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Carmarthenshire CoastKidwelly Castle and the Gwendraeth Marshes
One of the best preserved castles in Wales above a small town, with saltmarsh and estuary walking below it.
- Distance
- 3.7 mi / 6 km
- Time
- 2 hr
- Ascent
- 60 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Shape
- Circular
Where it is
The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.
The route
From the castle, paths lead down to the Gwendraeth and out along the marsh edge, returning by lanes through the town. Flat once you leave the castle.
Worth knowing
- The castle is remarkably complete, with concentric walls and a gatehouse you can climb.
- Kidwelly Quay was a working port; the industrial museum on the edge of town covers the tinplate works.
- The marsh floods on spring tides; keep to the landward paths.
What you’ll see
The castle, the Gwendraeth estuary, saltmarsh and waders, and Cefn Sidan beyond.
Background
Founded around 1106, Kidwelly was attacked repeatedly and was the site of the battle where Gwenllian, wife of Gruffydd ap Rhys, was killed leading an army in 1136.