Coed Maenarthur Woodland, near Aberystwyth

Bridge over gorge leads to woodland with waterfall and huge hill fort

What's here

Dogs welcome
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

Coed Maenarthur Woodland nestles in the Ystwyth valley near the village of Pontrhydygroes.

This area was once home to a busy lead-mining industry and Coed Maenarthur itself is full of history.

There is a waymarked walk through the woodland which is reached by a bridge high over the River Ystwyth.

This wooden bridge replaced the one used by mineworkers which is thought to have collapsed.

The walk leads to Castell Grogwynion, one of the largest hill forts in Wales, and passes near an impressive waterfall.

Coed Maenarthur is especially beautiful in autumn when the trees are ablaze with seasonal colours of yellow and red.

Walking trail

The walking trail is waymarked and circular. It starts near the water wheel in the village of Pontrhydygroes.

Maenarthur Trail

2.9 miles, 4.6 kilometres, moderate

To reach the start of the trail you need to go through the footpath gate opposite the water wheel and down the steps to the bridge over the gorge.

The trail climbs the wooded hillside of the Iron Age hill fort and emerges into a clearing with views over the trees and down into the valley.

The route goes past a spectacular waterfall and then follows the fast-flowing river.

It returns via a path along the bottom of the gorge.

This walk has numerous long climbs and steep descents.

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

How to get here

Location

Coed Maenarthur is 14 miles south east of Aberystwyth. There is no car park here - please park sensitively in the village.

It is in the county of Ceredigion.

Download the location map.

Directions

Take the B4340 from Aberystwyth to Trawsgoed. Follow this road through Trawsgoed until it crosses the River Ystwyth and then turn immediately left, following the river towards Pontrhydygroes. At the entrance to Pontrhydygroes, park sensitively on the left hand side of the road by the Miners’ Bridge (opposite the water wheel).