Views from An Englishman in Wales
  email An Englishman in Wales

Introduction

Vincent Van Gogh said: If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.

I would like to share with you five images from my top five visited locations in Wales since moving here with my wife in mid-2019.

They also remind us of why we want to be here.

They are in no particular order and are often first-time reactions to this poignant yet beautiful principality.

Included are on-and-off-the-beaten-tourist-track places, some are popular destinations while others are off the normal tourist radar. That makes them even more personal and special. Those under-the-radar are marked with a “Hidden Gem” badge in the maps section.

Sunny day image of Llansteffan beach looking out towards Ferrytown, South Wales

Background

It all started when an Englishman and his wife gave up everything to start a new life in Wales.

They both wanted to escape to the country, breathe fresh air, relax and spend more time together. The last thing they would have wished for was to look back with regret in five or ten years and think... why didn't we do this before?

So here we are. Perched on top of a hill with the Black Mountains in the East and beyond the Gwendraeth Valley, the Preseli Hills to the West.

Take a look at previous Part One and Part Two of the story. The pictures and words show how we discovered this corner of Wales, the lifestyle change and the hard work of transforming a "badly-in-need-of-modernisation" property into a home.

To us, our new home is a reminder that with luck, plenty of determination, patience, hard work and vision: it is possible to build a dream.

       
Sheep in the evening twilight at Upper Tumble, South Wales

Five Places, Five Reasons to Visit

1. Llansteffan

Situated on the south coast of Carmarthenshire, Llansteffan lies on the estuary of the River Tywi, just 7 miles south of Carmarthen.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Llansteffan Castle: Built by the Normans in the 12th century, the castle offers commanding views of the Tywi and Taf rivers. It's free to enter, and there’s a lovely (though steep) walk up to the ruins from the car park
  2. Golden Sand: A wide expanse of soft, clean, golden sand with plentiful free parking and free toilets
  3. A true Hidden Gem! Often overlooked by tourists, Llansteffan has been described as “…Wales’ best-kept secret, a sort of Neverland known only to locals…”
  4. Family Fun: A brilliant little playground located right on the beachfront
  5. Woodland Walks: Stroll through the woods, and in late spring, be prepared for the delightful aroma of fresh garlic.c

Postcode district: SA33
www.llansteffan.com

 

2. Tumble

Situated south of Cross Hands, near the towns of Carmarthen and Llanelli, Tumble developed in the 19th century to house anthracite miners employed at the nearby Dynant Fach and Great Mountain collieries.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Walk to Llannon Reservoir: One of the highest points in the area, offering panoramic views to the east towards Swansea and beyond, and to the south, views of Llanelli with the shimmering River Loughor estuary. The Preseli Hills hug the western horizon
  2. Rugby: Tumble RFC. Record holders of the West Wales Challenge Cup, they have produced many Wales internationals. Check out the home fixtures to catch a game of raw Welsh Rugby
  3. Henleys of Tumble Coffee Shop: Known for great service and amazing afternoon teas
  4. Cycle Route 47: Following the old Llanelli to Cross Hands railway track, this well-maintained 20-mile-plus cycle route offers peace, quiet, and striking views along the way
  5. The Mansel Arms: A must-visit for anyone who loves a local pub. Located on the Tumble-Drefach-Porthyrhyd road, it has won multiple CAMRA awards.

Postcode district: SA14

 

3. Afan Forest Park

Created in the 1970s, Afan Forest Park has grown into one of Britain’s iconic mountain biking destinations. Situated in a former coal mining valley just a few miles from the M4, the park offers trails for riders of all levels, from beginners to experts.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Easy Access: Located only minutes from Junction 41 of the M4
  2. Family-Friendly Cycling and walking: A network of 25 miles (40 km) of disused railway lines and numerous footpaths, perfect for cyclists and walkers of all abilities
  3. Mountain Biking: The Penhydd Trail was voted “the trail to ride before you die” by What Mountain Bike magazine in 2004
  4. Excellent Facilities: A well-equipped café (try the house-specialty wraps), a small local museum on mining, a bike hire shop, and a new children's adventure play area next to the café
  5. Stunning Scenery! We visited in late autumn and were treated to a glorious palette of golds, oranges, reds, and yellows

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre is SA13 3HG
Places to visit in South West Wales
Dramatic heart of Wales

 

4. West Angle Bay

One of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire, West Angle Bay is nestled in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park, with the coast path passing right through it.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. An alternative to Freshwater West: West Angle Bay offers a peaceful alternative to the popular nearby Freshwater West Beach
  2. Sheltered & Calm Waters:acing due west, the beach offers calm, safe waters with plenty of sand, shells, and rock pools—perfect for pottering, paddling, and relaxing
  3. Top-Notch Cafe: The Wavecrestis in a truly unique beachside location, with views over the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline and out to the open sea. Mackerel pâté is one of their specialties. It’s open all year, except for January
  4. Walk the Coast Path: The Wales Coast Path heads off in both directions. Going right will take you on a loop around the headland, while going left leads you towards Freshwater West, with a more rugged path and stunning, widescreen views of the clear blue sea
  5. A Local Favourite: The locals love it here, and you will too!

West Angle Bay, Pembroke SA71 5BE

 

5. Worms Head and Rhossili Bay Beach

Worms Head is the furthest westerly point of the Gower Peninsula. The headland is made up of three islands: the Inner Head, the Middle Head (which features a collapsed sea cave and is known as the Devil's Bridge), and the Outer Head.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Plenty of Facilities and Parking: A convenient and well-served spot for visitors
  2. Rugged and isolated:Walk along the grassy cliff tops to the Old Coastguard Lookout, where you can enjoy views of the peninsula and across the sea to West Wales, Lundy Island, and the north Devon coast
  3. Three Miles of Open Beach: Explore Rhossili Bay’s stunning three-mile stretch of beach.
  4. Unique Experience: Get your timing right around low tide, and you can cross the rugged causeway to the headland for unrivalled views—a unique and exhilarating physical and visual experience
  5. Summewr Sunflowers: Late summer is the ideal time to see Rhossili’s spectacular sunflower displays

Rhossili, Swansea, SA3 1PR

The Five Favourite Images

1. Llansteffan

 

Looking down to the beach and receded tide from castle path.

Llansteffan beach from the castle path

2. Tumble

 

Morning sun breaking through on one of the many hidden and quiet paths around Tumble.

Morning sun through trees on a woodland road in Tumble

3. Afan Forest Park

 

What a view to stop and have a cuppa. Looking down the Afan Valley where it shows off its beatiful autumn palette.

Looking down the Afen Valley in Autumn

4. West Angle Bay

 

Rock pools a plenty at low tide. The gentle sloping, sheltered beach adds to the tranquility.

West Bay beach, Pembrokshire, West Wales, shoreline and rock pools

5. Worms Head, Rhossili

 

Looking down from Worms Head Coastal Path to Rhossili Bay and its vast beach, gentle surf and clear waters.

Looking down to Rhossili beach and the gentle surf from Worms Head path

Bonus! More Images

Sunset over nearby woodland in Tumble
Looking down at the cliffs and Rhossili beach with sheep casually grazing
Stylised image of Bluebells in spring at Llnasteffan woods
Looking down at River Afan through autumn-cloaked trees at Afan Forest Park
Monochromatic image of fishing rod beach caster and people strolling along the low tide beach at Llansteffan
Looking through ruins of interior wall at Llansteffan Castle towards the old central courtyard
Looking at ruins Llansteffan Castle towards River Lougher
Looking down at River Afan through autumn-cloaked trees at Afan Forest Park

 

 

Map Locations

 

AREA

How to get there

LOCAL MAP ONE

Llansteffan. Hidden Gem
Google maps Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire

LOCAL MAP TWO

Tumble, Carmarthenshire. Hidden Gem
Google maps Tumble, Carmarthenshire

LOCAL MAP THREE

Afan Forest Park. Hidden Gem
Google maps Afan Forest Park

LOCAL MAP FOUR

West Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire. Hidden Gem
Google maps West Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire

LOCAL MAP FIVE

Worms Head, Rhossili
Google maps Worms Head, Rhossili Bay, Gower

Famous Words

 

Digital and Print Graphic Design from thedesigneye

thedesigneye is John Cartwright -
An Englishman in Wales

 

I've helped small to medium-sized businesses and startups (as well as multi-nationals) blend common-sense design with the right marketing and visualisation to shape their graphic design and brand.

My experience helps deliver cost-effective, affordable design solutions. Based at Windswept Studio, Upper Tumble, Carmarthenshire, South Wales.

Online portfolio and more info on how I can help with your Graphic Design communications:
www.thedesigneye.co.uk
 john@thedesigneye.co.uk

john cartwrights thedesigneye portfolio image picture link to john cartwrights designeye website