Dyfi Forest (Tan y Coed), near Machynlleth

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.

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

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

Animal Puzzle Trail

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.

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.

Running trails

The Tan y Coed trails are a perfect escape for runners who are tired of running on the road or in the gym.

They offer a unique running experience with long climbs and steep descents along forest roads and muddy unmade paths over roots, rocks and streams.

Both are waymarked and start from Tan y Coed car park.

The trails can be very muddy and trail shoes are recommended. It is suggested you take adequate bodycover, water, map, phone and whistle.

Siambr Wmffre Trail

5¼ miles/8.4 kilometres, climb: 1,194ft/364m

This trail is on the steep wooded hillsides of Pantperthog in the south of the woods.

Bryn Llwyd Trail

5 miles/8 kilometres, climb: 1,293ft/393m

A steep run through the wooded hillsides of Bryn Llwyd in the north of the woods.

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

How to get here

The Tan y Coed car park is sign-posted off the A487 between Dolgellau and Machynlleth, south of Corris and north of Pantperthog.

Car parking is free of charge.

Download the location map.

Ordnance Survey map

Tan y Coed is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 23.

The OS grid reference is SH 755 054.

Public transport

The nearest train station is in Machynlleth.

For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website. 

Contact details

Tel: 0300 065 3000

Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

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