Machynlleth train Station

A pleasant picnic site and the start for two tranquil woodland walks amongst beech trees.

What’s here

• Walking trails
• Toilets (including accessible toilets)

Dyfi Forest

Dyfi Forest lies mainly to the north of the River Dyfi between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south.

Rugged peaks loom above the forested hillsides that are dotted with atmospheric ruins and slate spoil heaps.

Steam trains chug along the hillsides, now carrying holidaymakers, but originally carrying slates from the quarries to the coast.

There are waymarked trails through these three woodlands within Dyfi Forest:

Tan y Coed woodland, Dyfi Forest

Tan y Coed is an easy to find woodland with a picnic site and walking trails, located immediately off the A487.

The Forestry Commission began planting Tan y Coed woodland after the First World War as the war effort had used up Britain's timber. Planting continued through the Second World War with Land Army Girls, known as “Timber Jills”, carrying out the work.

Today Tan y Coed is home to a pleasant picnic site and the start for two tranquil woodland walks past old moss-covered trees and along the river. There is also an animal puzzle trail for families.

Please note:

• 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.

All of the walking trails are waymarked and start from Tan y Coed car park.

Cwm Cadian Trail (1 mile, 1.6 kilometres)

This moderate walk passes through a beech woodland and alongside the river Cadian with its waterfall and pools.

Animal Puzzle Trail (1 mile, 1.6 kilometres; same route as Cwm Cadian Trail)

The Animal Puzzle Trail leaflet gives clues to help children find the hidden animals in the woods along the Cwm Cadian Trail. Leaflets are available from a dispenser in the car park.

Tan y Coed Trail (1.5 mile, 2.5 kilometres)

This moderate walk meanders uphill through conifer trees and then through more open beech and oak woodland. It then descends to the riverside and follows the tumbling river back to the car park.

Facilities include:

The Tan y Coed car park is sign-posted off the A487 between Dolgellau and Machynlleth, south of Corris and north of Pantperthog.