy on your stay.  There’s the splendid ruin of Llandovery's Norman Castle which stands above the Heritage Centre where you can learn about Twm Shon Cati (Thomas Jones, 1530 - 1609) the notorious Highwayman, and about William Williams, Pantycelyn, (1717-91) the famous Welsh hymn-writer who wrote the awe-inspiring hymn 'Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer'.

Visit Williams' grave at Llanfair Church or go in search of the tomb of Ficer Rhys Prichard (1579 - 1644), clergyman and poet, author of Cannwyll y Cymro (The Welshman's Candle) - a collection of moral teachings in poetical form. His reputed desk can still be seen in the Heritage Centre, together with his cwpwrdd tri-darn (a chest on chest from Vicar Prichard’s house).

Other places of interest include the town's famous public school Llandovery College and the Old Printing Shop that was once one of Wales' most important printing centres. Not far outside the town is Myddfai, whose famous doctors – Meddygon o Myddfai (The Physicians of Myddfai) hold a very important place in the history of Welsh medicine.

Also near at hand is the famous Llyn y Fan Fach with its legend of The Lady of the Lake and her magical cattle. A little further away is the impressive Llyn Brianne reservoir, standing in the mountains above Rhandirmwyn, a beautiful valley that once throbbed to the beat of the lead-mines in the area......

Alternatively if you want to explore the green and rugged Welsh landscape then the nearby Crychan forest and Eppynt mountain range offer wonderful scenic walks and adventurous tracks for any keen mountain biker. The hills are filled with wildlife and Gerald will guide those keen nature-lovers to where they are most likely to see the wide array of wildlife such as peregrine falcons, red kites, badger sets, owls, green woodpecker, gos hawks......... Keen fishermen will enjoy fishing in the fast-flowing, sewin-packed (sea trout) Towy river. Artists will be overwhelmed with views to paint of the local countryside.  Motorcyclists will love the forest trails and the open winding roads of West Wales. There really is something for everyone to do and enjoy.

Here in Llandovery you will discover glorious scenery, warm people, tremendous history, a multitude of activities and landscapes that will impress even the most experienced of travellers.

All images © Crown Copyright (2007) Visit Wales

LINKS

For the picturesque Heart of Wales railway line that includes 2 viaducts out of 7 bridges crossed plus 6 tunnels, try:
www.heart-of-wales.co.uk

For the many stunning country walks in the area try:
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk
www.ramblers.org.uk