View of Llyn Crafnant

GWYDIR FOREST PARK

Walking and mountain bike trails plus more

Gwydir Forest Park lies at the heart of the Snowdonia National Park near Betws-y-Coed. It takes its name from the ancient Gwydir Estate, established by the John Wynn family of Gwydir Castle, which owned the land. Visitors have been enjoying the woodland and rivers in the area since Victorian times. Most of the lakes in the park were created to serve the lead and zinc mines which dominated the landscape between 1850 and 1919. What was once a derelict industrial landscape is now a wonderful expanse of woodland, pastures and lakes. Waymarked walking trails make exploring the park easy and there’s a mountain bike trail too.

The park encompasses 72 square kilometres. It can be accessed from multiple locations with parking:

WHERE NATURE AND HISTORY MEET

Llyn Crafnant
Swallow Falls

Walking Trails

If you enjoy walking, you have plenty of choice within the Gwydir Forest Park. Whether you fancy a short stroll and a picnic or something a little longer, there’s a great walk to enjoy.

Cyffty Mine Trail – 0.6km trail to a mine shaft with information boards

Cwm Penamnen Walk – 2.9km trail from Dolwyddelan along forest and tarmac roads

Hafna Miners’ Trail – 3.6km forest walk taking you to several disused mines

Afon Crafnant Amble – 400m amble by the river

Llyn Crafnant Circuit – Easy 4km circular walk around the lake with amazing views

Crafnant View Trail – moderately challenging 4.7km walk encompassing the lake and fabulous views of Snowdonia

Geirionnydd to Crafnant Trail – 4.4km forest trail to Llyn Crafnant

Swallow Falls Trail – 4km trail to viewpoints over the waterfall and valley

Forest Lakes Walk – 4km walk through forest and past disused mines

Llyn Crafnant

Directions

From the Woollen Mill, take the A487 towards Caernarfon and turn right at the roundabout in Bontnwydd towards Llanberis. Drive to and through Llanberis on the A4086 then continue until you have passed the Pen-y-Pass parking area and reached a T Junction. Turn right towards Capel Curig, drive through the village and then turn left onto the A5 towards Betws-y-Coed. The various access points and car parks for the forest are in or close to the village. Follow the links above for directions to each location.

Dogs

Dogs are permitted on all of the trails in Gwydir Forest Park but some feature country lanes where dogs must be on the lead. Check the details of each trail to choose the most appropriate for your pet.