Coast
There are over 51 beaches in this part of South Wales, many of which are dog friendly all year round. The closest beach is approximately 25 minutes from Graig Noddfa by car.
To the south of Graig Noddfa you’ll find the beaches of Swansea Bay, Gower and Mumbles, including the world famous Rhossili Bay and beautiful Oxwich Bay.
Heading East you will find Jersey Marine Beach, Aberavon Sands and Margam Sands, whilst West takes you to the lovely beaches of Carmarthenshire including Pembrey and Llanelli
Most of the beaches are dog friendly – these links will help you check any seasonal restrictions:
Swansea Beaches
Aberavon
Camarthenshire
Country
The Swansea Valley is a beautiful lush green area, home to the Rivers Tawe & Twrch, the Swansea Canal, waterfalls, nature reserves and bird reserves.
The River Tawe and the Swansea Canal can both be reached easily on foot from Graig Noddfa and offer miles of quiet, off road walks. You may meet some local residents, many of whom have more than one dog (it’s that kind of place!) and are typically very friendly and relaxed with other dog walkers.
Cwm Clydach RSPB bird reserve is 10 minutes away by car and has many trails to explore (one is 9 miles long).
When you see the Brecon Beacons from the garden at Graig Noddfa, you realise how close you are. 15 minutes by car takes you to the nearest places to park and walk – there can be sheep at certain times of the year so it’s best to keep dogs on leads whilst in the National Park.
Check out the old miner’s trail (joining points at the New Tredegar Arms in Lower Cwmtwrch and also at Ystradowen – park just over the bridge, before you reach Waunlwyd Farm, postcode SA9 2XX).
Pen y Fan (the highest peak in South Wales) is just 45 minutes away by car and you can explore the famous Henrhyd Falls (the highest waterfall in South Wales) within 20 minutes.
Don’t forget to spend some time at the beautiful country parks at Craig-y-Nos, Pembrey and Margam (including Go Ape) .
Affan Forest Park (15 minutes away) is a firm favourite with our guests and offers great mountain bike trails.
Attractions & Activities
You’ll be spoiled for choice with so many places to visit and things to do in the area.
Here are just some of our favourites (the ones in bold are dog friendly):
National Showcave Centre for Wales (including dinosaur park and shire horse centre!)
Dulais Valley Quads and Archery
Want more ideas? Check out Visit Swansea Bay and Brecon Beacons pages
Eating Out
The Swansea Valley has some lovely pubs that serve great food, many of whom welcome dogs.
The closest pub to Graig Noddfa is The Ynysmeudwy Arms, located at the bottom of the road approximately one mile from the door. Dogs are very welcome and there is a children’s play area.
In addition, we have tried and tested the following dog friendly pubs, all within a short drive:
Pontardawe Inn (50 yards from the Swansea Canal path)
New Tredegar Arms (near the start of the miner’s trail)
Ancient Briton
Pen y Cae Inn
New Inn (100 yards from Cwm Clydach RSPB Reserve)
Corner House Number 70
The Junction café is a lovely place to walk to from Graig Noddfa along the leafy cycle path that runs alongside the river Tawe. They welcome dogs outside.
The local towns of Pontardawe and Ystradgynlais offer further restaurants & cafes – and of course Swansea city is not far away! Many of the coastal pubs and cafes welcome dogs.
You’ll also find a few take away menus in the cottage for your convenience.
Local Businesses
Want a dog sitter so you can visit Folly Farm for the day, knowing that your pooch is well care for?
Fancy a massage after a long day of walking in the mountains?
Here are a few local businesses that guests (or we) have used. We have no affiliation with them, we just like to support local!
You may need to book some of these in advance….
Beacon Therapies – Jo is a mobile therapist offering massages from the comfort of Graig Noddfa
Bosco’s Holistic Pet Pantry – supplying holistic pet products, raw food and more
Dog sitting/walking by Pet Ready Wales
Doggy day care at Cwm Dog Retreat
Dog grooming by the Hair of the Dog
