Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve, near Dolgellau
One of the most beautiful and dramatic spots in...
What's here
Mountain bike trail
Parking (free)
Picnic area
Walking trail
Coronavirus update
The car park and all trails here will be open from 6 July.
Visiting our sites safely
We are working hard to provide a safe and welcoming experience as our sites re-open.
Please take personal responsibility for your safety, making additional preparations ahead of your visit and abiding by the safety measures in place.
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs 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
How to get here
Beddgelert Forest is 2 miles north of Beddgelert village.
Car parking at Beddgelert Forest is free of charge.
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.
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.
Contact details
0300 065 3000
Related document downloads
Beddgelert Forest leaflet
PDF [3.6 MB]
