Originally set up for the South Wales Geocachers' 'All Things Welsh' Camp 2016 this series takes a little stroll around Llandovery and surrounding area whilst learning a little more about Wales and local history. Have Fun!
Twm Siôn Cati
Thomas Jones, otherwise known as Twm Sion Cati was born around 1530 at Tregaron, Cardiganshire, in the mid-west region of Wales. His mother was Catherine (or Cati) Jones, and although some stories claim that he was the illegitimate son of the local squire, it is more likely that his father was actually John (Welsh form Sion), son of David ap Madog ap Howel Motheu.
Although the original tales of Tom, or Twm, were undoubtedly expanded on before being passed down through the generations by word of mouth, the first pamphlets and books recording his exploits began to surface from around 1763.
Twm Sion Cati earned a reputation as a sort of Welsh Robin Hood, roaming the rugged west and mid part of Wales, robbing from the rich, but somehow forgetting the bit about giving to the poor. It is thought that Twm had some formal education and from the tales told, appears to have developed from a common thief and highwayman into quite a crafty and clever conman.
Twm often hid from his arch enemy the Sheriff of Carmarthen in a cave on the slopes of the densely wooded and rugged Dinas Hill, about 12 miles north of Llandovery, close to the village of Rhandirmwyn. Here the mountain river Pysgotwr joins the larger River Towy and roars through the rocky gorge below the cave.
Today Dinas Hill is a designated RSPB nature reserve. A footpath runs right round the hill, with a branch leading to Twm's cave, which is also clearly marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer map 187.
Cache
This cache is in two parts. the Cordinates will take you to the first part of the cache. THE LOG BOOK IS NOT HERE, but there is something that will help you find the next part. You can leave trackables and swapables here
PLEASE remember to return everything to its original place for the next cacher. This is important as I don't live locally to sort things out regularly. THANK YOU.