Our response to the Coronavirus pandemic

Dyfnant Forest - Hendre, near Dolgellau

What's here

Horse riding trail
Parking (free)
Picnic area

Coronavirus update

Our sites and most visitor facilities are open.

We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.

Welcome

Dyfnant Forest is in a part of Wales renowned for its rolling hills, lush green valleys and picturesque farmsteads and villages.

It is an area rich in history, too. Owain Glyndwr, the Welsh prince who fought for Welsh independence and united Wales, once rode these hills.

Nowadays it is well known for its facilities for horse riding and carriage driving.

Horse riding and carriage driving trails

The Rainbow Trails were developed in partnership with the Dyfnant and Vyrnwy Horse Riders and Carriage Drivers Association.

There are nearly 100 miles of tracks and trails with five horse riding trails and three carriage trails.

The trails are waymarked and range from an easy trot to challenging 16-mile routes for more experienced riders wanting full-day rides.

For full details and maps go to the Rainbow Trails website.

Facilities at Hendre

Horses in corral

Hendre car park is the starting point for the three carriage driving trails.

The car park has:

large turning circle
two corrals
hitching rails
picnic tables
a quiet area to harness up and put to

National Forest for Wales

Dyfnant 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

How to get here

Location

Hendre car park is located on the B4395 between Llangadfan and Lake Vyrnwy.

It is in the county of Powys.

Ordnance Survey map

Hendre is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map 239.

The OS grid reference for the car park is SJ 029 151.

Directions

From the Penyffordd car park: turn left onto the B4395 (from A458 Llangadfan heading to Lake Vyrnwy). Follow this road for one and a half miles before turning left by Hendre cottages on the corner. The Hendre car park is 300 metres up this road on the right hand side.

From Llanfyllin: take the B4393 and then turn left on to the B4395 signposted to Llwydiarth and Pont Llogel. Turn right by Hendre cottages. The Hendre car park is 300 metres up this road on the right hand side.