II.

Land and Resources

Carmarthenshire is a hilly county; its highest parts are in the east where the Black Mountains rise. Fan Brycheiniog (804 m/2,632 ft), on the border between Carmarthenshire and Powys, is the highest point. The coast has fine stretches of sandy beaches. The Brecon Beacons National Park extends into the east of the county, occupying 227 sq km (87 sq mi). The main rivers are the Towy, which rises in the Cambrian Mountains in Powys, and which runs through the town of Carmarthen on its way to Carmarthen Bay; the Taff which crosses the south-western part of the county and reaches the sea at Laugharne; the Gwendraeth, which enters Carmarthen Bay at Kidwelly; and the Loughor, which flows from the Black Mountains to Loughor, forming part of the boundary between Carmarthenshire and the county of Swansea.

The climate is moderate. The temperature in January averages 3° C (38° F) and in July reaches an average of 19° C (67° F). Annual rainfall is in the region of 1,000 to 1,520 mm (40 to 60 in).