River Towy

Flowing through the heart of Carmarthenshire for 75 miles, the River Towy is Wales's longest river that stays entirely within Welsh borders. This isn't some tame waterway - it's a proper working river that's carved deep valleys and fertile flood plains on its journey to Carmarthen Bay.

Anglers rate it highly for salmon and sea trout fishing, particularly the stretches around Carmarthen where the tidal influence creates excellent runs. The riverbanks offer decent walking, though access varies wildly depending where you are. Some sections have well-maintained footpaths, others require a bit of scrambling through farmland.

Families will find the gentler stretches near Carmarthen more manageable, especially around the old castle ruins where the kids can combine a river walk with a bit of history. The upper reaches toward Llandovery get more dramatic but also more challenging for little legs.

It's free to wander along obviously, and the river's always there regardless of weather - though it can get properly muddy after rain. Allow a couple of hours for a decent walk, longer if you're serious about the fishing.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Church House Farm Getaways or Quarry Lodge Campsite puts you well within reach of multiple access points. The Towy makes a good backbone for exploring this corner of Carmarthenshire, linking up various market towns and countryside walks.