Black Covert Woodland, near Aberystwyth
Sheltered picnic site with riverside walk
Dyfi Forest (Foel Friog), near Machynlleth
Off-the-beaten track woodland with riverside picnic site and a walk with superb views
What's here
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.
Welcome
Foel Friog is set within the spectacular landscape of Dyfi Forest, near the village of Aberllefenni, and is easy to find from the A487.
The pretty picnic site is next to the river and there is a circular waymarked walking trail to the top of Pen y Bryn hill.
During the late 18th century, slate quarrying was the major occupation locally but, when the quarries began to close in the 20th century, the Forestry Commission planted the hillsides.
The trees have transformed the landscape but, if you look carefully, you can see ruins of the quarry buildings.
Walking trail
The walking trail is waymarked and starts from Foel Friog car park.
Pen y Bryn Trail
2 miles/3.2 kilometres, strenuous
The Pen y Bryn Trail goes up a steep path through the trees before joining a forest track.
It passes by derelict farmsteads and quarry remains, and offers superb views.
It descends through an ancient oak woodland and returns to the car park on a bridleway along the river valley.
Visiting Dyfi Forest
Foel Friog is part of Dyfi Forest.
Dyfi Forest lies mainly to the north of the River Dyfi between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south.
Rugged peaks loom above the forested hillsides that are dotted with atmospheric ruins and slate spoil heaps.
Steam trains chug along the hillsides, now carrying holidaymakers, but originally carrying slates from the quarries to the coast.
As well as the walk at Foel Friog, there are also waymarked trails in Nant Gwernol and Tan y Coed.
Download our leaflet about visiting Dyfi Forest.
Closures and diversions
Please note:
- Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations
- Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff
- Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place
How to get here
Location
Foel Friog is on a minor road signed for Aberllefenni off the A487 between Dolgellau and Machynlleth.
This site straddles the county borders of Gwynedd and Powys.
Car parking is free of charge.
Directions from Machynlleth
Take the A487 towards Dolgellau and immediately opposite the Braich Goch pub turn right signed for Aberllefenni. Foel Friog picnic site is two miles down this road on the right immediately before the Aberllefenni village sign.
Directions from Dolgellau
Take the A487 towards Machynlleth and just after the Corris Craft Centre turn very sharply left signed for Aberllefenni. Foel Friog picnic site is two miles down this road on the right, immediately before the Aberllefenni village sign.
Ordnance Survey map
Foel Friog is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map 215.
The OS grid reference is SH 769 092.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Machynlleth.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Contact details
Tel: 0300 065 3000
