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Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog

Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National Park

What's here

Mountain bike trail
Parking (free)
Picnic area
Walking trail

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

This huge 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 horse ride on the bridleways and forest roads or go running on the public right of way network.

Walking trail

The trail is waymarked and starts from the car park.

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 and have been graded for difficulty.

Go to mountain bike trail grades to find out what the grades mean.

At the start of the trail there is an information panel – please read this before setting off.

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.

Other route

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.

Go to the Snowdonia National Park website for more details.

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