Gwydyr
Gwydyr 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 Gwydyr castle. These woods stand at the gateway to celebrated landscapes of glade, pool and crag familiar to generations of visitors who have walked the woodland paths and fished the clear waters of the Conwy, Llugwy, Lledr and Machno rivers. 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.
The forest is made accessible by tracks, old miners' paths, cycle trails and long established forest walks.
Lead and Zinc mining were 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.
Gwydyr Forest now extends over 7,250 ha, including 4,900 ha of productive woodland.
Gwydyr Forest has become familiar to thousands of visitors who walk the paths, study wildlife, cycle, climb, fish, orienteer, or merely enjoy the calm of these timeless woodlands.
How to get there:
Betws- Y- Coed is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: SH794611
Minor road East off the A470 in Llanrwst.
Various access points off the A5 between Capel Curig and Betws y Coed.
Start your visit from:
Hafna Mine Car Park Ty'n Llwyn Pont-y-Pair Betws-y-Coed Garage St Mary's Church Cae'n-y-Coed Bryn Engan Llyn Geirionydd Pentre Du Nant Cottage Gwydyr Uchaf Llyn-y-Sarnau Llyn Crafnant