Black Covert Woodland, near Aberystwyth
Sheltered picnic site with riverside walk
Pleasant picnic site with tranquil woodland walks
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.
Tan y Coed is an easy to find woodland with a picnic site, walking trails and running 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.
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.
Download our leaflet with more information about visiting Dyfi Forest.
The walking trails are waymarked and start from Tan y Coed car park.
There are a couple of picnic benches along the way.
1 miles/1.8 kilometres, moderate
This moderate walk passes through a beech woodland and alongside the river Cadian with its waterfall and pools.
1 mile/1.8 kilometres; same route as Cwm Cadian Trail, moderate
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.
Download the animal puzzle trail leaflet.
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.
Facilities include:
Please note:
The Tan y Coed car park is sign-posted off the A487 between Dolgellau and Machynlleth, south of Corris and north of Pantperthog.
It is in the county of Gwynedd.
Car parking is free of charge.
Tan y Coed is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 23.
The OS grid reference is SH 755 054.
The nearest train station is in Machynlleth.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk