Gwydir Forest Park - Ty’n Llwyn, near Betws-y-coed

Gateway to the famous Swallow Falls waterfall

What's here

Dogs welcome
Parking (free)
Picnic area
Walking trail

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.

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

Family on bench looking at the view 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

Location

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.

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.