Gwydir Forest Park - Hafna, near Llanrwst

Walking trail through lead mine ruins

What's here

Dogs welcome
Mountain bike trail
Parking (free)
Walking trail

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

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.