Tri 1

This route has the glorious River Teifi at its heart, combining a swim in the river itself with a run / walk and cycle along its riverbanks through the verdant Teifi Valley. You’ll visit the beautiful market town of Newcastle Emlyn en route, as well as the village of Cenarth - famed for its salmon, often seen leaping through the waterfall. Suitable for and adaptable to all fitness abilities. To follow the route, please follow the Google Map routes and detailed descriptions below (routes are not signposted).

 

SWIM / RIVER BOB / KAYAK - River Teifi at Llandysul (750m)

Head to the north of the county and the River Teifi for the start of your triathlon, where the river route at Llandysul provides the perfect spot to begin your picturesque challenge. Due to the challenging nature of the waters, we suggest a guided swim with an expert from Llandysul Paddlers. Starting at Llandysul Paddlers centre, you’ll enter the river where there’s a beautiful 750m swim downstream as it flows through the Teifi Valley - seeing the glorious wooded riverbank with views to the surrounding mountains (go under the road bridge and finish just before the bend in the river). Those in search of a more leisurely pace can 'River Bob' or Kayak their way downstream, with equipment and guiding again available through Llandysul Paddlers. A self-guided kayak trail begins near the Canoe Club in Llandysul and exits at Llangeler (grid reference SN377393), approximately 5.2km; recommended for competent kayakers only. Alternatively, those after a self-guided swim challenge can take the plunge in Llandysul lake on site at Llandysul Paddlers, where 8 full swim laps of the lake’s perimeter will total 1.5km in distance for a truly Olympic challenge.

CYCLE - Newcastle Emlyn Cycling Trail (24km)

Once you’ve dried off, don your helmet and head to the market town of Newcastle Emlyn in the far north west of the county for stage two of your sightseer’s triathlon - the cycle! Slightly shorter than the usual Olympic distance, this route is ideal for biking beginners or those in search of a more gentle pace. Start the trail at the town’s leisure centre, turn right out of the Leisure Centre and take the second left onto the A484. From here, you’ll leave Newcastle Emlyn via the A484; cycling along the beautiful Teifi Valley and following the River Teifi as it meanders along the valley floor. Continue along this road until you arrive at Cenarth - the perfect spot to take a break at the local teashop and take in the beautiful views of the river as it crashes over Cenarth Falls. Hop back on your bike and continue along the A484 towards Llechryd, when in the village turn left across the stone bridge (just around the bend to the right is the Carpenter’s Arms if you need another break), when over the bridge turn left again. From here, enjoy the cycle along quiet country lanes between the farmers’ fields of the verdant Teifi Valley until you reach the first junction, where you’ll turn left along the road to Penrhyw. Turn left at the junction in Penrhyw, where you’ll join the B4332, you then bare left at the next junction and bare left again at the next junction. Then take the second right turn off the B4332. Continue along this road for 2.5 km, then go straight ahead across the next junction and bare right after it. Follow this road for 2.6km, you will rejoin the A484, turn right at this junction and follow the road back into Newcastle Emlyn to complete your trip!

WALK / RUN - Newcastle Emlyn to Cenarth (11km)

The perfect way to round off your triathlon in the north of the county - a wonderful walk or run following a route from Newcastle Emlyn to Cenarth along the course of the River Teifi; 5.5km in distance (totalling 11km there and back). Beginning at the Castle in Newcastle Emlyn, a riverbank town with its own medieval castle built by the local Prince, take the riverside walk around the castle, coming back to the castle, then head to the town and turn right on Bridge Street. Then take a left after Gwesty’r Emlyn Hotel following the countryside path until you get to the A484. A deep pool in the river along this route called "Pwll Dafi Williams" is said to be the place where the last British Dragon was killed; shot by a poisoned arrow and subsequently drowning in the pool. Follow the A484 North turning 1st left at the Mormon Church (approximately 1km from the town). Then at the fork in the path turn right, the walk will then take you through quiet countryside and through farmers’ fields, following the river valley to Cenarth; an interesting village famed for seeing salmon leap over its waterfalls. Pop into the Coracle museum and tea room for some great cake and tea before beginning your walk back to Newcastle Emlyn.