Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve, near Dolgellau
One of the most beautiful and dramatic spots in...
Beddgelert Forest, near Beddgelert
What's here
Welcome
This huge forest is a treasure trove of walking and cycling routes, photographic opportunities and wildlife in the heart of Eryri National Park.
Take in the stunning views across to Yr Wyddfa, 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: 2.7 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 picnic tables along the trail.
This is a circular route with views across Beddgelert Forest to Yr Wyddfa.
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 Cycle Trail
- Grade: Forest road and similar
- Distance: 5.9 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 Cycle Trail
- Grade: Forest road and similar
- Distance: 10 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 Eryri 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 Lôn Gwyrfai trail from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu passes through Beddgelert Forest.
This is a multi-use path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
It is managed by Eryri National Park Authority.
For more details go to the Eryri National Park website.
Eryri National Park
Beddgelert Forest is set in the heart of Eryri National Park.
Eryri 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 Eryri National Park Authority.
For more information about visiting Eryri go to the Eryri National Park Authority website.
Visiting safely
We want you to return home safely after your visit here.
You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with you during your visit.
For advice and tips to help you plan your visit here go to Visiting our places safely.
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.
Changes to visitor facilities
See the top of this webpage for details of any planned closures or other changes to visitor facilities here.
For your safety, always follow instructions from staff and signs including those for trail diversions or closures.
We may divert or close trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations and we may need to close other visitor facilities temporarily.
In extreme weather, we may close facilities at short notice due to the risk of injury to visitors and staff.
Organising an event on our land
You may need permission from us to organise an event or to carry out some activities on our land.
Check if you are allowed to use our land.
How to get here
We recommend you follow these directions or use the Google map below which has a pin on this place’s location.
Beddgelert Forest is 2 miles north of Beddgelert village.
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.
The Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference for the car park is SH 574 503 (Explorer Map OL 17).
The postcode is LL55 4UU. Please note that this postcode covers a wide area and will not take you directly to the entrance.
View this place on the What3Words website.
Public transport
The nearest mainline railway station is in Porthmadog.
For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.
Parking
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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