Travel back in time with the wild boar trail (From South Wales Guardian)

Travel back in time with the wild boar trail

7:00pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Ammanford news

THE Amman Valley will be thrown back into the mists of time and myth on Friday to mark the launch of the Twrch Trwyth trail.

The trail forms part of a series of walks which celebrate the area’s unique and mysterious past, particularly its place in the stories of King Arthur and the tale of his hunting the enchanted boar.

The story’s first known reference appears in a ninth century Latin script, but became more famous thanks to Culhwch and Olwen, an 11th century prose romance.

The tale is also celebrated in the statue of the boars on Ammanford’s Penybanc Road.

To highlight the history of the various trails – in myth, legend and elsewhere – interpretation panels have been erected along some of the valley’s walks under the theme of Twrch Trwyth – “Hela’r Twrch – Hunting the Boar”.

A specially written booklet detailing the history of the area entitled The Amman Valley Through Time and carrying the story of Arthur’s hunt as well as more great Amman Valley facts has also been released as part of the project.

A quiz has also been developed for children taking part in any of the walks with a prize available for completion of the various questions.

In addition, Cwmaman town council, which is organising the event, is delighted to announce that it will also see the launch of Arthur and the Twrch Trwyth, written by Margaret Isaac.

The event begins with a walk from Ammanford to Garnant at 9.30am on Friday, followed by an official opening ceremony and buffet at Ysgol y Bedol at 1pm.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, a guided tour of the featured walk to Hen Fethel, Glanaman, will be led by Paul Sambrook and Jenny Hall, who will provide an outline of the history and archaeology of the area.

The walk is due to start from the Cwmaman Road car park, Glanaman, at 10am. There is no charge.