monks' trail in ceredigion
Monks’ Trail
4 days / 3 nights
Private groups only
“We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
T S Eliot (1888 – 1965)
Monks’ Trail in Ceredigion
IN BRIEF
- A Celtic rural pilgrimage from the sea to the 12th Century Cistercian monastic ruin at Strata Florida.
- Visits to Llanddewi Brefi, famous as the site of St David rising above the crowd (and inspiration for Little Britain ‘only gay in the village’!)
- Visit the old drovers town of Tregaron.
- Stay full board in local hostelry and self-catering accommodation (all meals provided).
This pilgrimage passes through some of the most delightful scenery in West Wales. It is about spending time in the natural world in two different river valleys, the life blood of the Celtic landscape, climbing from the sea to the highlands and discovering the wonder of a 12th Century Cistercian Monastery, an important Welsh historical site.
The walking is not difficult although some of the days are 18 kms/11 miles but we get off early and take our time en route.
Description
not displayed - as is open by default
Day 01: Arrive
Lunchtime arrival in Lampeter*. Orientation walk this afternoon from the pretty coastal town of Aberaeron along the disused railtrack bed to Llanerchaeron in the Aeron Valley. (5 kms/3 miles)
Two nights local guesthouse near Lampeter (or similar)
* Please note that transfers can be arranged from either Aberystwyth or Carmarthen
Day 02: Aeron Valley
Our walk today starts in the picturesque Aeron Valley at the National Trust property of Llanerchaeron from where we walk initially above the River Aeron and then beside it through fields to reach Talsarn. A short while after Talsarn, our route rises through farms and fields to reach our overnight accommodation. (18 kms/11 miles)
Day 03: Teifi Valley
Our route today takes us through forest paths and quiet country roads to Llanddewi Brefi, place of St Davids miracle of rising above the crowd. We then continue towards Tregaron via quiet roads, farm tracks and across farm and moor land. (18 kms/11 miles)
Overnight in Tregaron
Day 04: Cistercian Monastery / Depart
Depending on the makeup of our group, weather, etc, we walk today past abandoned farms and over moorland, or go via the wetland nature reserve of Cors Caron. We arrive in plenty of time for an exploration of the remains of the 12th Century Cistercian Monastery at Strata Florida, our final destination. Afternoon transfer back to Lampeter* for your departure. (11 kms/7 miles)
Our day finishes around 3pm today and you may wish to head home or you may wish to stay another night in Tregaron. Please get in touch if you would like us to book you an additional night.
* Please note that transfers can be arranged to either Aberystwyth, Carmarthen or Lampeter
Monks’ Trail
Departures:
Private group basis only.
Price:
From £595.00 pp in twin share based on group of 4
From £110.00 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 with the group throughout
Transport to the start and finish points of each day’s walk
Overnight accommodation in good quality local hostelries or self-catering accommodation. All bedding and towels provided
Full board apart from casual refreshments
Entrance fees
Excludes:
Casual refreshments, drinks and tips
Travel Insurance (please take out your own travel insurance policy)
Travel to/from Lampeter for start/end of trip.