Near Dolgellau, Gwynedd, on the southern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
6.6
Wildland
1–2 hours, Half day, Full day
Time
Paid
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.6A vast forest landscape known for its network of trails, from accessible routes and forest walks to technical mountain-bike tracks. The Gain Waterfall Trail offers a more demanding route to a wooded gorge and the meeting of the Afon Gain and Afon Mawddach.
Coed-y-Brenin earns its place through the breadth of its forest-trail experience: you can choose a gentle walk or a substantial ride, with the Gain Waterfall Trail adding a steep descent into a sheltered river gorge. It feels most rewarding when you leave the main visitor area and follow a route suited to your ability.
Wild · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapNear Dolgellau, Gwynedd, on the southern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
A large forest recreation landscape with walking, running, gravel-cycling and mountain-biking trails. The Gain Waterfall Trail is a demanding option with a steep descent to a river gorge.
Things to do
Walk a forest trail
Choose from the walking trails through the forest; check the current trail information for diversions and route suitability.
Ride the mountain-bike trails
The trail network starts at the car park and includes routes from easier options for families and beginners to technical trails for experienced riders.
Explore the forest by gravel bike
Gravel-bike trails provide an alternative to the technical mountain-bike routes.
Follow the Gain Waterfall Trail
This described 6.6 km circular walk crosses the Cefndeuddwr ridge before descending steeply to a wooded gorge at the confluence of the Afon Gain and Afon Mawddach. The descent is narrow and requires care.
About 2 hours 30 minutes
Try an accessible trail
Natural Resources Wales lists an accessible trail and routes for visitors using an off-road mobility scooter; check current route details before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short forest-trail escape
- 01
Start from the visitor-centre car park.
- 02
Choose a walking trail suited to your time and ability.
- 03
Return to the car park and check the trail notices before leaving.
Half day · Half day
Forest trails and the Gain Waterfall Trail
- 01
Check the latest trail information and choose a route appropriate to your fitness and conditions.
- 02
If prepared for a moderate walk with a steep, narrow descent, follow the Gain Waterfall Trail to the wooded gorge.
- 03
Allow time to return to the visitor-centre car park.
Verified history
Natural Resources Wales describes Coed-y-Brenin as Britain’s first purpose-built mountain-biking centre. The supplied source gives no further dates or historical detail.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Daylight; check current trail notices before travelling.
Longer daylight hours offer more time to explore the forest trail network. No specific seasonal wildlife or flowering feature is established by the supplied sources.
Check weather and trail conditions before setting out, particularly for routes with a steep, narrow descent such as the Gain Waterfall Trail.
The route
- ascent
- About 200 m, concentrated on the ridge crossing.
- surface
- Not specified by the supplied source.
- distance
- 6.6 km (4.1 miles) for the Gain Waterfall Trail
- duration
- About 2 hours 30 minutes for the Gain Waterfall Trail
- difficulty
- Moderate; the descent to the falls is steep and the path narrows.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre car park.
- parking start
- Paid parking at the visitor-centre car park; check current charges and availability.
- Cefndeuddwr ridge
- Wooded gorge
- Confluence of the Afon Gain and Afon Mawddach
- Series of waterfalls described at the river confluence
What to look for
On the Gain Waterfall Trail, look for the wooded gorge and the meeting of the Afon Gain and Afon Mawddach. The route source describes a series of waterfalls at the confluence.
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for longer days and generally easier trail conditions; check current trail notices before setting out.
Go in daylight and check Natural Resources Wales trail notices before setting out. Forest trails can be affected by forestry work and diversions.
How long to spend
1–2 hours, Half day, Full day
Perfect for
Walkers · Cyclists · Families
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Natural Resources Wales lists walking, running, mountain-bike and gravel-bike trails, including an accessible trail. Check current trail conditions and access before travelling; some trails may be diverted during forestry work.
Check before visiting
Parking
Paid parking at the visitor-centre car park. Natural Resources Wales lists charges of £1 for up to 1 hour, £3 for up to 2 hours, £7 for up to 4 hours and £12 all day. Check current charges before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed as available and remaining open; check current visitor information.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The Natural Resources Wales visitor page says the café and shop are no longer operating.
Dogs
Check current dog rules and trail-specific restrictions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Natural Resources Wales lists an accessible trail, parking for Blue Badge holders and trails for off-road mobility scooters. Check route suitability and current conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
River, Waterfall
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
