Capturing Carmarthenshire’s Castle Splendor

Venturing from the coastal wonders of Pembrokeshire to the picturesque landscapes of Brecon Beacons, the road trip unfolded with fascinating interludes at the historic castles of Carmarthenshire. These fortresses, each perched in splendid isolation or upon rocky hills, unveiled both history and photographic opportunity in equal measure. Our journey through Llansteffan, Dryslwyn, and Castle Carreg Cennen was marked by brilliant sunshine after stormy weather, steep climbs to panoramic viewpoints, and serendipitous moments like rainbows gracing the Welsh countryside. Join me as we explore these ancient wonders, blending history, breathtaking landscapes, and practical photography insights in the heart of Carmarthenshire.

Llansteffan Castle Carmarthenshire

The journey into Carmarthenshire began with a visit to Llansteffan Castle, set against the picturesque Carmarthenshire coast. The sun was graciously beaming after the tumultuous presence of storm Agnes in Pembrokeshire. A pleasant stroll along the beach, following the sands of the Tywi Estuary and Carmarthen Bay, was the perfect prelude to our exploration.

Once within the castle’s grounds, the reward was not just the historical ambiance but also the sweeping views of the Welsh countryside and the expanse of the ocean. The temptation to capture this beauty from a bird’s-eye perspective arose, and I aimed to deploy my drone. However, after some considerable setup fuss with my DJI Mini 2 and a forgotten password, my plans took a back seat. A valuable lesson for any traveler: it’s best to ensure all equipment and logistics are in order before embarking on your journey to minimize stress and maximize your time exploring.

Historical Note: Llansteffan Castle boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It served as a defensive fortress against the Normans and later witnessed battles during the Welsh Wars of Independence. Its vantage point offers remarkable vistas of the surrounding landscape, making it a prime spot for both history enthusiasts and photographers.

Dryslwyn castle Carmarthenshire

En route to Brecon, our journey took us to a hidden gem – Dryslwyn Castle, a discovery made possible through Google Maps. This ancient fortress perches atop an isolated rocky hill, offering commanding views over the Tywi Valley.

The ascent into Dryslwyn Castle’s grounds is steep, but the afternoon sunlight rewarded us with breathtaking vistas westward towards Brecon. With post-storm clarity, the visibility was excellent, accentuated by intriguing clouds decorating the sky. It was indeed a fortunate find along our route.

Historical Note: Dryslwyn Castle has a storied past, with origins dating back to the early 13th century. It played a role in the Welsh Wars of Independence and the tumultuous history of the region. Today, it serves as a captivating vantage point for those who appreciate history, striking landscapes, and photography.

Once more, the lesson learned here was the value of slowing down and being deliberate in composing images. Making slight adjustments to the frame, deciding what to include and exclude, all play a pivotal role in capturing the optimal image, where every element either adds to or subtracts from the final result.

Castle Carreg Cennen Carmarthenshire

The centerpiece of our journey toward Brecon was Castle Carreg Cennen, perched high on a rocky hill and gracing us with unparalleled views in every direction. The castle’s commanding presence offers sweeping vistas, including the Black Mountain and the Brecon Beacons, serving as the perfect embodiment of historical charm and breathtaking landscapes.

As we explored the castle’s grounds, a heavy shower traversed the sky from west to east, leading my thoughts to rainbows. Stepping outside, a splendid rainbow painted itself across the magnificent Welsh countryside on the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons. The heavens had granted us a spectacle with splendid clouds casting patterns of light and shadow upon the hilly fields below.

With expectations of golden hour, I took a leisurely stroll around Castle Carreg’s grounds. Then, I positioned myself along the road west of the castle, anticipating the sunlight to grace the stonework with its warm glow. However, just moments before golden hour, the sun chose to hide behind a veil of clouds. Yet, the day’s adventure discovering these Welsh castles was nothing short of great, a testament to the history and beauty that grace this land.

Historical Note: Castle Carreg Cennen stands as one of Wales’ most striking and well-preserved castles. Its history is traced to the 13th century and its ruins tell tales of battles and resilience. Today, it continues to stand as a beacon, captivating history enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers alike.

Carmarthenshire’s Castle Journey

As the day’s sunlight began to wane, we bid farewell to Carmarthenshire, leaving behind the echoes of ancient tales and the grandeur of its castles. Our journey had been a testament to the beauty of both nature and history, from the commanding views of Llansteffan to the serene yet steep climbs of Dryslwyn and the captivating vistas surrounding Castle Carreg Cennen. The picturesque rainbow that graced the Welsh countryside was a serendipitous reminder that the unexpected can be as rewarding as the planned.

With each castle visit, we learned valuable lessons in composition, patience, and the importance of being prepared. Our photographs captured not just the stone and history of these fortresses but the essence of a day filled with exploration and discovery. As we set our sights on Brecon and checked into our hotel for the next three nights, the road ahead beckoned with the promise of new experiences in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.