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About
Up to the early Middle Ages the areas north of the river Cothi were heavily wooded, forming the Forest of Glyncothi, vital to the defence and independence of the Welsh principality of Deheubarth.
Following the final defeat of Wales by Edward I in 1283, Glyncothi became a Royal Forest administered under the harsh Forest Law. Forest Law involved severe punishment for offences against both 'venison' and 'vert'. The 'vert' included trees, coppices, the underwood and feeding ground of the game. Venison covered all the forest animals - in medieval Glyncothi these included red deer, fallow deer and roe deer, wild boars, wolf, fox, hare and pine marten. Forest Law was finally abolished in 1640, with most of the ancient oakwoods felled and cleared by the 17th century.
As well as playing its part in the industrial revolution, timber was taken from the forest during the First World War to produce naphtha for use in making explosives.
Today a very different forest has returned. The heavy use of timber in the First World War resulted in the creation of state forests and the Forestry Commission. Today Brechfa Forest covers some 6500 hectares and is looked after by Natural Resources Wales for the benefit of people, wildlife and timber production. There are walking and mountain bike trails for you to enjoy, with horseriders welcome on forest roads.
The OS grid reference is SN 585 340
Byrgwm Picnic Site
A pleasant picnic site situated under a canopy of red oak trees. The site has ample parking.
4 mile Byrgwm Forest Trail. Open acess for horse riding in this area
OS Grid Reference: SN585340
Byrgwm Woodland
A middle distance forest walk which undulates through a mixture of mature Douglas Fir, broad-leaved wood, clear-felled areas and forest tracks.
Length of Trail: 4 Miles
Approx Time: 2hours
Abergorlech Picnic Site
Abergorlech Picnic Site is in a lovely location where the Gorlech and Cothi Rivers meet.There is a childrens' play area and accessible picnic facilities.
OS Grid Reference: SN587338
Abergorlech Woodland
Abergorlech is home to a picnic site with childrens' play area,where the Gorlech and Cothi rivers meet.
Strangely shaped stones have been found in the river, and examples of these Gorlech Stones can be seen in the village front gardens.
Sifigwm
Gateway to the Gorlech MB trail
This is an alternative starting point for the Gorlech mountain bike trail with ample parking and information boards.Grid Ref: SN 553394
The Gorlech Trail
The Gorech Trail is the first of three new mountain bike trails for the forest. Designed by Rowan Sorrell, the route is made up of
three big climbs and descents stretching over its 19km.
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
Children
- Children welcome
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The A482 (Lampeter to Llandovery), the A40, and the A485 (Lampeter to Carmarthen) encompass the forest. There are numerous roads that lead to Brechfa Forest, and Abergorlech and Brechfa are small villages located next to Brechfa Forest on the B4310 road. Follow the A482 between Lampeter and Llandovery until the turn off for Llansawel (B4302). Once in Llansawel follow signs for Abergorlech.
