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Brechfa Forest – Keepers and Gwarallt car parks, near Carmarthen
What's here
Welcome
Brechfa Forest is the modern name for part of the ancient Glyn Cothi Forest.
Glyn Cothi Forest was managed for centuries by local people in order to provide building materials, products and grazing.
In 1283, following the final defeat of Wales by Edward I, Glyn Cothi became a Royal Forest administered under Forest Law for several centuries.
Since those days a very different forest has developed. In the 1900s Brechfa Forest was replanted with conifers by the Forestry Commission to boost Britain’s timber reserve after the heavy use of timber in the First World War.
Visiting Brechfa Forest
Today Brechfa Forest covers some 6500 hectares and is looked after by Natural Resources Wales for the benefit of people, wildlife and timber production.
The car parks at Keepers and Gwarallt are the starting point for two short waymarked walking trails.
Abergorlech woodland and Byrgym woodland are also the start the starting point for more walking trails and three mountain biking trails within Brechfa Forest.
Walking trails
The walking trails are waymarked and start from the car parks.
Keepers Walk from Keepers car park
1.5 miles, 2.5 kilometres
This attractive woodland trail is never very far from water and it crosses several bridges.
Gwarallt Walk from Gwarallt car park
0.25 miles, 450 metres
Pobl y Fforest, a local community group, created this short but attractive trail with funding from Forestry Commission Wales.
Accessibility information
The Gwarallt Walk was designed for wheelchairs but involves a gradual climb of 100 feet/30 metres. It is 0.25 miles/450 metres long and starts from Gwarallt car park.
National Forest for Wales
Brechfa Forest forms part of the National Forest for Wales.
The National Forest will:
- create areas of new woodland
- enhance existing woodlands
- restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands.
In time it will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.
For more information about the National Forest for Wales go to the Welsh Government website.
How to get here
Location
Keepers and Gwarallt car parks are accessed from the A40.
They are in the county of Carmarthenshire.
Directions
Take the A40 from Llandeilo towards Carmarthen and at Pont-ar-gothi turn right onto the B4310 towards Brechfa village. In Brechfa turn left by the Post Office and both car parks are on this road, about 600 metres apart.
The OS grid reference for Keepers car park is SN 523 319.
The OS grid reference for Gwarallt car park is SN 520 322.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Carmarthen. For details of public transport visit www.traveline.cymru
Parking
Parking is free of charge at these car parks.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
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
Contact details
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Other places in South West Wales
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