Lying deep in the heart of Snowdonia National Park sits Gwydir Forest Park.
Now, once upon a time, the area was dominated by mines and industry —- so much so that legacy of the old engine houses, reservoirs and waste tips are still found throughout the forest today. Not that you’d notice, because it certainly doesn’t feel like a mining area.
In fact, Gwydir Forest Park is idyllic. A quiet retreat with panoramic mountain views and peaceful woodland walks tucked away from the tourist bustle in nearby Conwy. Keep reading to find out more.
History of Gwydir Forest Park
The history of Gwydir Forest Park as a mining area goes back centuries.
Specifically, metal mining. The largest and most successful mine in the area — Parc Mine —- opened in 1855 and was functional up until the 1940s. By World War II it was the only mine still in action.
As we’ve touched on, the forest is dotted with the telltale signs of former metal mines. Old engine houses, reservoirs and waste tips are found in abundance. These, quite literally, don’t scratch the surface on what remains of the mines. Below ground sits a labyrinth of mile-long tunnels.
There are also numerous lakes in the forest, and they aren’t there by chance. Almost all were created (or at the very least made bigger) to provide reservoirs for the mines — previously, they powered water wheels for machinery on site. Now, they just look beautiful.
When the mines were out of action for good, the land was acquired by the Forestry Commission. They’ve worked tirelessly to make the former mines safe for public access, and safe they are.
Gwydir Forest Park Walks
There are a whole host of walking trails in Gwydir Forest Park: whether you are looking for an easy-does-it stroll or a steep climb with far-reaching views, there is almost certainly a walk for everyone in the forest. Favourites include…
Betws-y-Coed
This beautiful walk —- starting behind the church in Betws-y-coed —- tracks 5 miles from Gwydir Forest to Pont-y-pair Bridge.
Along the route you can take in breathtaking mountain scenery, plus tick off some of the area’s attractions; Llyn Elsi, Ancaster Memorial, Miners Bridge and Pont y Fair bridge to name but a few. The walk will take you around 2-3 hours, and aside from an initial steep walk, it’s a pretty manageable route.
Cae’n y Coed
Cae’n y Coed isn’t the easiest to trails, but it’s certainly worth it for views at the end. It’s only around 2 miles, mostly on forest roads connected by narrow paths and dodgy surfaces.
Expect mud, rocks, hidden tree roots and a brutal ascent. The effort pays off as you catch glimpses of the Llugwy Valley on the climb (but these views are just the warm up). Hit the top, and you’ve got a panoramic view across to Moel Siabod, the Carneddau mountains, and, if you’re really lucky, the top of Tryfan.
Cyffty Mine
The Cyffty Mine trail is a lot less strenuous. At just a quarter mile, the marked walk is around the old abandoned lead mine. It only takes 20 minutes or so to walk, but a great way to imagine the industry that once thrived here. With information panels along the route, it’s not that hard to really get a picture of what was once there.
Dolwyddelan
The village of Dolwyddelan sits to the South of Gwydir Forest Park. The trail starts from the carpark of Dolwyddelan railway station and mainly follows a wide forest road for 2 and a half miles.
The walk offers great views of the head of the valley and across to the mountain of Moel Siabod. It’s not particularly difficult or tiring, but it is just a nice way to get off the beaten track within Snowdonia National Park.
Hafna
This walking trail gives visitors the chance to get in about the ruins of the Hafna lead mine. A moderate trail lasting around 2 and a half miles, you’ll roam forest-clad hillsides, past a deep cutting, capped mine shafts and the remains of long abandoned mine buildings.
Pre-warning, there are some uneven surfaces, where you can expect mud, rocks and tree roots (it is mine ruins after all). There are also a number of several steep flights of stairs on the trail, some with handrails, others without — bear that in mind before you decide to lug a pram on the walk.
Llyn Crafnant
“Llyn” is Welsh for lake, but Llyn Crafnant is actually a reservoir in Gwydir Forest Park — once upon a time, Llyn Crafnant was the water supply for the nearby town of Llanrwst.
There are three waymarked walks around (or from) Llyn Crafnant that set off from the car park. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an accessible trail along the riverside or a 5-mile trail that takes you to the beautiful lakes of Geirionydd and Crafnant.
The most popular is the Llyn Crafnant Circuit, where you can take in the view across the lake to the crags at the head of the Crafnant Valley. The Crafnant Circuit is around 3.25 miles and follows a mixture of wide tracks, tarmac and forest roads, with some rougher sections alongside the lake. Top tip, if you’re bringing the pram on any walk, this is the one!
What Can You See at Gwydir Forest Park?
As you venture through Gwydir Forest Park, you’ll have the chance to explore ancient woodlands, hillside trails, and old miners’ ruins while taking in beautiful lakeside views.
Gwydir Forest is also a popular site for wildlife watching. It’s got buzzards, peregrines, merlins, and black grouse within the forest walls, along with a host of reptiles.