Brechfa Tourist Information

Brechfa, (Meaning: Welsh "mottled place") hidden in the Cothi valley north east of Carmarthen, has been described as one of the most secluded villages in South Wales and has a long and fascinating history.

The village lies close to the Brechfa Forest, densely forested and still a working forest. It once was an important hunting ground for the nobility who hunted in the remote forest of ash and oak, making the village wealthy by accommodating the nobility and the collection of tolls. During the Spanish civil war a Ministry of Labour Training camp was set up for Basque refugees.

In more recent times the Forest Arms public house was the focus for the gentry from many areas of the United Kingdom who came for the fishing on the river Cothi and game shooting in Brechfa Forest. Sadly the Forest Arms is now closed indefinitely.

Brechfa has a thriving community, and a good mix of Welsh/English inhabitants. There is a thriving community shop with post office and the historic Ty Mawr Country Hotel with it's own Flock Inn Microbrewery and tap room bar.

Brechfa forest (18,000 acres) is excellent for horse-riding, mountain biking and exploring. Good local pubs/restaurants & beaches are within easy drive. Established walks on local hills and Brecon Beacons (Black Mountain 15 miles to east). Carmarthen (25 min) has a railway station and most shops, including Tesco, Morrison's, PC World, B&Q, Currys etc. Swansea 45 min drive

Description by Dennis Egerton