Best canyons around Crymych are characterized by dramatic valleys, gorges, and impressive geological formations within the Preseli Mountains of Pembrokeshire, Wales. This region, part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, offers a landscape of deep valleys and rugged coastal features. The area's geological past has created a diverse environment for exploration. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking and exploring ancient sites.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Perhaps not the most spectacular of Pembrokeshire's castles, Nevern castle is still worth including on your route. It's located high above the Nant Gamman stream with a steep natural gorge on one side and commanding views over the landscape. The remains of the motte and bailey castle probably date to Norman times, but it's thought this has been a defended position since the Iron Age some 2,000 years ago.
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The Gwaun Valley is a beautiful landscape where time can feel like it is standing still. Wet woodland, water meadows, and the hill-side woods create habitats nurturing a variety of wildlife. Buzzards, Sparrowhawks and Red Kite are all common sights overhead.
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A sumptuous wooded valley created when surging meltwater carved its way to the Irish Sea at Ceibwr Bay during the Ice Age, Cwm Trewyddl makes for a lovely stroll. The attractive village of Moylegrove, situated at the confluence of the Nant Ceibwr and Nant Awen, is the usual starting point for a walk here.
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Ceibwr is a gorgeous little bay towards the northern end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The rocky coastline around Ceibwr is wild and dramatic, with many instances of impressive rock scenery. The bay itself is steep sided and was carved in the last Ice Age by surging meltwater forcing its way through what is now the Cwm Trewyddel valley. It's a great spot for wildlife watching. Grey seals can be spotted close by, while porpoises are often sighted offshore.
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The beautiful Gwaun Valley runs from Lower Town Fishguard towards The Preseli Mountains. It's a peaceful, steep-sided valley and is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It has a unique "lost-in-time" kind of atmosphere and an abundance of wildlife and prehistoric sites.
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A brilliant walk along the cliffs to reach this place, do be mindful as some of the paths to get to it can get close to the cliff edges. However, once there we had the place to ourselves which gave us plenty of time to explore. Well worth a visit.
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The cavernous pool is called Witches Cauldron (Pwll-y-Wrach in Welsh) due to its peculiar green water. Set on a beautiful part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, you'll find this spot to be surprisingly quiet, considering how picturesque the landscape is. Access is very steep and walking boots are essential.
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The Crymych area, nestled within the Preseli Mountains and part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, offers several impressive natural features. Key spots include Witches' Cauldron (Pwll-y-Wrach), known for its cavernous pool and peculiar green water, and Ceibwr Bay, a wild and dramatic coastline carved by Ice Age meltwaters. The Gwaun Valley is also a must-see, offering a peaceful, steep-sided landscape rich in wildlife and prehistoric sites.
Yes, the region around Crymych provides a variety of hiking opportunities. While some areas like the access to Witches' Cauldron can be very steep and require walking boots, there are also easier options. For a range of hiking trails, including easy routes, you can explore the Easy hikes around Crymych guide, which features routes like Pengelli Wood and Brynberian.
The Crymych area is characterized by dramatic valleys, gorges, and impressive geological formations. You'll encounter steep-sided valleys like the Gwaun Valley and the wooded Cwm Trewyddel Valley, which was carved by Ice Age meltwaters. The coastline at Ceibwr Bay features wild and dramatic rock formations. Inland, the Preseli Mountains offer rolling moorland, heather-covered slopes, and rocky tors, famously the source of Stonehenge's bluestones.
Absolutely. The region is rich in history. The Gwaun Valley, for instance, is known for its abundance of prehistoric sites. Additionally, the Preseli Hills, where Crymych is located, are famous as the source of the bluestones used to construct Stonehenge and feature ancient hillforts and stone circles. You can also visit Nevern Castle Motte and Bailey, a historical site perched above the Nant Gamman stream.
Yes, the natural areas around Crymych are excellent for wildlife. Ceibwr Bay is a prime spot where grey seals are frequently sighted close by, and porpoises can often be seen offshore. The Gwaun Valley also boasts an abundance of wildlife, with buzzards, sparrowhawks, and red kites commonly seen overhead.
Beyond exploring the gorges, the Crymych area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find mountain biking trails in the MTB Trails around Crymych guide, with routes through the Preseli Hills. For road cycling, the Cycling around Crymych guide offers challenging loops. Hiking is also very popular, with options ranging from easy walks to more demanding routes through prehistoric landscapes.
Yes, the Crymych area can be suitable for families, depending on the chosen activity. While some gorge access points, like Witches' Cauldron, are steep, many of the hiking trails in the Preseli Hills offer diverse options. For easier walks, consider routes from the Easy hikes around Crymych guide, such as those in Pengelli Wood, which are generally less strenuous.
Visitors frequently praise the peaceful and 'lost-in-time' atmosphere of places like the Gwaun Valley. The wild and dramatic coastal scenery at Ceibwr Bay, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the sense of exploration and the quiet, picturesque landscapes found at spots like Witches' Cauldron, often having these beautiful locations to themselves.
When visiting Witches' Cauldron, be aware that access is very steep, so walking boots are essential. The path to reach it can get close to cliff edges, so caution is advised. Despite the challenging access, it's well worth the visit for its unique cavernous pool with peculiar green water and the surprisingly quiet, picturesque landscape along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Crymych is a village nestled at the eastern end of the Preseli Mountains in Pembrokeshire, Wales. You can find more general information about the village and its surroundings by visiting Wikipedia's page on Crymych or exploring the local tourism site at Visit Pembrokeshire.
The Crymych area can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer milder weather, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting, especially for seals and porpoises along the coast. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the valleys. While winter walks are possible, some paths may be muddy or slippery, especially in steep gorge areas, so appropriate gear is crucial.


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