Learning of a castle and coracles
ON SATURDAY the Carmarthen Ramblers joined other members of the community to take part in a fourmile walk to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Wales Coast Path.
We gathered outside Carmarthen Library and met Chris Jones, who led the walk and who organised the celebrations which followed. Chris outlined the plans for the day, introduced the groups taking part and explained that various people would give talks along the way. Then we set off down King Street led by two coracle men who carried their coracles on their backs!
Our first stop was at Carmarthen Castle, where we explores the castle ruins and learned more about the site. We then went down to the Towy River and walked on the path alongside it to the boat club. We learned about changes happening there and then joined the Wales Coast Path to continue our walk alongside the river. In an open area by the river we stopped and the coracle men gave an interesting talk on their family histories and work as coracle fishermen, as well as demonstrating how they actually fished from their coracles. Then we continued on along the Wales Coast Path, passing beneath the Bascule Bridge, and eventually left the coast path to walk into Johnstown.
Now we headed north, alongside the Llansteffan Road, until we reached a turning onto a well-signed track into the Morfa Wetlands. Our route went through a wooded area, across fields and through the allotments until we passed the Tesco supermarket before entering parkland. Here we stopped by the impressive Carmarthen Velodrome, the oldest velodrome in continuous use in the world. In the park we also had the pleasure of meeting Mayor of Carmarthen, Cllr Miriam Moules.
From the park we walked back to the library where we enjoyed a talk given by a local painter and poet about their work. We were then treated to sandwiches, cakes and tea which we enjoyed while chatting with our friends.