teifi river pilgrimage

Teifi River Pilgrimage

Highlights – 5 days / 4 nights
Full – 8 days / 7 nights
Regular departures and private groups

“No man ever steps into the same river twice.”
Heraclitus (535 BC – 475 BC)

Teifi River Pilgrimage

00IN BRIEF

  • Our journey takes us beside or across the impressive River Teifi journeying from source to sea. 
  • Up to 113 kms/70 miles walking.
  • Visit the ruined Cistercian Abbey at Strata Florida, important as a spiritual and historical focus in Wales.
  • Mill towns, castles, wildlife reserve and waterfalls en route.  
  • Stay full board at comfortable guesthouses or hotels along the Teifi River Valley.

“This was a pilgrimage that lived up to and surpassed expectations. Chris guided us through changing landscapes with ancient Churches, Monasteries, ancient Wells and more and always keeping close to the changing river as it followed it’s course to the sea. Our path took us through a fascinating part of Wales, full of history, myth and legend and the journey included some talks by experts in the field. We were well looked after in our hotels/guesthouses and all meals were provided. There was clearly a lot of planning and preparation to this pilgrimage by Chris which made it the huge success it was..”  (David, 2022) 

From the mountains to the sea along one of Britain’s most beautiful rivers – the Teifi. It rises in the remote Cambrian Mountains to then flow past the ruined Cistercian Abbey at Strata Florida. 

The river continues its journey through oak wooded valleys, past towns with brightly painted cottages and imposing castles. We reach the rural town of Lampeter, famous as a seat of learning being the third oldest university in Britain and then on along the valley passing other small communities such as Drefach Felindre with its impressive milling history.  

We walk further past Cenarth Falls with its salmon fishing and the quaint Coracle Museum, highlighting this ancient river transport.  We pass through the Teifi Marshes, the ruined Abbey of St Dogmaels and on past Cardigan to Poppit Sands where the river empties into Cardigan Bay and we reach our journey’s end.  

Following a powerful river such as the Teifi from source to sea is a heartwarming and moving pilgrimage experience. 

“I have just completed the 76 mile walk along the River Teifi with Guided Pilgrimages.  The organisation, accommodation and meal arrangements were all excellent as was the input from our guide about local sites and their history.  Of course, the Teifi itself never disappoints; it just has everything.” (Colin, 2022) 

ruined buildings
cannoe and paddle
bridge over river

Description

The Teifi River Highlights is a shorter 5 day / 4 night option which includes the first and last walking days of the itinerary shown below.  The middle section of the pilgrimage comprises of the best of the walking sections linked by road transfers so you still travel along the length of the Teifi River.  Total walking for the Highlights itinerary is approx 56kms/35 miles.

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Day 01: Arrive

Meet 1pm in Carmarthen  – transfer to Tregaron. Short afternoon orientation walk in Cors Caron Nature Reserve (5 kms/3 miles)

Two nights at the renowned Y Talbot Inn, Tregaron, a centuries old and characterful Grade II listed building.

Day 02: Teifi Pools & Strata Florida

Walk from the remote Teifi Pools to the ruins of Strata Florida. Exploration of this important Welsh historical site before continuing on foot to Tregaron through farmland and open access land. (18 kms/11 miles)

Day 03: Historical Lampeter

From the remoteness of the drover town of Tregaron we walk via Llanddewi Brefi (site of St David miracle) to the old university town of Lampeter, never straying far from the river. (21 kms/13 miles)

Two nights in Lampeter

Day 04: Mountain walking

Depending on weather conditions, our walking route today could take us up to Llanybydder Mountain from where we get wonderful views of the Teifi River Valley or we stick closer to the river.  (22kms/13 miles)

Day 05: River Walks, Mills & Castles

Walking by the river today, we see much of the ancient industry and imagine the lives lived here long ago.  We pass through the market town of Llandysul and finish our day at the river crossing of Henllan (18 kms/12 miles).

Three nights in the Cardigan area

Day 06: Waterfalls & Coracles

Our first call today is at Cenarth to see the river at its most powerful as it tumbles through the waterfalls.  We see the ancient fishing coracles at the coracle centre before continuing to the 17th century bridge at Llechryd.  (21 kms/13 miles).

Day 07: The River meets the Sea

The first part of the day is a wonderful gorge walk to reach Cilgerran Castle.  After that we explore the Wetlands Wildlife Centre and St Dogmaels Abbey before we walk out to Poppit Sands to see the expansive estuary as the River Teifi flows into Cardigan Bay. We have followed the Teifi River from source to sea – a very humbling experience.  Time in Cardigan with a celebratory evening meal.  (13 kms/8 miles)

Day 08: Depart

After a short reflective walk, you will be transferred to Carmarthen for train connections or reunited with your vehicle. 

route map

Teifi River Pilgrimage

Departures:
Private group basis only.

Price:
From £1195.00 pp in twin share based on group of 4
From £195.00 pp single supplement

If you are interested in a private departure of this trip, please contact us to discuss dates.

Includes:

Christine Smith, a local guide with expert knowledge of the area will be your guide throughout

Transport to and from Carmarthen and to the start and finish points of each day’s walk if required. 

Good quality accommodation in local guest houses or hotel. All bedding and towels provided

Full board apart from casual refreshments

All entrance fees

Excludes:

Casual refreshments, drinks and tips

Travel Insurance (please take out your own travel insurance policy)

Travel to/from Carmarthen

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