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Cwmcarn Forest Drive and Visitor Centre


(Average user rating: 3 Stars 3/5)

About Cwmcarn Forest Drive and Visitor Centre

Please note that the drive is restricted to light vehicle use only (no coaches) until further notice. This is until adequate repair works have been completed. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Cwmcarn Forest Drive and Visitor Centre offer something for all the family. The Centre is run by Caerphilly County Council and provides a place to stock up on refreshments and gifts as well as finding out about what you can do in the area. The Forest Drive is seven miles long through beautiful woodlands with staggering views. There are seven themed picnic sites some with play equipment, others with sculptures. There are also walking trails, a fishing lake and an exhilarating single-track mountain bike trail – come and explore.The Forest Drive has seven car parks along its length, each offering something different for the visitor, from sculptures to play areas to BBQ facilities.

Opening Times:

March 11am - 5pm

April - June 11am - 7pm

July - August (weekdays) 11am - 7pm

July - August (weekends) 11am - 9pm

September 11am - 6pm

October 11am - 5pm

November - February 11am - 4pm (weekends only)

February half term 11am - 4pm (subject to weather (call before visiting)

NOTE: Last entry 1 hour before closing time.

Prices for 2009 Season (starting 4th April 09)

MOTORBIKE

£ 3.00

CAR

£ 5.00

MINIBUS

£10.00

SEASON TICKET

£20.00

Season Tickets are available at the Pay Lodge from 11:00 daily.

How to get there:

Cwmcarn Forest Drive and Visitor Centre is in Cwmcarn Forest which is part of Cwmcarn Forest. Crosskeys is the nearest town or village.

Sign posted Forest Drive from M4.

The visitor Centre (run by Caerphilly County Borough Council) is situated about half a mile from Cwmcarn and the drive starts a further half mile on the same road.

OS Grid Reference: ST 235 940
For details of public transport visit http://www.traveline-cymru.info/

What's on in Cwmcarn Forest

The Wizard's walk in Cwmcarn Forest Drive

Facilities:

ToiletsInformationParkingEasy AccessVisitor CentreRefreshmentsForest ShopOther Facilities
Visitor Centre

Here at the mouth of the valley a warm welcome awaits you. Drop in for refreshments, souvenirs, gifts and local handicrafts.

Activities

WalkingForest DriveBarbecuePlay Area
Cycling Y Mynydd
Twrch
Educational The Education Ranger is available to school and Community groups and can offer a extensive programme tailored to your needs. Education pack available.
Camping Adjacent to the visitor centre, and downstream from the lake, the campsite settles delightfully alongside the Nant Carn. Run by Caerphilly County Council, the site boasts accommodation for up to 40 caravans or tents and benefits from modern toilet and shower facilities, together with a chemical waste disposal point and electric hook up. Please phone the Visitor Centre on (01495) 272001 to book a site.
Other Activities Sculptures of the Mabinogi, Welsh Celtic tales.

Contact:

Recreation Ranger
0845 6040845
e-mail: tanya.dykes@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Name: alan (1 Star)
7/Jun/2009
very very dissapointed,a friends bike 2 of them were stolen at 4am (thousands pounds worth)even though security were there!!!and there was an elderly lady with glasses who works there ,she walkes around the camp sight and treats averyone like school children,very nosie and very rude when we pitched up she had a go at us and we had to move 2 big tents and 2 campers right to the top field(even though the pitches we were on be4 we moved never got used )very rude woman(blond hair in late 50,s with glasses)look out for her .very nasty rude woman indeed.we wont go back,as she seems to invite people from outher arears then local people.goto deri council camp sight or aberdare .well respect there .1star

Name: Heather Pearson (1 Star)
1/Jun/2009
A beautiful setting ruined by our friend's ■1800 bike being stolen, a regular occurance we gather! I'm sad to say we won't come back

Name: Ian (5 Stars)
31/May/2009
Just back and walked from lowest car park to the hillfort at the top... ouch my feet! Beautiful views!

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What's of interest

If you are thinking of organising an event in Cwmcarn, please contact us on 0845 6040845.

Please note there is an admission charge for the Forest Drive.

In the event of snow the facility may be closed to vehicles, check conditions with the visitor centre on 01495 272001 during inclement weather to avoid disappointment.

Cwmcarn Cycle Trail Guide (front)
3,260kb PDF

Cwmcarn Cycle Trail Guide (back)
497kb PDF


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