teifi river highlights

Teifi River Highlights

5 days / 4 nights

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

Teifi River Pilgrimage

IN BRIEF

Our journey takes us beside or across the impressive River Teifi journeying from source to sea.
Up to 52 kms/33 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)

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 heritage 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.

NB – please note that only occasionally is there a riverside path along the River Teifi but our walking route criss-crosses the river all the way down the valley.

“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)

Description

The Teifi River Highlights is a shorter 5 day / 4 night option which includes the first and last walking days of the full Teifi River Pilgrimage where we walk all the way (this takes usually 8 days / 7 nights). With the ‘Highlights’ itinerary, 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 52kms/33 miles. Details of the full route can be seen on the Teifi Valley Trail website.

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Day 01: Arrive

Meet 1pm in Lampeter if arriving by car (but arrangements can be made to collect from local railway stations as well). Transfer to Tregaron. Short afternoon orientation walk in Cors Caron Nature Reserve (5 kms/3 miles).

Four nights in a hotel or shared house within the Teifi Valley

Day 02: Teifi Pools & Strata Florida

Walk from the remote Teifi Pools to the 12th Century ruins of Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida. Exploration of this important Welsh historical site before continuing on foot to Tregaron across farmland and Cors Caron. (18 kms/11 miles)

Day 03: Centre of the Teifi Valley

A day walking through the central valley where the exact route will depend on the interests of the group and local conditions. But there is plenty to enjoy from wells and museums, to market and mill towns, riverside walking to highland paths. We keep the essence of the contemplative pilgrimage here in this beautiful rural haven. (18 kms/11 miles)

Day 04: 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 05: Depart

A slow rising today and then you will be transferred to Carmarthen for train connections or reunited with your vehicle.