D167: CARMARTHEN to ST CLEARS
Thursday 12th June 2025
Today miles: 20.1 Total miles: 2755.8
Yesterday I had a much needed rest day. Despite checking the weather forecast and being aware that today, unlike yesterday would be wet I decided to walk today anyway. The last bus from St Clears towards Carmarthen is around 4pm. The fantastic host, Sarah said if I missed the bus to just call her and she’ll come and pick me up. It was already raining lightly when I left Carmarthen. The initial four mile stretch is alongside the estuary through the industrial estates located on the Western end of Carmarthen. I’m sure the views would be fantastic if only I could see through the low cloud and drizzle. After an hour of walking the light drizzle became heavier and persistent, this would be the case for the remainder of the walk. The next few miles were alongside the River Towy I’m sure the views were very nice but I couldn’t see much beyond the edge of the cliffs. When I arrived in Llansteffan I took a wrong turn along the beach. I realised after about three hundred metres and then clambered over a sea defence wall of large boulders to get back on the proper route. Not an easy task with a heavy backpack.
The next five miles consisted of walking along narrow country lanes, some which actually resembled rivers and minor country roads. I managed to find an open barn close to the path and ducked inside for some respite from the rain. A few minutes after setting off I found myself close to St Teilo’s church. I came to a junction but couldn’t locate any way markers and didn’t want to risk subjecting my mobile telephone to the torrential rain. I was desperate and I ended up knocking on the door of a nearby farm and asking for directions. The occupant was helpful, she explained that there was once a finger sign at the junction but it broke several years ago and it hadn’t been fixed or replaced. Another two miles of minor roads got me to within a mile of St Clears. I made another wrong turn after crossing the River Taf and walked for a wasted half mile along the A4066 before realising my mistake. I eventually arrived in St Clears in plenty of time to catch the final bus. I waited at the bus stop and got chatting to a local teenager who was also heading to Carmarthen.
Later that night, back safely in my accommodation I realised that I’d misplaced my bank card which I had used to purchase the bus ticket. I quickly contacted Gemma and asked her to contact the bank and cancel the card. A few minutes later Gemma called me back and said that somebody had already tried to buy several Pizzas at a takeaway in Carmarthen using my bank card. What a bloody cheek. The landlady Sarah continued to be amazing, she had an air drier which she used to dry my wet clothes overnight. They’re pretty expensive to run so I really appreciated her going above and beyond to help me. Apologies for the lack of photos but there wasn’t a lot to see in the poor visibility.
Werewolfandflump UK Coast Path 