Welsh Woodland Walk: Gwenffrwd Dinas & Twm Sion Cati's Cave

Follow a roaring river through ancient celtic rainforest to discover the cave of Twm Sion Cati; legendary highwayman of the Cambrian Mountains.

Need to Know

Best time to walk: Late spring to experience the vibrant greens of the fresh canopy, pied flycatchers, warblers and chiffchaff singing loundly.

Map: OS Explorer 187 Llandovery / Llanymyddyfri.

Start: RSPB car park Gwenffrwd Dinas, north of Rhandirmwyn

End: Back to start.

Distance / Time: 3km / 1.8 miles

Ascent / Descent: 120m

Transport / Parking: Park in the RSPB car park, space for about 8 cars. Otherwise there is a layby back towards Rhandirmwyn. Train and buses to Llandovery, but no onward buses from there. Taxis may be possible but call ahead.

Food / Drink / Supplies: Towy Bridge Inn, near Rhandirmwyn.

The Route

View route map (you will need an OS Maps online subscription to access it.)

Leave the car park through a wooden gate and archway, and follow the board walk through boggy woodland until you reach the end, and a junction with paths coming in from the left and right. You can follow the path in either direction but we chose to follow it around to the right, alongside the river.

With steep ground and a canopy of oak trees on your left, continue towards the river, which you’ll hear on your right. The path becomes rocky, and can be muddy and slippery after rain. Continue following the river to a large bend, where a path leads off left and begins to climb. It can be a tricky climb after wet conditions, good boots are recommended!

Keep climbing until you reach a cliff and small opening in the rocks. This is Twm Sion Cati’s cave. Said to be the hideout of the legendary outlaw, who was said to have fled religious persecution and hidden out here in the 1500s. He was known as a mischievous character getting into trouble with the rich nobility through various exploits. A bard and poet, he lived an eventful life, marrying several times. The rocks in the cave bare the graffitied names of visitors who have come to trace his story in the past.

Once you’ve found the cave, retrace your steps carefully downhill to walk alongside the river once again; there’s a series of cascades here, just before the Afon Pysgotwr meets the Twyi.

Looking across to Gwenffrwd Dinas from the other side of the river. The walk follows the right hand bank of the river.

Continue around the hillside, eventually moving away from the river, with the steep ground still to your left. You’ll begin to walk alongside a field boundary, then you’ll return to the end of the boardwalk, follow it back to the car park.

Please note this route is for information and inspiration only and we can’t be held responsible for any inaccuracies or problems arising. We advise you to take a paper map and compass and be able to use them. Please be Adventure Smart.