Carmarthenshire stretches from the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) to a long, flat coastline on Carmarthen Bay. It is a county of river valleys, castles and quiet hills, and it sees far fewer walkers than the national parks to the north and east.

The Black Mountain. The western end of Bannau Brycheiniog rises above Llandeilo and Llandovery. Fan Brycheiniog, at 802 metres, and the glacial lake of Llyn y Fan Fach make a demanding but rewarding day, with big views over the Tywi Valley.

The Tywi Valley. Llandeilo is the base for Dinefwr Park, a National Trust estate with parkland, ancient oaks and a castle, and Carreg Cennen Castle stands on a limestone crag just to the south-east. Llandovery sits at the upper end of the valley, with the Brecon Beacons and Cambrian Mountains both close by.

The coast. Laugharne, with its castle and links to Dylan Thomas, sits on the Taf estuary, and the Wales Coast Path passes the wide sands of Pendine and the Millennium Coastal Path near Llanelli.

Hill routes are exposed, and estuary paths can be tidal, so carry a map and check tide times for any shoreline walks.