Cardigan Cardigan is the largest town along the route and offers an extensive range of facilities for the walker. Extract from The Teifi Valley Trail Guide (due to be published in 2026): “The Welsh name for Cardigan, Aberteifi, means mouth or estuary of the River Teifi. The Normans built a timber castle here in 1110 at this strategic position at the mouth of the Teifi and over many years, they and the Welsh vied for its control. Rhys ap Gruffudd, Prince of south-west Wales, captured so many Norman castles, including Cardigan, that Henry II of England officially recognised him as the lawful Lord in South Wales. As Lord Rhys, he moved his main court to Cardigan and become the first to build a substantial stone castle in 1171. Cardigan developed as a port from the Middle Ages given its strategic position as the gateway to the fertile Teifi Valley. By the 18th & early 19th centuries, Cardigan had become the second most important seaport in Wales and was ranked seventh largest in the UK. It had a thriving shipbuilding industry, with over 200 vessels being built in Cardigan & downstream in St Dogmaels (Llandudoch). Herring, salmon, butter, woollen cloth, grain and slates were exported while imports included iron ore, tin, coal, building materials and limestone. In 1176, Lord Rhys invited bards and musicians to compete in a cultural tournament at Cardigan Castle. This is considered the basis of the wonderful artistic heritage of the National Eisteddfod. Eisteddfodau are held at every level of Welsh society from primary school to national and international level. With a population of around 4200, Cardigan is the second largest town in the county of Ceredigion. It has a lively contemporary arts scene, with theatres, galleries, cinema, colourful events, interesting shopping and great cafes, pubs and restaurants. Cardigan Castle has been restored and has exhibits ranging from Mediaeval to World War II and it serves as a hub of Welsh language, culture and performance.” Cardigan Integrated Care Centre & Minor Injury Unit – Rhodfa’r Felin, Cardigan, SA43 1JX Post Office – 26 High St, Cardigan SA43 1JH Aldi Supermarket – New Town, Cardigan SA43 1NA Tesco Supermarket – New Town, Cardigan SA43 1NA Small World Theatre – Bath-House Rd, Cardigan SA43 1JY Theatre & Cinema Mwldan – Bath-House Rd, Cardigan SA43 1JY Many hotels and pubs in and around Cardigan Many cafés and independent shops Petrol station at Tesco Buses from Finch Square
