Born around 1530 at Tregaron, Twm Shon Catti earned a reputation as a sort of Welsh Robin Hood, roaming the west and mid part of Wales, robbing the rich and giving to the poor.

His hideout from his arch enemy the Sheriff of Carmarthen was a cave on the slopes of the thickly wooded and rocky Dinas Hill, about 12 miles north of Llandovery and close to the village of Rhandirmwyn.  Here the mountain river Pysgotwr joins the larger River Towy which then roars through the rocky gorge below the cave.

Dinas Hill is now an RSPB nature reserve.  A waymarked footpath runs right around the hill, with a detour to Twm's cave.

Twm Shon Catti is perhaps best remembered for his kindness to his victims.  Wishing to avoid hurting or killing them, he is reputed to have been able to fire an arrow which would pin his victim to the saddle of his horse, leaving him helpless but unharmed.

Another legend has it that Twm used a variety of disguises to avoid being recognised. These disguises included that of a country 'booby' or bumpkin, dressed in straw and sacking, with a soldier's old Monmouth (skull - style) cap on his head!

Later in life this lovable rogue is said to have cast off his villainous ways and married an heiress, going to live in a grand house near Tregaron.  He is said to have become a wealthy landowner and a Justice of the Peace! When he died, this Welsh Robin Hood was considered a pillar of society, much respected and much beloved!

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