Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National...
Gwydir Forest Park - Ty’n Llwyn, near Betws-y-coed
Gateway to the famous Swallow Falls waterfall
What's here
Coronavirus update
The car park, picnic area and trail are open.
The viewpoint is closed.
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.
Overview
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 (see below)
- 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
- Llyn Sarnau, near Betws-y-Coed, a picnic spot with a walk to two hidden lake
- 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.
Ty’n Llwyn
Ty’n Llwyn means “house in the grove” in Welsh and it is a great place to enjoy a picnic with a view at one of the tables around the car park.
It is also the starting point for a walk through woodland to the famous Swallow Falls waterfall.
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.
Swallow Falls Walk
2¼ miles, 3.6 kilometres
The Swallow Falls Trail goes to a viewpoint over this famous waterfall. It descends through a woodland before it reaches the viewpoint where there is a bench. The path then winds its way up through trees and rocky outcrops to another viewpoint with a fantastic view down the valley.
Accessibility information
- dedicated blue badge car parking spaces
- dusted paths lead from the blue badge car parking spaces to wheelchair accessible picnic tables with beautiful views
How to get here
Ty’n Llwyn is 3½ miles west of Betws-y-Coed on a minor road off the A5.
Car parking is free of charge.
Directions
Take the A5 towards Capel Curig. Go past past the Cae'n y Coed car park and turn right onto the narrow minor road immediately before the Ugly House (Tŷ Hyll). The small car park is 1 mile up this road, on the right.
Ordnance Survey map
Ty’n Llwyn is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference is SH 765 583.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Betws y Coed. For details of public transport visit www.traveline.cymru
Contact details
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Downloads
Related document downloads
Ty'n Llwyn site information
PDF [7.4 MB]
Swallow Falls Walk guide
PDF [329.9 KB]
