Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National...
Gwydir Forest Park - Hafna, near Llanrwst
Walking trail through lead mine ruins
What's here
Coronavirus update
The car park and all trails here will be open from 6 July.
Visiting our sites safely
We are working hard to provide a safe and welcoming experience as our sites re-open.
Please take personal responsibility for your safety, making additional preparations ahead of your visit and abiding by the safety measures in place.
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.
Welcome
Gwydir Forest Park
Gwydir Forest Park lies in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.
Since Victorian times, generations of visitors have walked the woodland paths and fished the clear waters of the rivers here.
Today, waymarked walking trails allow visitors to explore this landscape of lakes, forests and mountains and to learn about its mining history.
There is also a mountain bike trail (which is graded red as it is only suitable for proficient riders), a forest garden and a waymarked walk to the famous Swallow Falls.
History of Gwydir Forest
Between 1850 and 1919, lead and zinc mining dominated the area. The legacy of old engine-houses, waste tips and reservoirs are characteristic features of the forest landscape today.
Nearly all of the lakes in the forest were created to serve the mines.
Several of the most important mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors.
Nowadays, as you explore the extensive, rolling upland of wooded knolls, lakes and pastures, you will find it difficult to imagine that this was once a derelict industrial landscape.
Visiting Gwydir Forest Park
Gwydir Forest Park covers an area of over 72 square kilometres (28 square miles) and it encircles the village of Betws-y-Coed.
Waymarked walks start from the following parts of Gwydir Forest Park:
- Llyn Crafnant, near Llanwrst, three waymarked walks around the lake and one of the finest views in North Wales
- Llyn Geirionnydd, near Llanwrst, the only lake in Snowdonia for power boats and water skiing
- Cae'n y Coed, near Betws-y-Coed, a field in the woods with picnic spots and a forest garden
- Ty'n Llwyn, near Betws-y-Coed, gateway to the famous Swallow Falls waterfall
- Pont y Pair, Betws-y-Coed, a choice of peaceful forest walks away from the tourist bustle
- Hafna, near Betws-y-Coed, a walking trail past the old mines of Gwydir (see below)
- Llyn Sarnau, near Betws-y-Coed, a picnic spot with a walk to two hidden lakes
- Sawbench, near Betws-y-Coed, starting point for a short historical walk overlooking Llanwrst
The Marin Trail, a red graded mountain bike trail with big climbs and singletrack only descents, starts from Sawbench.
Hafna
The hillsides in Gwydir Forest Park are riddled with tunnels and hollowed out caverns where generations of miners toiled to extract lead and zinc ore.
Hafna car park is near the old Hafna lead mine. It is the starting point for a waymarked walking trail past the mine ruins and capped shafts.
The peace of the woodland has absorbed this mining history yet, as you look around the ruins, you can imagine the industry that existed many years ago at these sites.
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
Walking trail
The walking trail is waymarked and starts from the car park.
Hafna Miners’ Trail
2¼ miles/3.6 kilometres, moderate
The Hafna Miners’ Trail passes through several different mines, all with their own story.
The trail threads its way through the forest, passing deep cuttings, capped mine shafts and tunnel entrances.
There are also the remains of long abandoned mills, where the excavated rock was processed.
Mountain bike trail
The 24.8 km Gwydir Mawr Trail is a long established mountain bike trail.
It is waymarked and starts from the car park.
See our mountain biking page for a list of all our mountain bike trails and information about grading to make sure you pick a trail that is right for you.
Please also read the relevant onsite information before setting off on your ride.
Gwydir Mawr Trail
24.8 kilometres, grade red
Gwydir Mawr has big climbs, big descents and brilliant singletrack. Most of the climbs are on forest roads and tracks giving time to take in the mountain views. The descents are on singletrack which varies from very tight, technical and rocky to open and flowing.
How to get here
Hafna is 1½ miles south west of Llanrwst off the B5106.
Car parking is free of charge.
Directions
From the B5106 at Gwydir Castle, take the minor road into the forest, signposted for Geirionnydd. Hafna car park is on the right.
From the A5 at Tŷ Hyll (ugly house), take the minor road into the forest. Hafna car park is on the left, after passing Llyn Sarnau car park.
Ordnance Survey map
Hafna is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference is SH 780 600.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Llanrwst For details of public transport visit www.traveline.cymru
Contact details
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Downloads
Related document downloads
Hafna walking information
PDF [4.4 MB]
Hafna Miners Trail guide
PDF [365.6 KB]
