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Description
A variety of wooded paths, steep in places, with an attractive scenic drive. The lake by the visitor centre often has plenty of wildfowl, summer migrants often spotted in the woods, with Common Buzzard seen most days. Varied scenery from woods, lake, grass and scrub land. Variety of butterflies seen in the summer and on site refreshments. Paths can be quite steep and care must be taken as mountain bikes are very popular. For birding there is plenty to see as the forest covers a large area. Mountain bike paths clearly marked but the area is best explored on foot off the beaten track. Scenic drive has limited parking places but has spectacular views.
Details
Access
Cwmcarn Forest is signposted off A467 at Pontywaun roundabout with the distinctive metal scultpture. Follow signs to the visitor centre which is off Twyncarn Road. Currently car park has a small charge with extra for the scenic drive. Usually plenty of parking on Twyncarn Road but this requires a walk of 1/2 mile to the lake but this is through mixed woodland.
Some areas might be off limits due to tree felling but since the arrea is very large this does not impact on the amount of wildlife to see.
Scenic drive goes around the hillside with limited parking enroute but it does cover a large area with a varied landscape.
The circular walk indicated on the map is 5 miles (8 km) and starts at the Cwmcarn Visitors Forest Drive Visitors Centre. The walk takes you around Medart Mountain on paved and dirt paths. The walk has some steep areas and a decent amount of elevation gain. There are stiles and the path can be muddy during the winter so bring sturdy shoes. You will be rewarded with good views of the valley and lakes at both low and high elevations.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , Lake , PlateauConditions
Hilly , Dry , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Autumn migration , Spring migration , SummerRoute
Narrow trail , Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Beware of mountain bikes as they don't move out of your way.
Links
- Cwmcarn forest
- Photo Cwmcarn Forest Drive by Cwmcarn Forest Drive by Gareth James, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons