Image shared for Coed y Brenin: Pont Ty'n-y-groes and Mawddach Forest Trail
Countryside Out & back

Coed y Brenin: Pont Ty'n-y-groes and Mawddach Forest Trail

Gwynedd

Distance
6.6 mi
Est. time
4h
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start by the main Coed y Brenin visitor-centre car park, reached from the signed entrance off the A470 north of Ganllwyd. Follow the purple Pont Ty'n-y-groes waymarkers south through the forest beside the Afon Eden, then turn along the valley towards the Bailey bridge over the Afon Mawddach. Cross the bridge and follow the forest road downstream to Pont Ty'n-y-groes, its riverside picnic area and the short King's Guards woodland loop among the great Douglas firs. Return by the same valley route to the visitor centre.

This is the full longer NRW trail, mainly on forest roads with a short quiet tarmac-road section. Allow around four hours for the distance, uneven gravel, gradual slopes, junctions and a picnic stop. Expect occasional mud, loose stones and potholes. Keep to the signed route, take care where walkers share tracks with bikes and forestry vehicles, and use the bridge rather than approaching the river gorge. The forest is sheltered but mobile reception can be patchy.

The visitor-centre car park is charged, with contactless payment or RingGo. Overnight parking is prohibited. Toilets remain available, but the cafe and shop are closed and the site is unstaffed, so bring food and drinking water. Pont Ty'n-y-groes has picnic tables and toilets normally open 9am to 5pm. Check NRW's current notices and follow any closures or diversions on arrival.

Route and access information: Natural Resources Wales, Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre page and Off-road Mobility Scooter Trails leaflet, checked 4 October 2026. https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/north-west-wales/coed-y-brenin-visitor-centre/?lang=en

Walk details

County
Gwynedd
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
6.6 mi (10.7 km)
Est. time
4h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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