Dyfi Forest (Nant Gwernol), near Machynlleth

Overview  

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. 

There are waymarked trails through these three woodlands within Dyfi Forest: 

• Nant Gwernol (see below)
• Tan y Coed
• Foel Friog

Nant Gwernol woodland, Dyfi Forest 

Nant Gwernol woodland lies on the edge of Abergynolwyn village. 

It takes its name from a rocky river gorge with cascading waterfalls. The waymarked trails follow the riverside and explore the remains of Bryn Eglwys Slate Quarry. 

Please note that all the trails start from Nant Gwernol station but you can either park in Abergynolwyn village or at Abergynolwyn station (see how to get here for more information). 

Walking trails 

All of the walking trails are waymarked and start from Nant Gwernol station.

Leaflets are available from the Tal y Lyn railway stations and the Abergynolwyn community centre/café or download our leaflet with more information about walking in Dyfi Forest.

Please take care not to stray from the paths as the old works are dangerous.

Stations Link

1 mile, 1.6 kilometres (one way), moderate

The Stations Link is a linear route between Nant Gwernol station and Abergynolwyn station - there is a steep climb if you start from Nant Gwernol and a steep descent from Abergynolwyn. The trail offers views of the surrounding mountains and the Allt Wyllt incline, part of the former quarry. Please be aware of trains when walking over the level crossing half way along this route.

Cascade Trail

1 mile, 1.7 kilometres, moderate

The Cascade Trail climbs uphill, closely following the tumbling river. It then crosses a wooden bridge onto the old tramway and descends steeply alongside part of the old Allt Wyllt incline back to Nant Gwernol station. 

Quarryman’s Trail

4 miles, 6.4 kilometres, strenuous

This is a fairly strenuous walk with long climbs and steep descents. Highlights include expansive views of Cader Idris, waterfalls and the ruined mine workings of Bryn Eglwys quarry. 

Download more information about the Nant Gwernol Trails

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

Download the location map.

Nant Gwernol woodland is on the edge of Abergynolwyn village which is on the B4405, south of Dolgellau.

Directions 

From the A487 northbound, turn left onto the B4405 just after Corris for Abergynolwyn or Tywyn (for the Talyllyn railway).

From the A487 southbound, turn right onto the B4405 just after the Minffordd pub for Abergynolwyn or Tywyn (for the Talyllyn railway).

Ordnance Survey map

Nant Gwernol woodland is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 23.

The OS grid reference is SH 681 067.

Parking

The three walks start from Nant Gwernol station but there is no parking at Nant Gwernol station itself.

• Either park in the village of Abergynolwyn and take the short but steep walk to Nant Gwernol station from behind the community centre/café
• Alternatively park at Abergynolwyn station car park and take the linear Stations Link walk from Abergynolwyn station to Nant Gwernol station

Public transport

From Tywyn you can catch a steam train on the Talyllyn Railway to Abergynolwyn village station or Nant Gwernol station.

The nearest train station is in Tywyn For details of public transport visit www.traveline.cymru

Find out more

• Download our PlacesToGo app to plan your visit
• Find out what’s on
• Find out how to respect, protect and enjoy the countryside
• Help prevent the spread of tree disease
• Organise an event or activity in a woodland managed by Natural Resources Wales
• See the list of current exclusions and restrictions to open access land

Contact details

Tel: 0300 065 3000

Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Downloads