Gwydir Forest Park (NRW)

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Discover a forest of lakes and mountains in the heart of Snowdonia - with lots of scenic walks

Gwydir Forest Park is home to the celebrated landscapes of lakes, forests and mountains to the generations of visitors who have walked the woodland paths and fished the clear waters of the Conwy, Llugwy, Lledr and Machno rivers since Victorian times.

Gwydir Forest ranges across the hills on Snowdonia's eastern flank. High wooded ramparts rise steeply from the level pastures of the Conwy valley, enfolding Betws-y-Coed, and creating a dramatic setting for the town of Llanrwst and nearby Gwydir castle.

Above and beyond the valley slopes lies an extensive, rolling upland of wooded knolls, lakes and pastures, which stretches to the jagged Clogwyn-yr- Eryr ridge above Llyn Crafnant, and to the dominant outline of Moel Siabod.

A forest with an industrial pedigree

Lead and zinc mining dominated the area between 1850 and 1919. The legacy of old engine-houses, waste tips and reservoirs are characteristic features of the forest landscape today and several of the most important mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors. Gwydir Forest now extends over 7,250 ha, including 4,900 ha of productive woodland. Gwydir attracts thousands of visitors who walk the paths, study wildlife, cycle, climb, fish, orienteer, or merely enjoy the calm of these timeless woodlands.

Tracks, old miners’ paths, cycle trails and long-established forest walks make this forest a delight to explore. You can get full details of all the waymarked routes in this app.

Accessible toilets at Llyn Geirionydd and Crafnant car parks.

Ty'n Llwyn

Car park with a view and the gateway to Swallow Falls
Ty’n Llwyn means ‘house in the grove’. This is a great place to have a picnic with a view (tables provided) Grid Ref: SH 766 583

Pont-y-Pair

A forest of giants and a trails gateway
The giant Douglas fir trees were planted as saplings in the 1920s and now weigh over 10 tonnes. You can walk from Pont y Pair to see these splendid giants at their best.
OS Grid Reference: SH795566

Llyn Crafnant

Llyn Crafnant is a 0.75 mile long lake (well, reservoir actually) that lies in a beautiful valley where the northern edge of Gwydir Forest meets the lower slopes of the Carneddau mountains. Grid Ref: SH 757618

Llyn Geirionnydd

Llyn Geirionnydd is a 3/4-mile long lake in Gwydir Forest, and reputedly the home of the 6th century poet Taliesin. Grid Ref: SH763603

Llyn Sarnau

Llyn Sarnau means ‘lake of the old tracks’ and makes a good picnic spot.

This shallow lake often dries out in summer and may not be much to look at, but it's a valuable home for wetland loving wildlife. Grid Ref: SH778592

The Marin Trail

The Marin Trail is a proper mountain bike trail in every sense of the term. Big climbs, big descents, brilliant singletrack and truly awesome scenery make this a trail to remember. OS Grid Ref: SH 757618

The Gwydir Forest can be accessed from eight different car parks and locations. Most of which are close to refreshment places and toilets.

Please note:

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations.
Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access

Catering

  • Picnic site

Children

  • Children welcome

Parking

  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Public toilets

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Minor road East off the A470 in Llanrwst.
Various access points off the A5 between Capel Curig and Betws y Coed.


Accessible by Public Transport.

Gwydir Forest Park (NRW)

Type:Forest or Woodland

Gwydir Forest Park (NRW), Betws- Y- Coed, Conwy, LL24 0AA

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