Ceredigion
Beach
near Cardigan at Llangranog |
Ceredigion
received its name from Prince Ceredig, son of the leader
who reclaimed this area for the Welsh from the Irish invaders.
This
part of the country still retains its strong Welsh roots
and language. Geographically, it consists of two different
but equally scenic areas, the Cardigan coast and the countryside.
The
countryside spotlights beautiful landscapes of mountains,
lakes, forests and rivers-many remote and sparsely settled.
As a result there are a number of unique habitats that
attract rare species of wildlife, plants and birds. Among
them is the rare red kite, a bird of prey considered to
be the most agile flyer of all the European birds of prey.
Mountain
road from Tregaron to Beulah |
Old
drovers' routes lead over the mountains and provide views
that reach south to the Brecon Beacons and north to Snowdonia.
The narrow, twisty mountain road leading from Tregaron
to Llanwrtyd traverses part of Ceredigion. Like all of
Wales' mountain roads, it should only be driven in clear
weather-for safety reasons and to take advantage of the
view. The scenic Vale
of Rheidol road leads to the famous Devil's Bridge,
12 miles (19.3km) east of Aberystwyth. At this spot two
rivers, the Rheidol and the Mynach, meet. The resulting
series of waterfalls are over 300 ft. (91.5m.) high. Located
in a wooded and rocky gorge, they are not easily accessible.
Three bridges, built one on top of the other, cross the
gully.
Strata
Florida Abbey, located in a quiet and remote valley,
was once the most important abbey in Wales. Its picturesque
arch designates the burial place of several Welsh princes.
Ceredigion
coast near Ynyslas |
Ceredigion's
coast is 50 miles (80.5km) long-much of it designated
Heritage Coast. Towns, ports and small villages are strung
along the bays, reflecting a seafaring and smuggling past.
Beaches, boat trips and marine life provide entertainment.
Many of the smaller villages are isolated at the bottom
of narrow dead-end roads leading down steep clifftops.
They are well worth a visit for those who don't mind the
drive.
Easily
accessible towns are also part of the picture. Cardigan
is a very busy market town, serving a large agricultural
community. Its long main street is lined with shops and
hotels. It has 900 years of recorded history and boasts
that it is the site of the first National Eisteddfod,
held in 1176. It was once the second most important port
in Wales.
Cilgerran
Castle |
Nearby,
the rugged ruins of 13th century Cilgerran
Castle stand on a high crag. It was made famous as
the subject of a painting by J.M. Turner.
The
Welsh Wildlife Centre and Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve,
outside the village of Cilgerran, is a 265 acre (107ha)
wildlife habitat There is a Visitor Centre with information
panels. Trails lead to a spectacular gorge, water meadows,
woodlands and the banks of the River Teifi. Over 130 species
of birds, including the red kite, and over 20 mammals-otters,
badgers, deer, water vole,water buffalo and others-call
this area home.
Aberaeron
Harbour |
Aberaeron
is as picturesque a town as you could hope for. Its multi-hued
terraced houses and shops are spread over several areas:
across from a tree-lined, cobbled parking lot, on opposite
sides of a wide green, and overlooking the water. Look
for builders' trademarks, still in the keystones of many
of the homes. St David was born near the town.
The
view over Aberystwyth |
Further
north Aberystwyth,
a large bustling town, is host to the National Library
of Wales and the University of Wales. The Library is a
rich repository-over 5 million books-for the literature
and culture of the country and houses both permanent and
temporary exhibitions. One of the masterpieces of medieval
literature, the Mabinogion, a collection of Celtic myths,
is here. The library's hilltop location provides a view
over the town and waterfront.
Web
links to places mentioned in this section:
For
more in depth information about Ceredigion:
Hotels
Recommended B&Bs
Tourist Information Centres
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