Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve, near Dolgellau
One of the most beautiful and dramatic spots in...
Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
What's here
The Derwen bike trail is diverted due to harvesting work taking place in the forest. Please follow all signage and instructions
There is tree felling ongoing in this forest. Please follow any onsite instructions.
Welcome
This huge forest is a treasure trove of walking and cycling routes, photographic opportunities and wildlife in the heart of Snowdonia National Park.
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 horse ride on the bridleways and forest roads or go running on the public right of way network.
Walking trail
The walking trail is waymarked from start to finish.
Look out for the information panel at the start of the trail.
Find out about walking trail grades.
Llyn Llywelyn Walk
- Grade: Moderate
- Distance: 2¾ miles/4.4 kilometres
- Time: 2½ hours
- Trail description: The trail is nearly all on forest road with three short sections of track, 1.5m wide, one of which can become muddy on the gradual climb to the lake, and one on the descent back to the car park has a 40m section of rough uneven cobbles. The two railway crossings have manual gates to open. There are two picnic tables along the trail.
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
All our mountain bike trails are waymarked from start to finish and have been graded for difficulty.
At the start of the trail there is an information panel – please read this before setting off.
- Find out about mountain bike trail grades.
- For a list of our mountain bike trails and information to plan your ride, go to mountain biking.
- For more information about mountain biking in Wales, go to the Mountain Bike Wales website.
Bedwen Bike Trail
- Grade: Forest road or similar
- Distance: 6 kilometres
- Time: 1 - 1½ hours
This short circular route is worth the effort and the lake is a picturesque place to stop with a terrific view.
Derwen Bike Trail
- Grade: Forest road or similar
- Distance: 10.1 kilometres
- Time: 1 - 2 hours
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.
Accessibility information
This trail is suitable for people using adaptive equipment.
Adaptive equipment includes adaptive cycles, adaptive wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
We have produced a film about this trail to help you work out how suitable it may be for you before you visit.
To watch the film, go to Trails for users of adaptive equipment
Multi user trail
The Snowdonia National Park Lôn Gwyrfai trail from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu passes through Beddgelert Forest.
This is a multi-use path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
For more details go to the Snowdonia National Park website.
Snowdonia National Park
Beddgelert Forest is set in the heart of Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdonia is the largest National Park in Wales and is home to picturesque towns and villages and the highest mountain in Wales.
It is looked after by the Snowdonia National Park Authority.
For more information about visiting Snowdonia go to the Snowdonia National Park Authority website.
Accessibility information
The Derwen Trail is suitable for people using adaptive equipment.
Adaptive equipment includes adaptive cycles, adaptive wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
We have produced a film about the trail to help you work out how suitable it may be for you before you visit.
To watch the film, go to Trails for users of adaptive equipment
Closures and diversions
- 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
Beddgelert Forest is 2 miles north of Beddgelert village.
It is in the county of Gwynedd.
Ordnance Survey map
Beddgelert Forest is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference is SH 574 503.
Directions
Take the A4085 from Beddgelert towards Caernarfon.
After 1 mile, pass the entrance for Forest Holidays and then turn left onto a track.
Follow this track for ½ mile to the Beddgelert Forest car park.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Porthmadog.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Parking
Car parking is free of charge.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
Contact details
There are no staff at this location.
Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.
Related document downloads
Beddgelert Forest leaflet
PDF [4.3 MB]
Other places in North West Wales
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