Black Covert Woodland, near Aberystwyth
Sheltered picnic site with riverside walk
The starting point for many miles of waymarked horse riding trails on forest roads and old tracks
Coronavirus update
Our sites and most visitor facilities are open but, under the current coronavirus restrictions in Wales, this is intended only for the use of people who live locally.
You are strongly advised – in line with current Welsh Government regulations – not to drive to any of our sites to exercise unless you have specific health or mobility issues.
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.
Crychan Forest is set in beautiful countryside between the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains.
Years ago, before the trees were planted, drovers passed through here taking cattle and sheep from the mountains of mid Wales to Smithfield Market in London.
Nowadays, the car parks at Brynffo, Esgair Fwyog and Cefn Farm are the starting point for many miles of waymarked horse riding trails on forest roads and old tracks.
Walkers may also follow the horse riding trails.
The Halfway car park in Crychan Forest is also the starting point for a horse riding trail, a cycle trail and a walking trail.
The trails were created in partnership with the Crychan Forest Association.
Please note:
There is open access for horse riders throughout Crychan Forest, apart from the military training area on the Epynt and around Sennybridge where visitors must observe local danger signs.
The car parks at Brynffo, Esgair Fwyog and Cefn Farm are each the starting point for a horse riding trail. There is also a carriage driving route which starts from the Cefn Farm car park.
Facilities at these three car parks include:
There is also a car park suitable for horse boxes at Halfway.
Horse riding trails are waymarked and follow old tracks where possible.
5.1 miles, 8.2 kilometres
The Cwm Crychan Trail is a circular route which starts from Brynffo car park. It follows winding tracks through the forest to the Cwm Crychan viewpoint with stunning views over the lower Tywi valley.
6.4 miles, 10.3 kilometres
The Cwm Dulais Trail is a circular route which starts from Cefn Farm car park. It offers fine views of the wooded Cwm Dulais and passes through three fords. The route can be extended by following the Cwar Cerrig Trail (see below).
3.8 miles, 6.2 kilometres - extension to the Cwm Dulais Trail
The Cwar Cerrig Trail is an extension to the Cwm Dulais trail. It climbs over higher ground with great views before descending by the stone quarry and re-joining the Cwm Dulais Trail to return to Cefn Farm car park.
3.8 miles, 6.4 kilometres
The Allt Cwmcrychan Trail is a circular route which starts from Esgair Fwyog car park. It offers long views over open pastures before it drops down into Cwm Crychan. It then climbs out of the valley along the forest road and back to the car park.
There is open access for carriage driving on forest roads in Crychan Forest.
Facilities for carriage drivers in Crychan Forest include:
The Cefn Farm Carriage Route can be started from the car park at both Cefn Farm and Brynffo.
13 miles, 21 kilometres
The Cefn Farm Carriage Driving Route follows forest roads between Cefn Farm car park and Brynffo car park. See the Crychan Forest Association website for more details.
Brynffo, Cefn Farm and Esgair Fwyog car parks are all off the A483 between Llandovery and Builth Wells.
It is in the county of Carmarthernshire.
See below for further details and directions.
Parking is free of charge at these three car parks.
This car park is particularly suitable for horse boxes and carriage drivers.
Take the A483 from Llandovery for 4.2 miles and turn right at the Glanbran Arms, Cynghordy. Follow the minor road towards Tirabad for 2.8 miles. The entrance is on your right.
The OS grid reference is SN 848 409.
The access to this car park is a single track road with limited passing places.
Take the A483 from Llandovery for 4.2 miles. Turn right at the brown and white sign for Crychan Forest Trails before you reach Cynghordy. After 50 yards, fork right along the single track road and the car park is on your left after approximately one mile.
The OS grid reference is SN 813 386.
There is no access for carriage drivers to this car park.
Take the A483 from Llandovery for 4.2 miles. Turn right at the brown and white sign for Crychan Forest Trails before you reach Cynghordy. Follow the minor road towards Tirabad and the entrance is on your right after approximately two miles.
The OS grid reference is SN 837 412.
The nearest train station is in LLandovery. For details of public transport visit www.traveline.cymru
Tel: 0300 065 3000