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About
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.
