Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National...
Short trail around abandoned mine
Coronavirus update
Our sites and most visitor facilities are open but, under the current coronavirus restrictions in Wales, this is intended only for the use of people who live locally.
You are strongly advised – in line with current Welsh Government regulations – not to drive to any of our sites to exercise unless you have specific health or mobility issues.
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.
Lead and zinc mining once dominated Gwydir Forest Park, which now lies in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.
That industry is long gone but the remains of several mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors.
You can walk through some of the old workings of Cyffty lead mine on this short walk.
The walking trail is waymarked and starts from a layby (OS grid reference SH 772 589).
Distance: ¼ mile/0.5 kilometres
Grade: Moderate
Highlights: Imagine the ringing sounds of the industry that once thrived here. Walk over the covered mine shaft at the far point of the trail and look down between your feet into the dark. Get the full story from the interpretive panels along the route.
Description: The trail is generally level, varying from 50cm-1m wide, surfaced in a natural rough stone with several short flights of steps linking the old machine houses, wheel pits and mine shafts. Please stay on the waymarked trail.
More information: walk card
Download more information about the Cyffty Mine Trail (walk card)
Cyffty Mine is in Gwydir Forest Park.
Gwydir Forest Park lies in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and encircles the village of Betws-y-Coed.
Lead and zinc mining once dominated the area and the legacy of old engine-houses, waste tips and reservoirs are characteristic features of the forest landscape today.
Several of the most important mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors.
In addition to the walks from Betws-y-coed, waymarked walks start from several other Natural Resources Wales car parks in Gwydir Forest Park.
Two red graded mountain bike trails, Gwydir Mawr and Gwydir Bach, start from Sawbench and Hafna.
Cyffty Mine is 3 miles south west of Betws-y-Coed.
It is in the county of Conwy.
The walking trail starts from a lay-by on a minor road.
From the B5106 at Gwydir Castle: take the minor road into the forest, signposted for Geirionnydd. The layby at the start of the Cyffy Mine walk is on the left, after passing Llyn Sarnau car park.
From the A5 at Ugly House (Tŷ Hyll): take the minor road into the forest. The layby at the start of the Cyffy Mine walk is on the right, after Ty'n Llwyn car park.
Cyffty Mine is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference for the start of the trail is SH 772 589.
The nearest train station is in Betws y Coed.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk