Gwydir Forest Park – Walks, Lakes & Visitor Guide

Gwydir Forest Park surrounds Betws-y-Coed and is one of the best places in North Wales for woodland walking, peaceful lakes, mountain views and outdoor exploration. The forest contains a wide range of waymarked trails, from short family-friendly walks to longer routes through old mining landscapes and around remote lakes.

Gwydir Forest Park at a Glance

• Best for: Walkers, families, couples, cyclists and nature lovers
• Location: Around Betws-y-Coed and Llanrwst, Eryri / Snowdonia
• Main activities: Walking, mountain biking, picnics, lake visits and exploring old mining landscapes
• Difficulty: Routes range from easy accessible paths to strenuous woodland walks
• Time needed: From 30 minutes to a full day depending on the trail
• Cost: Most forest walks are free; some car parks charge
• Best for rainy days: Moderate – woodland offers some shelter, but paths can become muddy and slippery

What Is Gwydir Forest Park?

Gwydir Forest Park is a large forested area within Eryri National Park, surrounding Betws-y-Coed and extending towards Llanrwst, Trefriw and Dolwyddelan. Its combination of rivers, lakes, wooded hillsides and historic mine workings gives the area a very different feel from the more exposed mountain routes elsewhere in Eryri.

Many trails are waymarked, making Gwydir particularly useful for visitors who want a scenic walk without needing to plan a mountain route from scratch.

Walking from Betws-y-Coed

Several walks begin directly from Betws-y-Coed, making it possible to leave the car behind and explore the forest on foot.

The easy Coed Tan Dinas Walk follows a boardwalk beneath tall Douglas fir trees and takes around 30 minutes, while the Afon Llugwy Riverside Walk is a longer route beside the river with views towards the surrounding hills.

More demanding walks climb higher into the forest towards lakes and viewpoints.

Llyn Elsi and Forest Lakes

Llyn Elsi is one of the best-known walking destinations above Betws-y-Coed. The climb from the village is fairly steep, but the lake provides a peaceful destination surrounded by forest and hills.

Elsewhere in Gwydir, walkers can explore Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant. A longer circular route links the two lakes through woodland and offers views towards the surrounding mountains.

Swallow Falls Walk

Visitors who want a more substantial walk to Swallow Falls can start from Ty’n Llwyn car park. The circular route descends through woodland to a viewpoint over the waterfall before climbing back through rocky forest terrain.

This is a strenuous route rather than a simple roadside visit, so allow around two hours and wear suitable footwear.

Mining Heritage

Gwydir Forest was once an important lead and zinc mining area. Remains of old mines, buildings and workings can still be found throughout the forest.

The Hafna Miners’ Trail is particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy industrial heritage. It passes several historic mine sites and uses an audio trail to explain what life was like for miners working in the area.

A shorter trail at Cyffty Mine explores restored mine features including old machine houses, wheel pits and shafts.

Mountain Biking

Gwydir is also a popular mountain-biking area. Red-graded trails start from several forest locations and are aimed at riders with suitable off-road experience.

Walking and cycling routes sometimes share parts of the forest, so visitors should watch for trail signs and other users.

Accessible and Easier Walks

Not every route in Gwydir is difficult. The Afon Crafnant Amble near Llyn Crafnant is a short, well-surfaced route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with picnic benches along the way.

There are also easier forest-road routes around Dolwyddelan and Betws-y-Coed for visitors who want scenic views without tackling steep mountain terrain.

Picnics and Family Visits

Several Gwydir Forest car parks have picnic areas, making the forest a good choice for a relaxed family outing. Cae’n y Coed and Llyn Geirionydd are particularly useful stops if you want a picnic combined with a short walk or scenic viewpoint.

Children who enjoy wildlife, woodland and exploring old paths may find the forest more interesting than a conventional attraction, especially when combined with one of the shorter trails.

Parking and Getting There

Gwydir Forest has a number of access points rather than one main entrance. Betws-y-Coed is the easiest starting point for several walks, while other car parks provide access to lakes, mining trails and mountain-bike routes.

Some parking areas are free while others charge, so check the information for the particular trail you plan to use.

Good to Know

• Choose a trail that matches your fitness and experience.
• Forest paths can be muddy, rocky and slippery after rain.
• Some routes include steep climbs, steps and unprotected drops.
• Trail conditions can change because of forestry work or damaged bridges.
• Check current Natural Resources Wales information before travelling.
• Take water and suitable footwear for longer routes.
• Mobile reception may be limited in more remote parts of the forest.

Combine Gwydir Forest with Betws-y-Coed

Gwydir Forest is particularly easy to combine with a visit to Betws-y-Coed. The village has cafés, shops, riverside walks and transport connections, making it a useful base for exploring the forest.

Swallow Falls is also nearby, so visitors can combine a forest walk with one of North Wales’ best-known waterfalls.