Long before pumpkins and trick-or-treating, Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Winter’s Eve, was celebrated as part of Samhain, marking the darker half of the year. Stories, firelight, and misty hills filled the night, and the countryside felt still, the stars bright, and the rhythms of autumn quietly noticed
Firelight and Folklore
The Coelcerth: Bonfires of Protection
Communities traditionally gathered around a Coelcerth, a central bonfire. Stones were placed in the embers as a gesture of protection as well as hope for the months ahead. These small rituals helped communities feel connected to the shifting season, and brought a sense of safety as the nights grew longer.
Legends of Wales
Welsh folklore has long shaped autumn evenings. Tales of Y Ladi Wen the White Lady, or Hwch Ddu Gwta the tailless black sow, reminded villagers to stay close to warmth and one another as nights lengthened.
Passing Down Tales
Even today, these stories are shared on crisp evenings or around a fire, keeping the spirit of Nos Calan Gaeaf alive without ceremony, it’s a subtle connection to the past and the season. These traditions help maintain a link to the ancient Celtic roots.
Experiencing the Dark Half
Quiet Nights Under the Stars
Crisp autumn nights invite stillness. Stepping outside to watch the constellations emerge, breathing in the cool air, or noticing the first frost is enough to connect with the Celtic Dark Half. Any evening of the season, not just Nos Calan Gaeaf, can be spent simply watching the stars appear in the clear autumn sky.
Autumn Landscapes
Hills, valleys, and meadows transform at this time of year. Morning mist, golden evening light, and quiet trails reveal the subtle beauty of late autumn.
Simple Seasonal Rituals
No need for formal tradition — a short woodland walk, a warming hot drink, or capturing the hillside with your camera are all ways to savour the season.
A Place to Welcome the Season
Seclusion and Calm
A private cabin in Carmarthenshire offers the perfect retreat to enjoy the slower pace of autumn. Cosy blankets and a glowing wood stove provide comfort, while the surrounding hills and valleys invite you to step outside, watch the stars appear, and breathe in the crisp, fresh air.
Simple Pleasures
Wrap your hands around a warming drink, pause to notice frost on the grass, or capture the quiet beauty of the countryside with your camera. The seclusion lets you savour misty evenings, golden light, and the subtle rhythms of autumn at your own pace.
Your Autumn Evenings
Even a couple of nights here is enough to slow down, reconnect with the land, and enjoy the magic of the season. Let the calm of Carmarthenshire, the starry skies, and the comfort of a private cabin make your autumn escape truly restorative.
