Cilgerran is on the northern border of Pembrokeshire between St Dogmaels and Cenarth just 3 miles south of Cardigan.

The village is linear in nature and stretches along the south bank of The Teifi River well known for salmon and sewin, where coracle fishermen still practice the ancient trade.

The oldest building in the village is the Pendre Inn which was once a coaching inn and dates back to the 14th century and inside the churchyard of St. Llawddog Church is a megalithic standing stone (or Ogham stone) where ogham inscriptions can be seen.

On the outskirts of the village is the smallest museum in Wales. An old BT red phone box that has been transformed into a museum dedicated to local photographer Tom Mathias!

Activities

Heritage Canoes are based inside the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve providing canoeing through the Teifi river gorge far beneath Cilgerran Castle.

Adventure Beyond based in Cardigan also has guided canoeing and paddleboarding trips upstream through the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve and the Cilgerran gorge.

Cycling is also popular with the Cardi Bach traffic-free cycle trail, a 5 ½ mile (out and back) route that winds itself through the reserve, past marshes and bird watching hides into Cardigan.

The longer 17½ mile ‘Meeting of the Waters’ circular cycle trail starts in Cardigan, travels along the Cardi Bach, and takes in Cilgerran, Llechryd, Aberych and New Chapel.

Attractions

Cilgerran Castle is a small castle that is roughly triangular in shape. It was built in a commanding position, perched on a craggy promontory, high above The River Teifi.

In the Tudor period, the Vaughan family were granted the castle by Henry VII, and they continued to occupy it until the early 17th century. The artist Turner pained and sketched the ruined castle several times.

The Welsh Wildlife Centre is a futuristic glass and timber building on the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve. This wetland reserve is home to a stunning range of wildlife; otters play in the river; overwintering birds take shelter on the ponds and during the spring the woodlands are carpeted with bluebells. Great place to explore the local wildlife and maybe take part in a bit of pond dipping. Don’t forget to see the water buffalo during the summer – they are used to keep the grass down!

Other attractions in the village include annual coracle races. This event started in 1950, attracts competitors from all over the world.

The churchyard of St Llawddog contains a megalithic standing stone or Ogham stone upon which The Irish Ogham script can still be seen.

Food and drink

Inside the Wildlife Centre, you will find the Glasshouse Cafe with a delightful menu created from locally sourced foods.

In the village, there are three pubs: Pendre Inn, the oldest building in the village, The Cardiff Arms and The Pampin (formally Mason’s Arms) where you can pop along to practise your Welsh every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Mae croeso i bawb.

Adele’s Cafe is the perfect pit stop to recharge your batteries – great choice of cakes including vegan options or settle down for a bit longer with an afternoon or Welsh tea. Delish.

Finally but not least, Siop y Pentre (Village Shop) as well as selling locally produced goodies including beer from the local Mantel Brewery, fresh produce, newspapers and gifts. They have a huge selection of products in their refill station and offer plastic-free products too.

Get all your takeaway goodies including coffee, pastries, sandwiches and ice cream make sure you visit #garrenhatch.

Top tip: At the back of the shop is a tiny courtyard perfect for sipping your coffee.

Accommodation

The nearest hotels are in nearby Llechryd or Cardigan. B&Bs and guesthouses aren’t plentiful either but there are a few about.

There is a holiday park at Cenarth that have self-catering static caravans to rent as well as room for tents and touring caravans. There are numerous self-catering cottages throughout this part of Pembrokeshire. Search for accommodation.

Getting to Cilgerran

Cilgerran is connected by the Pembrokeshire bus service 430 which takes in the villages between Cardigan, Crymych and Narberth.