Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre, near Dolgellau
For grandeur and rugged beauty, few locations...
What's here
Dogs welcome
Parking
Walking trail
Welcome
The 700 hectare forest is a treasure trove of walking and cycling routes, photographic opportunities and wildlife.
Take in the stunning views across to Snowdon, picnic by the secluded lake of Llyn Llywelyn and listen out for the sound of the Old Welsh Highland railway trains, which run through the forest on route from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.
As well as walking and cycling on our waymarked trails, you can also ride horses on the bridleways and forest roads or go running on the public right of way network.
The Snowdonia National Park Lon Gwyrfai multi-use trail, from Beddgelert to Rhyd Du, passes through the forest. Go to the Snowdonia National Park website for more details.
Walking trail
Llyn Llywelyn walk
2¾ miles, 4.4 kilometres, moderate
This is a circular route with views across Beddgelert Forest to Snowdon. It starts out from the car park and sets off through the woodland to the beautiful and secluded lake of Llyn Llywelyn.
Cycle trails
Bedwen bike trail
4 kilometres, grade forest road
This short circular route is worth the effort and the lake is a picturesque place to stop with a terrific view.
Derwen bike trail
9.5 kilometres, grade forest road
This trail is a pleasant tour of the northern end of Beddgelert Forest with slow and steady climbs and memorable views to the eastern end of the Snowdonia National Park. It returns to the car park past the lake.
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
Beddgelert Forest is 8 miles north of Porthmadog on the A4085.
Car parking at Beddgelert Forest is free of charge.
Directions
Take the A4085 from Beddgelert towards Caernarfon. Turn left onto the minor road immediately after the bridge at Pont Cae’r Gors and the car park is on the right.
Ordnance Survey map
Beddgelert Forest is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference is SH 574 503.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Porthmadog.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Find out more
- Download our PlacesToGo app to plan your visit
- Find out what’s on
- Find out how to respect, protect and enjoy the countryside
- Help prevent the spread of tree disease
- Organise an event or activity in a woodland managed by Natural Resources Wales
- See the list of current exclusions and restrictions to open access land
Contact details
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Downloads
Related document downloads
Beddgelert Forest leaflet
PDF [3.2 MB]
