The world’s most spectacular ferry crossing?
As summer approaches, an iconic journey awaits on the pilgrim trail, says Rhinedd Eyton Jines
‘Dros y dŵr i draeth Llanstephan…’ says the song, and indeed Ferryside and Llanstephan’s ferry, or Glansteffan as it’s called, travels across the water regularly throughout the summer and at various times of the year. You can have a trip to Carmarthen or go over to Laugharne as well as crossing to Llanstephan.
During the summer you can also have sunset cruises when the sky is on fire - a scene you’ll remember forever.
There’s probably been a ferry of some sort crossing the estuary for centuries. Pilgrims travelled from the east through Llanelli and from Gower before arriving at Cydweli and resting awhile in St Ishmael. Then they would cross the Towy at Ferryside to go to Laugharne or Llanstephan and then on to Pembrokeshire and St Davids.
But what about Glansteffan ferry? According to The Independent in August 2022 it’s “one of the world’s most spectacular ferry crossings” and was listed alongside seven others as far afield as the Caribbean, Iceland, Japan and Australia.
Apparently, Admiral Lord Nelson said the area had one of the best views in the world! But because of the glutinous mud on the river side, and the tide, a way had to be found to land smoothly - apparently Gerallt Gymro and the artist Turner complained that they had to wade through water and mud before embarking!
So Glansteffan has motorised wheels that can be lowered and retracted as necessary. So you can be sure of having dry feet when landing!
The old ferry stopped running in the early 1950s, and a local man Professor Kenton Morgan had a vision of resurrecting the ferry to travel between the two villages - but a modern ferry - and the Carmarthen Bay Ferry Company was born. The ferry and staff have been certified by the Maritime Coastguard Agency and are qualified experienced sailors. Also, very importantly, the ferry is blessed by the priest-in-charge along with every other boat in Ferryside in the Blessing of the Boats service that happens every year in spring.
Whilst on the ferry you may also have commentary about the area, its history, legends, wildlife, local characters and the importance of Pendine’s land speed record and Dylan Thomas’ Laugharne. We look forward to meeting you all when you come to Ferryside during any weekend from March to September and daily during school holidays. Welcome everyone!