Updates on changes to our services

Dyfi Forest - Tan y Coed, near Machynlleth

What's here

Parking (free)
Parking (blue badge holders)
Picnic area
Toilets
Walking trail

Welcome

Tan y Coed is an easy to find woodland with a picnic site and walking trails, located immediately off the A487.

The Forestry Commission began planting Tan y Coed woodland after the First World War as the war effort had used up Britain's timber.

Planting continued through the Second World War with Land Army Girls, known as “Timber Jills”, carrying out the work.

Today Tan y Coed is home to a pleasant picnic site with tables amongst huge trees in the large grassy area around the car park.

It is the start for two tranquil woodland walks past old moss-covered trees and along the river.

There is also an animal puzzle trail for families and two running trails.

Family on bench

Walking trails

The walking trails are waymarked and start from Tan y Coed car park.

There are a couple of picnic benches along the way.

Cwm Cadian Trail

1 miles/1.8 kilometres, moderate

This moderate walk passes through a beech woodland and alongside the river Cadian with its waterfall and pools.

Animal Discovery Trail

1 mile/1.8 kilometres; same route as Cwm Cadian Trail, moderate

Frog on Animal Puzzle Trail

The Animal Puzzle Trail leaflet gives clues to help children find the hidden animals in the woods along the Cwm Cadian Trail.

Leaflets are available from a dispenser in the car park.

Tan y Coed Trail

1½ miles/2.4 kilometres, moderate

This moderate walk meanders uphill through conifer trees and then through more open beech and oak woodland.

It then descends to the riverside and follows the tumbling river back to the car park.

Accessibility information

Facilities include:

accessible toilets

Dyfi Forest

Tan y Coed is part of Dyfi Forest.

Dyfi Forest lies mainly to the north of the River Dyfi between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south.

Rugged peaks loom above the forested hillsides that are dotted with atmospheric ruins and slate spoil heaps.

Steam trains chug along the hillsides, now carrying holidaymakers, but originally carrying slates from the quarries to the coast.

There are walking trails at two other woodlands managed by Natural Resources Wales within Dyfi Forest. Go to Nant Gwernol and Foel Friog for more information.

National Forest for Wales

Dyfi 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.

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