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Dyfnant Forest (Pen y Ffordd), near Dolgellau

Horseriding trails through rolling hills and lush green valleys

What's here

Dogs welcome
Horse riding trail
Parking (free)
Picnic area

This site and visitor facilities are open – please see more details on this web page.

Coronavirus update

The Welsh Government is implementing a national coronavirus firebreak from 6pm on Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November.

The firebreak regulations replace the local restrictions which were in force in some parts of the country. They apply to everyone living or travelling in Wales.

Our sites and most visitor facilities remain open during this firebreak period but people are advised to stay at home and only visit sites in the local area to take exercise.

Visiting your local site safely

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

You need to wear a mask when going inside one of our buildings.

You can check-in via the NHS app when entering one of our buildings – scan the QR-code on the NHS Covid-19 poster 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 the facilities for horse riding and carriage driving.

Horse riding 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 or download the Pen y Ffordd site information.

Facilities

Horses in corral Pen y Ffordd is the starting point for five waymarked horse-riding trails.

Facilities at this purpose-built car park include:

one-way system to allow drivers of horse boxes to roll in and roll out
ample parking for horse trailers and cars
corral for horses

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

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

It is in the county of Powys.

The OS grid reference is SJ 033 154.

Parking is free of charge.

Download the location map.

Directions

You can get onto this road off the A458 (Mallwyd to Welshpool) at Llangadfan or off the A490 (Llanfyllin to Welshpool) at Llanfyllin, taking the B4393 and then left onto the B4395 signposted to Llwydiarth and Pont Llogel.