Carmel National Nature Reserve

Prehistoric caves and hidden springs highlight a land engulfed in ancient history. Limestone has been extracted from this site since the middle ages, remains of old kilns can be spotted amongst the broadleaf woodland at the western end. The eastern end of the area is home to a rare seasonal lake, called a 'Turlough', fed from underground spring water, the lake strangely 'disappears' at certain times of year (In the whole of the UK Carmel is one of only two locations to have one of these lakes).

Carmel is home to an abundance of wild plants such as bluebells, primroses, marsh orchids, wood anemones and yellow archangels. Keep an eye out for woodland birds such as woodpeckers, treecreepers and redstarts.

The western walking area is looked after by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, the eastern area by Natural Resources Wales, visit their websites for further information.

The western car park is signposted off the A476 (brown sign). Both east and west car parks have limited spaces, west being slightly bigger. There doesn't seem to be a clear path between east and west walking areas, using the road between the two areas is advisable.