Black Covert Woodland, near Aberystwyth
Sheltered picnic site with riverside walk
Coed Maenarthur Woodland, near Aberystwyth
Bridge over gorge leads to woodland with waterfall and huge hill fort
What's here
Coronavirus update
The walking trail is open.
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.
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
Coed Maenarthur is 14 miles south east of Aberystwyth.There is no car park here - please park sensitively in the village.
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).
Ordnance Survey map
Coed Maenarthur is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map 213.
The OS grid reference is SN 738 722.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Aberystwyth.
There is a bus service from Aberystwyth to Pontrhydygroes.
For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.
Contact details
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Downloads
Related document downloads
Location map
PDF [163.7 KB]
