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.