Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National...
Enjoy views of Snowdonia’s peaks and a walk along a Roman road
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.
The village of Dolwyddelan is in the southern part of Gwydir Forest Park.
It grew into a large community when the nearby slate quarries were at their peak.
Nowadays it offers visitors a chance to get off the beaten track within Snowdonia National Park.
The waymarked walking trail has great views of the head of the valley and across to the mountain of Moel Siabod.
The route follows part of the Sarn Helen Roman road, used by legions of Roman soldiers marching between the fort at Caerhun and their large camp at Trawsfynydd.
There is a picnic area by the footbridge over the river, halfway along the walking trail.
The walking trail is waymarked and starts from the car park at Dolwyddelan railway station.
Distance: 1⅔ miles/2.9 kilometres
Grade: easy
Waymarkers: blue
Highlights: Take in a great view of the head of the valley and across to Moel Siabod. The trail climbs gradually through the village and up a fore st road with the Cwm opening up before you. At the bridge admire the views of the rugged Carreg Alltrem, popular with climbers.
You return to Dolwyddelan along the Sarn Helen Roman road, which ran north to south through Wales, and past an interpretation panel at Tai Penamnen which tells the story of a community which is long gone.
Trail description: This trail mainly follows a wide forest road and a narrow tarmac road. There is one section of narrower path with a smooth surface where it crosses the river on a footbridge. Near the bridge, there are two picnic tables and a small parking space for two cars.
Download the Cwm Penamnen walk card
Please note:
Dolwyddelan is 6 miles south west of Betws-y-Coed off the A470.
It is in the county of Conwy.
The walking trail starts from the car park at Dolwyddelan railway station.
This car park is managed by the local community and there is a parking charge.
Take the A470 from Betws-y-coed towards Blaenau Ffestiniog. After approximately 6 miles turn left by the shop into the village of Dolwyddelan. Continue along this road and then turn left into the railway station car park.
Dolwyddelan is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference for the start of the trail is SH 737 521.
The nearest train station is in Dolwyddelan.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Gwydir Forest Park lies in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.
It is the gateway to a landscape of woodlands, lakes and mountains familiar to generations of visitors since Victorian times.
Lead and zinc mining once dominated the area and the remains of several mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors.
Whether you want to enjoy the bustle of Betws-y-coed, walk in the countryside, try a white-knuckle mountain bike ride, visit a waterfall or discover this area’s fascinating history, Gwydir has something for you.
As well as the walk at Dolwyddelan, waymarked walks start from these parts of Gwydir Forest Park:
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk