Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National...
Gateway to the famous Swallow Falls waterfall
The viewpoint is closed.
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.
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.
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.
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:
The Marin Trail, a red graded mountain bike trail with big climbs and singletrack only descents, starts from Sawbench.
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.
Please note:
The walking trail is waymarked and starts from the car park.
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.
Ty’n Llwyn is 3½ miles west of Betws-y-Coed on a minor road off the A5.
It in the county of Conwy.
Car parking is free of charge.
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.
Ty’n Llwyn is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference is SH 765 583.
The nearest train station is in Betws y Coed. For details of public transport visit www.traveline.cymru
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk