Llangadog

Mountains rise in every direction here, creating one of Wales' most dramatically beautiful settings. Llangadog sits in the River Tywi valley with the Black Mountains looming to the north and the Brecon Beacons stretching eastward - proper hiking country that feels wonderfully remote despite being just off the A40.

The town itself has an unhurried feel, with traditional Welsh chapels like Jerusalem Chapel and All Saints dotting the landscape alongside the more modest Capel y Maen. But it's the surrounding peaks that really steal the show. Trichrug offers cracking views across Carmarthenshire, while the more challenging climbs up Pen Rhiw-ddu and Carn Fatho reward walkers with sweeping vistas of the Tywi Valley.

What makes this area special is how quickly you can escape into proper wilderness. Foel Fraith and Mynydd Uchaf provide excellent day walks without the crowds you'll find further east in the Brecons. The terrain varies from gentle riverside paths to steep moorland climbs - Garreg Lwyd is particularly rewarding on a clear day.

Getting here is straightforward enough via the A40 from Llandeilo (about 15 minutes east) or Brecon. The nearest railway station is actually in Llandeilo, though most visitors come by car to tackle the surrounding hills properly. Staying at one of the local parks makes perfect sense - you're right in the heart of some of Wales' finest walking country, with multiple peaks within easy striking distance and the broader Brecon Beacons just a short drive away.