Talley Woodlands, near Llandovery

Welcome

Talley Woodlands overlook an historic Carmarthenshire village which grew up around an abbey.

There are views of the abbey ruins from the three walking trails.

The trails vary in length but they all go to the same viewpoint with a picnic bench.

The views from this viewpoint are spectacular and well worth the steep climb but wear suitable footwear!

Walking trails

The walking trails are waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trails.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Big Trees Walk

• Grade: Strenuous
• Distance: 1¾ miles/2.7 kilometres
• Time: 1 hour
• Climb: 180 metres/600 feet
• Trail information: The trail follows a forest road and a stony track to the arboretum where a grassy path goes through mixture of mature coniferous and deciduous trees. There is a very steep climb uphill to the viewpoint with picnic bench. The return route goes through a meadow. There are two gates along the route.

Climb up steeply through a former ‘tree garden’ or arboretum, looking out for the huge oak, ash, pine and spruce trees.

Enjoy the views from the viewpoint with bench.

The trail then drops down a bracken and gorse-covered hillside back to the car park.

Talley Views Walk

• Grade: Strenuous
• Distance: 2 miles/2.9 kilometres
• Time: 1½ hours
• Climb: 180 metres/600 feet
• Trail information: The trail follows a narrow path with a stoned surface uphill and then joins a grassy path. There are two benches and three picnic benches along the route.

Climb up a gorse-covered hill on a zig-zag path with views opening up of Talley village and beyond.

As you cross a field on the way to a gate, views of the Cothi Valley open up on your right.

Enjoy the views from the viewpoint then it’s downhill all the way to the car park.

Cwm yr Efail Walk

• Grade: Strenuous
• Distance: 2½ miles, 4.2 kilometres
• Time: 2 hours
• Climb: 180metres/600 feet
• Trail information: The trail follows a forest road to the viewpoint then a stone surfaced track on the way back down. There are two benches and five picnic benches along the route.

Climb steeply up forest roads and enjoy the views before the trail enters the woodland.

It reaches the viewpoint with bench and then winds its way downhill back to the car park.

Talley Abbey

The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII and the stone was used to build much of the present village and chapel.

The abbey is looked after by Cadw and is open to visitors.

For more information go to the Cadw website.

Visiting safely

We want you to return home safely after your visit here.

You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with you during your visit.

For advice and tips to help you plan your visit here go to Visiting our places safely.

Changes to visitor facilities

See the top of this webpage for details of any planned closures or other changes to visitor facilities here.

For your safety, always follow instructions from staff and signs including those for trail diversions or closures.

We may divert or close trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations and we may need to close other visitor facilities temporarily.

In extreme weather, we may close facilities at short notice due to the risk of injury to visitors and staff.

Organising an event on our land

You may need permission from us to organise an event or to carry out some activities on our land.

Check if you are allowed to use our land.

How to get here

Talley Woodlands are 12 miles west of Llandovery.

Postcode

The postcode is SA19 7AX.

Please note that this postcode may not take you to the parking area if you use a sat nav or navigation app.

We suggest you follow the directions below or use the Google map on this page which has a pin on the parking area’s location.

Directions

Follow the A40 from Llandovery to Llanwrda.

Turn right onto the A482 to Lampeter and after 6½ miles turn off left onto the B4302, signposted for Talley and Llandeilo.

In Talley village, follow the brown and white sign to the abbey.

Go past the abbey and the entrance to Talley Woodlands and small parking area is on the left.

What3Words

View this place on the What3Words website.

Ordnance Survey

The Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference for the parking area is SN 631 328 (Explorer Map 186).

Public transport

The nearest mainline railway station is in Llangadog.

For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.

Parking

Car parking is in a small layby at the woodland entrance.

Please park carefully, leaving the gateway clear for emergency access.

Parking is free of charge.

Overnight parking is not permitted.

Contact details

There are no staff at this location.

Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.