TAN Y COED TRAIL
Short but very enjoyable woodland walk
If you are visiting Machynllth or the Corris Craft Centre and fancy a little time in the great outdoors, the Tan y Coed Trail is a great choice. At just 2.6km, it is very short but certainly sweet. We use this one to give the dogs a run out when we are in the area. The woodland is gorgeous and there’s beautiful waterfall to enjoy with a handy picnic table nearby. The toilets at the entrance to Tan y Coed come in handy and there’s even a poo bin for dog walkers to use.
Tan y Coed is part of the Dyfi Forest and is located just north of Macynllth. It is managed by Natural Resources Wales which means there is excellent signage together with consistent waymarkers.
Duration: 1 hour at a stretch but it is worth lingering at the waterfall
Terrain: Woodland paths and forest roads
From the picnic area
This short but appealing trail begins in the picnic area which is adjacent to the car park. Don’t miss the fabulous wood carving which appears to be a mouse. There’s an information board showing the route and useful signage as you can see from the photograph above. All you have to do is follow the red footprint waymarkers to keep on track. The route is circular and so brings you back to the car park.
The first part of the walk climbs gently upwards through attractive woodland. Things then get a little steeper and the path includes a few switchbacks which take you the high point of the route, after which the path begins heading downwards. You will eventually join a wider path which leads to a T Junction. Cross the forest road and follow the waymarkers back into the trees.
The Waterfall
After a pleasant walk through the woodland, you will find yourself alongside the top of a surprisingly dramatic waterfall. Follow the path down beyond the foot of the falls and you will see a picnic table where you can enjoy a snack while contemplating the view.
When we first walked this trail, the waterfall came as a complete surprise. We had thought that the woodland wood be the highlight of the route but we were wrong! The picnic table is in a serene spot and as few people seem to visit the woods, you will probably have it all to yourself. We lingered there for some time with our flask of tea and the dogs enjoyed paddling in the pools to the side of the river.
Completing the trail
After a pleasant rest at the falls, continue following the waymarkers through the woods. The path eventually joins a gravel forest road which leads directly back to the car park. It’s downhill all the way once you are on this road which is bordered by a variety of flora.
Once back at the car park and that wooden mouse, you can use the facilities before heading off to your next destination or back to The Woollen Mill. The Tany Coed Trail isn’t the longest walk or the most spectacular but I love it all the same!
Directions
From the Woollen Mill, head for the A487 and travel south towards Porthmadog. After passing Porthmadog, you will drive under a metal bridge and then arrive at a roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout towards Penryhndeudraeth (A487). Keep on this road which becomes the A470. Remain on the A470 until just before you reach Machynlleth. The entrance to Tany Coed is on the right.
