Dyfi Forest (Tan y Coed), near Machynlleth

Pleasant picnic site with tranquil woodland walks

What's here

Dogs welcome
Parking (free)
Parking (blue badge holders)
Picnic area
Running trail
Toilets
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

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.

Family on bench

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.

Download our leaflet with more information about visiting Dyfi Forest.

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

Woman walking through rocks

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.

Download the animal puzzle trail leaflet.

Tan y Coed Trail

1½ miles/2.4 kilometres, moderate

Woman walking in woodland in autumn

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

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