Carmarthenshire (Sir Gaerfyrddin) lies on the sea where the Bristol Channel is opening onto the Atlantic. The coasts of Carmarthenshire curve around Carmarthen Bay, the quiet dip of the fields running into broad sandy beaches.
The Towyn Valley crosses the county from its northeast and runs from the mountains, broadening from Llandovery and providing farmland down through Llandeilo to Carmarthen, a little south of which the Towyn opens into the middle of a three-branched estuary with the Gwendraeth and the Taf into Carmarthen Bay. Off these rivers are many tidal creeks.
The southern part of Carmarthen is generally low lying and pastoral. The north and east, beyond the Towyn Valley, are mountainous, reaching into the Black Mountain; all of a piece with the Brecon Beacons further east.
County Facts
County Town: Carmarthen
Main Towns: Kidwelly, Llanelli, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Llanstefan, Newcastle Emlyn, St Clears.
Main Rivers: Towy, Gwendraeth Fawr, Gwendraeth Fechan, Llougher.
Highlights: Carreg Cennen Castle; Cenarth Coracle Centre; Roman Amphitheatre, Carmarthen; Dylan Thomas’ boathouse, Laugharne.
Highest Point: Fan Foel, 2,562 feet.
Area: 1,095 sq miles
Flower: Whorled Caraway
