Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National...
Gwydir Forest Park - Cae'n y Coed, near Betws-y-coed
Easy-to-find picnic area with short walk
What's here
The Craig Forris Walk and upper picnic area in the car park is closed due to forestry operations.
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
Cae’n y Coed is an easy to find picnic site, near Betws-y-coed on the A5.
Cae’n y Coed means “field in the woods” in Welsh and it is a lovely spot for a picnic.
There are tables around the parking area near the main road and plenty of space for children to play.
The hillside above the car park is home to a “forest garden” which was planted with trees from around the world in the 1930s.
Walking trail
The walking trail is waymarked and starts from the car park.
Craig Forris Walk
2 miles/3.4 kilometres, strenuous
The steep climb through some spectacularly large conifers at the start of this walk is rewarded with splendid views down the valley.
On top of a knoll, there’s a bench with a wide view to Capel Curig and Moel Siabod with its slate quarry.
Exploring Gwydir Forest Park
Cae'n y Coed is in Gwydir Forest Park.
Gwydir Forest Park lies in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and encircles the village of Betws-y-coed.
Lead and zinc mining once dominated the area and the legacy of old engine-houses, waste tips and reservoirs are characteristic features of the forest landscape today.
Several of the most important mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors.
In addition to the walks from Betws-y-coed, waymarked walks start from several other Natural Resources Wales car parks in Gwydir Forest Park.
Two red graded mountain bike trails, Gwydir Mawr and Gwydir Bach, start from Sawbench and Hafna.
Closures and diversions
- 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
Cae’n y Coed is two miles west of Betws-y-coed on the A5.
It is in the county of Conwy.
Directions
Take the A5 towards Capel Curig and the car park is on the left just after the main entrance to Swallow Falls.
Car parking is free of charge.
Ordnance Survey map
Cae’n y Coed is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference is SH 763 576.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Betws-y-coed.
Go to the Traveline Cymru website for details of public transport.
Contact details
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Downloads
Related document downloads
Cae'n y Coed site information
PDF [7.0 MB]
Craig Forris Walk guide
PDF [277.3 KB]
