About

Tregaron nestles in the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains near the source of the river Teifi. In the 19th Century, it was a thriving market town and an important stop for drovers on their routes through Wales driving cattle, horses, pigs, geese and sheep to English markets. The town's traditional market, "Ffair Garon" was granted its Royal Charter in 1292 and is still held today.

The Cors Caron National Nature Reserve just two miles north of Tregaron boasts over 170 species of birds - some local, others migratory visitors from far flung regions of the world.

One of the most spectacular sights in the region is the red kite in flight. As a species it was saved from near extinction in the UK and the Tregaron area was one of the first areas to settle re-introduced red kites, and thankfully they have continued to thrive

ABERGWESYN PASS MOUNTAIN ROUTE
The stunning Tregaron – Llanwrtyd Wells mountain road was originally the first stage of the drover's route. Today it is a popular driving and cycling route across the Cambrian mountains, with far reaching views across the Abergwesyn Common

LOCAL LEGENDS & CULTURE
Twm Sion Cati is a figure in Welsh folk-lore often described as the Welsh Robin Hood. The hills and valleys around Tregaron were once the playing fields of Twm, highwayman, thief and prankster, whose exploits were legendary throughout South Wales. A handsome man of many faces, he could swap between the fine robes of a gentleman and the rags of a peasant to suit his mischievous deeds. On Tregaron's main square stands a statue commemorating its most famous son and his will is displayed in the towns' museum. Also, there is a town trail named after 'Twm' that takes you to locations directly linked to him.

The drover's road to Abergwesyn begins at the Talbot Hotel. Before setting off on their long journeys, Drovers would prepare their livestock in a number of ways which might seem strange to us today. Black cattle were shod with iron plates, pigs were fitted with woollen 'socks' with leather soles, and geese's feet were coated with tar and sand to protect their feet.

Historically, one of the important industries for this area was wool and woollen products. The Doldre part of the town was renowned for its knitting, and these products were sold locally as well as taken to markets to the southern mining communities of Wales. Wool from the area was even used as a base for the railway line that once crossed the reddish bog to the north of Tregaron, known as "Cors Caron".

Twm Sion Cati (C 1530 - 1609)

Every self-respecting nation has a notorious rogue. Ours is Twm Sion Cati, the Welsh Robin Hood!