Gwydir Forest Park, near Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, Wales
Cae'n y Coed
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2A steep woodland climb leads through an unusual 1930s forest garden to a mountain panorama above the Llugwy Valley.
Cae'n y Coed combines a planted arboretum, a properly demanding forest climb and a far-reaching Eryri view in one compact visit. Its appeal is the contrast between curious trees on the ascent and open mountain country at the top.
Wild · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapGwydir Forest Park, near Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, Wales
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
The main visit is the waymarked Craig-Forris Walk: a strenuous 3.2 km circuit taking around 1½–2 hours, with an old arboretum, glimpses into the Llugwy Valley and a panoramic viewpoint towards Moel Siabod and the Carneddau.
Things to do
Walk the Craig-Forris trail
Follow the waymarked 3.2 km route through forest on forest roads and rough, narrow paths, climbing steeply to a viewpoint before descending steadily.
1½–2 hours
Explore the forest garden
Look out for the unusual trees planted on the hillside in the 1930s as you make the steep climb.
Take in the mountain panorama
At the knoll-top viewpoint, look towards Moel Siabod and the Carneddau; on a clear day, the top of Tryfan may also be visible.
Picnic at the site
Use the picnic tables around the parking area; Natural Resources Wales notes there is space for children to play.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1½–2 hours
Craig-Forris Walk
- 01
Start at the Cae'n y Coed car park and check the information panel.
- 02
Follow the waymarked trail on its steep climb through the forest garden.
- 03
Continue to the knoll-top viewpoint for the mountain panorama.
- 04
Follow the waymarks on the descent back to the car park.
Half day · Half day
A forest walk and picnic
- 01
Bring a picnic to enjoy at the tables around the parking area.
- 02
Walk the waymarked Craig-Forris trail, allowing 1½–2 hours for the strenuous route.
- 03
Take a pause at the viewpoint to look across to Moel Siabod and the Carneddau.
Verified history
The hillside forest garden was planted with trees from around the world in the 1930s. Gwydir Forest Park’s landscape also bears the legacy of historic lead and zinc mining, including engine-houses, waste tips and reservoirs; the supplied source does not identify specific mining remains on the Cae'n y Coed walking trail.
Hidden details
A hillside arboretum — The forest garden on the trail was planted in the 1930s with trees from around the world. Look closely as you climb to appreciate the contrast with the surrounding forest.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear spell for the mountain view; no specific time of day is established by the supplied source.
The defining reward is the panorama, which is most useful when cloud and visibility allow the mountains to be seen. The official source gives no seasonal opening or wildlife timing.
The route includes steep and uneven sections that may be muddy. Check the forecast and current trail conditions; the panorama is visibility-dependent.
The route
- ascent
- 548 feet / 167 metres
- stiles
- Check before visiting
- surface
- Mostly forest roads connected by rough, narrow paths; unmade and uneven, with possible mud, rocks and tree roots.
- distance
- 2 miles / 3.2 km
- duration
- 1½–2 hours
- difficulty
- Strenuous
- waymarking
- Waymarked from start to finish
- route shape
- Not specified by the source
- start point
- Cae'n y Coed car park; look for the trail information panel.
- parking start
- Natural Resources Wales lists free parking at Cae'n y Coed.
- 1930s forest garden with trees from around the world
- Glimpses of the Llugwy Valley on the ascent
- Viewpoint towards Moel Siabod and the Carneddau, with Tryfan visible on a clear day
Worth pairing with
Other Gwydir Forest Park trails
Natural Resources Wales lists waymarked trails from other forest car parks, including Cyffty Mine, Dolwyddelan and Hafna. Check each site's route details before making a day plan.
What to look for
- 01
Notice the unusual trees in the 1930s forest garden as you climb
- 02
pause for glimpses of the Llugwy Valley, then look across to Moel Siabod and the Carneddau from the viewpoint.
Best time to go
Clear days in spring through autumn for the mountain panorama; the trail is worth considering year-round, subject to weather and ground conditions.
Choose a clear day for the best chance of seeing Moel Siabod, the Carneddau and, in suitable conditions, Tryfan from the viewpoint. Check the forecast and trail conditions before starting.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A Natural Resources Wales picnic site beside the A5, with a waymarked walking trail. The Craig-Forris Walk is strenuous, with a steep climb and rough, narrow, uneven sections; check current conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Free parking at the site, according to Natural Resources Wales. Check current access and conditions before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The Craig-Forris Walk is graded strenuous. It climbs steeply and includes rough, narrow paths, uneven ground, mud, rocks and tree roots. There are picnic tables in the car park and a bench at the viewpoint.
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Cae'n y Coed
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
