Looking for new places to visit with your VIP (very important pooch)? There’s plenty to do with your four legged friend in Carmarthenshire; from hoping on steam trains to exploring castles and even strolling around the National Botanic Garden of Wales. You really are spoilt for choice.
There is nothing better than watching the pure joy on your pooch’s face as they scamper about, snuffling happily at all those new smells and then listen to their contented snores after a fun filled day of exploring.
Don't forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram.
Kidwelly castle
At Kidwelly casle, dogs on leads can venture behind the battlements for a walk through the grounds of the medieval fortress. Kidwelly castle rises above the river Gwendraeth which has a picturesque walk alongside to enjoy too. Also in Kidwelly is Kaymer’s canal another dog friendly location. Kaymer’s Canal is the oldest in Wales, built originally by Thomas Khmer in the late 18th century to transport coal out of Kidwelly. The canal hasn’t been in use for a number of years, however it is really popular walk, beautiful views and a thriving wildlife habitat for all sorts of wild and rare birds, and recognised by the RSPB.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Every Monday and every Friday plus the first weekend of the month is doggy day at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Take in the magic of the garden, there is 568 acres to explore with your four-legged friends. Some areas remain off limits to dogs but the splendid gardens are largely yours to enjoy.
Cenarth Falls
Cenarth Falls has been a beauty spot since Victorian times. This river was made for leaping – salmon do it too! Posed with dog on the stone bridge and watched salmon leap the falls on their way up river to spawn. Witness nature’s incredible spectacle, particularly after heavy rain. Cenarth is cute year-round, with a cosy pub and tea room to refresh you as you stroll this stretch of the river.
Newcastle Emlyn
A recipe for a perfect day trip with your four-legged friend – a trip on the Teifi Valley Railway which happily welcomes dogs
Follow it up with a lazy lunch at the Bunch of Grapes Well behaved dogs are welcome in this Grade II listed pub in the heart of Newcastle Emlyn.
The pub has a selection of dog biscuits ready on the bar, including homemade gluten free ones for dogs prone to allergies. There are even sausages available on request!
Finish the day visit to the castle and if you have time finish day with a walk along the riverside path it runs along the length of a loop in the River Teifi.
Pembrey Country Park
Sometimes you just need to take your dog somewhere where it can run (and run!). Pembrey country park is one of Wales’s top visitor attractions providing a unique blend of coast and countryside. Set inside 500 acres of woodland and alongside eight miles of golden sands. There are some fantastic walks to strech those dog and human legs over some fantastic landscapes.
RSPB Rhandirmwyn
A beautiful dog friendly walk around the RSPB managed reserve is a delight, your pooch will love the approach from Llandovery along the River Tywi. The route also takes in the hiding place of the Welsh Robin Hood - Twm Sion Cati. He used these remote hills to avoid the authorities for years and was reputed to use a cave in this hillside.
Don't head home before visiting the charming nearby village of Rhandirmwyn the Royal Oak is a lovely for a refreshment stop.
Llyn Llech Owain
Llyn Llech Owain Country Park is an area of 73 Hectares (180 acres), with nature trails, an adventure area with a separate toddler playground and picnic sites. A forest track provides a longer hike around the country park. At the heart of the Country Park is the lake, which is surrounded by a peat bog. This rare habitat is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A network of footpaths provides for enjoyable walking. Many paths are well surfaced and accessible to wheelchair users. A specially constructed path allows safe access over the peat bog and around the lake. Take a picnic or enjoy a coffee and cake at the onsite café.
Laugharne Castle
Bring your dog along on a lead to Laugharne Castle where you can explore the ‘brown as owls’ castle beloved of Dylan Thomas, Laugharne’s most famous resident.
Dinefwr Park & Castle
Fabulous walks to stretch those dog and human legs over some fantastic landscapes – a gentle trot around the White Park Cattle walk seeing the cattle and calves or a more challenging uphill climb to Dinefwr Castle where you and your dog can view the Towy valley. Stop off for a snack at the outdoor café. For the enjoyment of all visitors, dogs are asked to be kept on a lead and dog waste picked up. Areas not accessible for dogs (except assistance dogs) are the ancient deer park, boardwalk and Newton House. There is a National Trust holiday cottage at Dinefwr. Penparc, which welcomes dogs, allows visitors to stay on the estate with easy access to all these great dog friendly walks. nationaltrust.org.uk
Gwili Railway
Full steam ahead for a journey back in time for you and your pooch. Gwili Railway is one of the UK's most picturesque preserved lines, set in beautiful countryside with abundant wildlife. The railway line follows the River Gwili on a steady uphill journey through farmland and wooded hillsides.
Teifi Valley Railway
Let your dog enjoy a day out on the Teifi Valley Railway, a narrow gauge railway built on the former GWR Newcastle Emlyn branch line in rural west Wales.
Insider tips
The must do: treat yourself and your pooch at Heavenly ice cream parlour in Llandeilo, which offers a unique ice cream tailor made for dogs. Made with a soya base and no added sugar to protect dog.
The photo stop: watch the sunset over Burry Port lighthouse.
The refreshment stop: Bailey's Dog Cafe in Carmarthen town; a pet-first cafe. Doggy tip: get the doggy afternoon tea; a puppacino (with almond milk) and a trio of dog biscuits from jammy dodgers, a Bourbon biscuit, and custard cream.
