Self-catering accommodation near the National Botanical Garden of Wales

Location

Penygraig Cottage and Granary are situated in the Cothi Valley in Carmarthenshire. The property is rurally located and yet not isolated.

One mile from the village of Pontargothi
Seven miles from Camarthen
20 minutes from Brechfa
45 minutes from Swansea
55 minutes from Cardiff
90 minutes from Bristol
30 minutes from Skanda Vale

Penygraig Cottage
Pontargothi
Carmarthen
SA32 7PF

One of only seven properties on the northern side of the Cothi valley, it enjoys a south-west facing aspect, benefiting from the sun for almost all of the day until it sets behind the distant hills.

A single-track metal road wends its way from the village of Pontargothi, over a small river bridge and past the breathtaking Church of the Holy Trinity. Climbing the hill, and around the perimeter of a working farm, Penygraig Cottage can be found one mile from the main A40, although once there, any visitor would scarcely believe it were so close.

No noise, save for the countryside noises of animals in the fields, the calling of the red kites found frequently circling the property and the occasional tractor or resident returning to the farm or rural idyll that is the valley. No light to detract from the brilliant stars so typical of such a location at night, save for the gentle orange glow cast from the lights of Carmarthen Town seven miles away. No interruptions, save for, well, the wildlife, and that's about it.

Directions In Detail

M4 Motorway to Nantgaredig

From end M4, continue on A48 dual carriageway towards Carmarthen

Next roundabout take 3rd exit A48 towards Carmarthen

Dual carriageway for 5 miles where there is a sign for National Botanical Gardens of Wales (NBGW) on the left hand Side.

Take the next left slip road and follow signs to the NBGW. Turn left at bottom of the slip road, under the A48 bridge, over mini roundabout and then take a left at the next mini roundabout.

Now follow the road for 3 miles (up long hill, round a few tight bends, past 'Y Polyn' pub) to a T junction, Turn right and then immediately left towards Nantgaredig.

Nantgaredig to Pontargothi

Cross over the River Towy Bridge and into Nantgaredig, 30 mph, up to the cross roads.

Turn right and follow the road for a short way (200m). You will now be going downhill approaching the village of Pontargothi, and you will see a warning road sign on the left for a left hand turn (just after the Village sign).

Slow down and take this tight left turn into the lane at the bottom of the hill. If you go over the bridge, you have gone too far!

From Carmarthen

From Carmarthen, follow the A40 towards Llandeilo. Through Abergwili and Whitemill, Nantgaredig is the next village you will come through. As you rise out of the village and the road follows downhill, you are approaching the village of Pontargothi, and you will see a warning road sign on the left for a left hand (just after the Village sign).

Slow down and take this tight left turn into the lane at the bottom of the hill. If you go over the bridge, you have gone too far!

Now follow 'The lane' directions.

From Llandeilo

From Llandeilo follow the A40 towards Carmarthen. Pontargothi is approx 9 miles from Llandeilo.

As you enter the village (30mph zone) you will see a the Salutation pub on the right hand side before the road bears round to the left with the Cresselly Arms on your right hand side and the Cothi Bridge Hotel on your left. Slow down to cross the River Cothi Bridge and take the right hand turn immediately after the bridge (20m).

Now follow 'The Lane' directions.

The Lane

The lane is narrow in places, and you have to stay going straight ahead for almost exactly 1 mile, always keeping to the right. Initially you will see a number of houses, including a row on your left after about 100m. Carry on past the national speed limit signs, but keep your speed down to about 20mph. The road bends right then left and then right again, ignore the left hand turn and carry on. After 200m you will bear round to the right and cross a narrow stone bridge and to a hairpin left hand bend. Holy Trinity Church is on your right hand side. Low gear to climb the hill, after about 50m the road bends sharply to the right. Follow round to the right, ignoring the road that drops off to the left. Climb the hill for about 100m (careful of the corners) and then you will crest the brow. Get ready to bear round to the right at the next 90deg bend, as the road appears to carry on. Take the right hand bend around the farm and Penygraig Cottage is the next property on the left hand side after about 200m.Turn off the lane into the driveway and continue up the side of the house and park round the back at the top. Welcome!

Words of advice

The Lane is a single track, narrow and winding welsh country lane. It is not designed for excess speed or rallying! It has a number of sharp blind bends and a hill that need care when driving. It is only a mile from the main A40 to the property, but plenty of people approach it with far too much confidence in the on-coming traffic that they might meet. Tractors and the milk tanker use the lane on a daily basis, normally in the early morning and evening. You are strongly advised to keep your speed to around 20mph to allow plenty of time to react should you meet another vehicle.

Printable directions...