Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National...
Walking trail through lead mine ruins and a classic mountain bike trail
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.
Hafna car park is near the old Hafna lead mine.
It is hard to imagine the hustle and bustle of the mining past in the peace and quiet of the forest today.
Discover the rich mining heritage on the walking trail that winds its way through several mines, each with their own story.
A red-graded mountain bike trail also starts from here.
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.
Start in the car park that sits below the ruins of Hafna Mine.
The forest has started to encroach into the mine remains yet if you look around the ruins you can imagine the toil that once went on here.
Thread your way across forest-clad hillsides, past a deep cutting, capped mine shafts and the remains of long abandoned mine buildings.
Listen to the story of the Gwydir miners on our mp3 audio trail.
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.
Read our introduction to mountain biking.
Gwydir Mawr
Gwydir Mawr is one of the original mountain bike trails and is a true classic.
Big climbs, big descents, brilliant singletrack and truly awesome scenery make this a trail to remember.
Now including a brand new two kilometre section with a mix of traditional hand dug trail and modern flow trail features.
You can also start Gwydir Mawr from Sawbench car park.
Hafna 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.
Waymarked walks start from several Natural Resources Wales car parks in Gwydir Forest Park.
Two red graded mountain bike trails, Gwydir Mawr and Gwydir Bach, start from the car parks at Sawbench and Hafna.
Hafna is 1½ miles south west of Llanrwst.
It is in the county of Conwy.
Hafna is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference is SH 781 600.
Take the B5106 from Llanrwst towards Betws-y-coed.
After turning left at the brown and white sign for Gwydir Castle, turn immediately right onto a minor road.
Go past the Sawbench car park, continue for around 1 mile and the Hafna car park is on your right.
The nearest mainline railway station is in Llanrwst.
For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.
Car parking is free of charge.