The Edwinsford Estate - fishing in Wales

The EDWINSFORD ESTATE lies some 9 miles to the north of Llandeilo on the banks of the River Cothi in a wooded valley of exceptional charm and beauty. . Sited on a significant stretch of the Cothi, a renowned tributary of the productive Tywi (Towy) River, Edwinsford enjoys exclusive private fishing over a 4 + mile stretch of one of the most productive and unspoilt small rivers in Britain, its enormous potential as yet largely untapped - an irresistible combination for the nature-lover and fisherman alike!

As a holiday cottage setting, Edwinsford would be hard to beat. Turning into the drive to the estate is like turning the clock back a couple of centuries and entering a different world. The magic of the place is very special and it has a sleepy, timeless quality which makes it the perfect environment for a holiday - which is why so many of our tenants come back to us year after year (some even several times a year)! However much or little you want to do, you can do it here in peace and tranquility. Not many places can offer over 350 acres of wooded valley and undulating hills, with over four and a half miles' unrestricted access to one of the prettiest rivers in Wales, a secluded private trout lake, over 7 miles of private tracks, and sporting rights throughout. Even fewer can boast a beautiful old stone arched bridge (rebuilt in 1783), a dovecote, and walled gardens. And where else could you find a derelict Mansion, formerly home to a Scottish baronet, with no fewer than 42 bedrooms - now sadly past restoration but an awesome sight nonetheless - with its 17th century origins and later architectural embellishments still clearly visible. Records suggest that some of the decorated ceilings dated back to James I, and there was even a peacock room!

Enjoy fishing for brown trout, salmon and sea trout on the estate's own river (1st April - 7th October), or scenic walks with the chance of spotting red kites, kingfishers, goshawks, barn owls and otters on the estate (See bird list). Explore the stunning local countryside with its hidden valleys and rolling hills: the Cambrian Mountains to the north, the Brecon Beacons to the east, the Cardiganshire coast to the north east, the Gower Peninsular and Carmarthenshire beaches to the south, and the Brechfa Forest only 7 miles to the west. Edwinsford - "Rhydedwin" - is in the heart of Welsh-speaking Wales, and yet the locals are so friendly and welcoming you would not guess if you didn't know! This is the landscape of tiny upland sheep farms and rural hamlets which seem to have escaped the passage of time and is entirely unspoilt by modernisation or development.

The nearest village is Llansawel (1 mile) with no fewer than three pubs, of which the excellent and friendly "Angel Inn" is particularly popular for its delicious and filling bar meals. It was formerly part of the estate and our visitors always enjoy the welcome! Just a little further away in the other direction is Talley (1.5 miles), with its beautiful lakes (walking, birdwatching, fishing), ruined Abbey and "The Edwinsford Arms", another good pub with its own first-class restaurant, which was also once owned by the estate. Recent visitors have enjoyed walking down the valley for lunch at "The Black Bull" in Abergorlech (closed on Mondays) who do not mind muddy dogs and feet and provide excellent food. Further up river is the old Dolaucothi gold mine. The market towns of Llandeilo (9 miles), Lampeter (10 miles) and Llandovery (12 miles) are nearby, with the county town of Carmarthen approximately 45 minutes by car. Also within easy distances you will find a variety of craft shops, horse riding facilities, golf courses, leisure centres, steam railways, wildlife centres and castles to visit. Llandeilo has an Information Centre (01558-824226) for further details of what's on offer in the area - places to visit or eat out, things to do, routes to follow, national and local events, maps, guides and books. An information pack and a selection of leaflets and brochures is available in each cottage.

April marks the beginning of the fishing season with the first sea-trout caught on 8th April in 1998, 1999 and 2000! Blankets of yellow gorse are spectacular. May sees wonderful wild flowers - primroses and carpets of bluebells in the woods followed by a stunning display of wild rhododendrons almost everywhere. This is a good time of year for bird life at Edwinsford. In the summer enjoy drinks or barbecues in the lovely riverside setting into the long evenings, often with wonderful sunsets.

• Home made prepared meals can be delivered to await your arrival - most things from the simplest to cordon blue! See Charlotte's menus.

• Fishing - Separate notes on the fishery are available. There is also lake and reservoir fishing for brown and rainbow trout in the locality

• Freezing facilities - All units have fridge freezers except for Slatehill which has a chest freezer.

• Information - The gamekeeper or part time river keeper will be on hand to show you the estate and the river in the absence of the owners. He can also give advice on sport available nearby. Maps, information packs, leaflets and brochures are provided in each cottage.

• Birdwatching and walking - with 7 miles of private tracks, birdwatchers and walkers are able to enjoy an enviable mixture of woodland, riverside and open country bird life. Barn owls breeding in the derelict mansion are a popular source of evening viewing.

• Shooting - During the shooting season, arrangements may be made for a day's rough shooting (with the gamekeeper) on the estate and over 350 further acres of bordering land on which we have the sporting rights.

• Large families or groups - The 3 units within the hamlet provide sleeping for up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, 1 shower room and 2 extra WCs. The Lower Mews has 2 tables which together can seat 12. A cot is provided in both units, and a highchair and foldaway single bed are available by prior arrangement.

The EDWINSFORD ESTATE lies some 9 miles to the north of Llandeilo on the banks of the River Cothi in a wooded valley of exceptional charm and beauty. The tiny rural hamlet of Edwinsford, dating back to the early 17th century, is almost entirely in the hands of the present owners. Sited on a significant stretch of the Cothi, a renowned tributary of the productive Tywi (Towy) River, Edwinsford enjoys exclusive private fishing over a 5 + mile stretch of one of the most productive and unspoilt small rivers in Britain, its enormous potential as yet largely untapped - an irresistible combination for the nature-lover and fisherman alike!

Turning into the drive to the estate is like turning the clock back a couple of centuries and entering a different world. The magic of the place is very special and it has a sleepy, timeless quality which makes it the perfect environment for a fishing holiday - Not many places can offer over 350 acres of wooded valley and undulating hills, with some five and a half miles' unrestricted access to one of the prettiest rivers in Wales, over 10 miles of private tracks, and sporting rights throughout. Even fewer can boast a beautiful old stone arched bridge (rebuilt in 1783), a dovecote, and walled gardens. And where else could you find a derelict Mansion, formerly home to a Scottish baronet, with no fewer than 42 bedrooms - now sadly past restoration but an awesome sight nonetheless - with its 17th century origins and later architectural embellishments still clearly visible. Records suggest that some of the decorated ceilings dated back to James I, and there was even a peacock room!

Enjoy fishing for brown trout, salmon and sea trout on the estate's own river (1st April - 17th October), or scenic walks with the chance of spotting red kites, kingfishers, goshawks, barn owls and otters on the estate (See bird list). Explore the stunning local countryside with its hidden valleys and rolling hills: the Cambrian Mountains to the north, the Brecon Beacons to the east, the Cardiganshire coast to the north east, the Gower Peninsular and Carmarthenshire beaches to the south, and the Brechfa Forest only 7 miles to the west. Edwinsford - "Rhydedwin" - is in the heart of Welsh-speaking Wales, and yet the locals are so friendly and welcoming you would not guess if you didn't know! This is the landscape of tiny upland sheep farms and rural hamlets which seem to have escaped the passage of time and is entirely unspoilt by modernisation or development.

The nearest village is Llansawel (1 mile) with no fewer than two pubs, of which the excellent and friendly "Angel Inn" is particularly popular for its delicious and filling bar meals. It was formerly part of the estate and our visitors always enjoy the welcome! Just a little further away in the other direction is Talley (1.5 miles), with its beautiful lakes (walking, birdwatching, fishing), ruined Abbey and "The Edwinsford Arms", another good pub with its own first-class restaurant, which was also once owned by the estate. Recent visitors have enjoyed walking down the valley for lunch at "The Black Bull" in Abergorlech (closed on Mondays) who do not mind muddy dogs and feet and provide excellent food. Further up river is the old Dolaucothi gold mine. The market towns of Llandeilo (9 miles), Lampeter (10 miles) and Llandovery (12 miles) are nearby, with the county town of Carmarthen approximately 45 minutes by car. Also within easy distances you will find a variety of craft shops, horse riding facilities, golf courses, leisure centres, steam railways, wildlife centres and castles to visit. Llandeilo has an Information Centre (01558-824226) for further details of what's on offer in the area - places to visit or eat out, things to do, routes to follow, national and local events, maps, guides and books. An estate map is given to each fishing party