Cwm Rhaeadr Forest, near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cwm Rhaeadr Forest
Forest
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
30 minutes to half a day, depending on trail availability
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8The wooded Tywi valley setting gives way to views of Carmarthenshire’s highest waterfall—but the Waterfall Trail is currently closed, so check its status before planning a visit around it.
This is more than a forest-track wander: there’s a short, surfaced accessible trail through towering Douglas firs, a pond-side boardwalk, and a mountain setting with views towards a striking waterfall when the relevant trail is open. Its strongest appeal is the contrast between an easy woodland visit and a more demanding, currently closed waterfall route.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapCwm Rhaeadr Forest, near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Choose the accessible Woodland Walk for a short forest visit. The longer Waterfall Trail is currently listed as closed, so do not plan on reaching its waterfall viewpoints unless Natural Resources Wales confirms it has reopened.
Things to do
Follow the accessible Woodland Walk
Take the 1.5 km waymarked trail from the upper car park. Natural Resources Wales describes its surface as even, compacted stone, with a long climb, rest points and a steepest gradient of 1 in 20.
About 30 minutes
Pause at the pond-side boardwalk
The woodland trail passes a small pond and a short boardwalk. Look for dragonflies here in summer.
Check whether the Waterfall Trail has reopened
Natural Resources Wales lists this strenuous 4.2 km trail as closed. If it reopens, its route includes views towards the waterfall, valley and surrounding hills; confirm its status before setting out.
Listed route time: about 2½ hours when available
Picnic beneath the conifers
Use the picnic area beside the car park, which Natural Resources Wales describes as being among tall conifers with views from the tables.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 30 minutes
A short woodland-and-pond wander
- 01
Start at the upper car park and follow the waymarked Woodland Walk.
- 02
Take the compacted-stone path past the forest trees and pause at the pond-side boardwalk.
- 03
Look for dragonflies by the pond in summer, then return by the waymarked trail.
Half day · About 1–2 hours
Woodland walk and a picnic
- 01
Walk the waymarked Woodland Walk from the upper car park; allow about 30 minutes for the 1.5 km trail.
- 02
Spend time at the pond and boardwalk, watching for dragonflies in summer.
- 03
Finish with a picnic at the picnic area beside the car park.
Hidden details
Douglas firs planted in the 1940s — The Woodland Walk passes huge Douglas firs that Natural Resources Wales says were planted in the 1940s.
Dragonflies at the pond — Look out for dragonflies beside the small pond and its short boardwalk in summer.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · No evidence-supported best time of day; check weather and trail status before travelling.
Natural Resources Wales notes bluebells in spring and dragonflies at the pond in summer. The source row also suggests late spring to early autumn, but exact seasonal conditions are not independently established in the supplied sources.
The Waterfall Trail description notes muddy sections, especially after wet weather, as well as uneven ground, roots and stones. Check current trail status and conditions before visiting.
What to look for
On the Woodland Walk, notice the huge Douglas firs planted in the 1940s and look for dragonflies by the pond in summer. If the Waterfall Trail reopens, its route includes views towards the waterfall and the surrounding valley and hills.
Best time to go
Spring for bluebells and summer dragonflies by the pond; check trail closures and conditions before visiting.
Spring brings bluebells through the woodland, while summer is a good time to look for dragonflies around the pond. Trail closures and conditions can change, so check the Natural Resources Wales page before travelling.
How long to spend
30 minutes to half a day, depending on trail availability
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
Natural Resources Wales lists free parking, walking trails, an accessible woodland trail and a picnic area. The Waterfall Trail is currently listed as closed; check the NRW page for the latest status before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Free parking is listed by Natural Resources Wales. The source row advises that the parking area is best suited to smaller vehicles; check current conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No toilets are listed in the supplied sources. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A picnic area is listed beside the car park. No café is listed in the forest; check local options before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The source row describes the forest as dog-friendly, but the supplied official source does not specify current dog rules. Check signage and current guidance before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The 1.5 km Woodland Walk is described by Natural Resources Wales as accessible, with a compacted stone surface and a long climb; the steepest gradient is 1 in 20, with rest points. Other trails may be uneven, steep or muddy. Check trail status and suitability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
Waterfall, pond, river
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Cwm Rhaeadr Forest
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
