Beddgelert Forest, near Beddgelert
Huge forest in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia)...
The recent strong winds took a significant toll on our sites.
We’re continuing to assess the damage, but this will take some time.
We may close the car park and other facilities at short notice whilst we undertake recovery operations.
You should always follow any instructions given by signs or local staff including any trail diversions or closures, and beware of the danger of falling trees or branches.
Pont Cae'n-y-coed is a small car park in Coed y Brenin Forest Park.
It is the starting point for the Volcano Trail, a long walk past many key features in the forest.
Once a temporary Bailey bridge stood here to take out timber from the other side of the Afon Mawddach.
Nowadays mountain bikers and walkers use the new bridge as a crucial link to the wilder country on the east side of the river.
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.
On this challenging circular walk, you will visit many key features in the forest, including the copper bog and the highest point of the forest park – Moel Hafod Owen.
Take in the five information panels to help you explore Coed y Brenin’s violent volcanic history and enjoy views of the surrounding Meirionnydd mountains.
Explore Coed y Brenin on a waymarked walking trail from one of our other car parks in the forest park:
Coed y Brenin Forest Park is set in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Eryri is the largest National Park in Wales and is home to picturesque towns and villages and the highest mountain in Wales.
It is looked after by the Eryri National Park Authority.
For more information about visiting Eryri go to the Eryri National Park Authority website.
Coed y Brenin Forest Park forms part of the National Forest for Wales.
The National Forest will:
It will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.
Parts of the network will eventually form a trail running the length and breadth of Wales, so anyone can access it wherever they live.
For more information go to the National Forest for Wales website.
We want you to return home safely after your visit here.
You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with you during your visit.
For advice and tips to help you plan your visit here go to Visiting our places safely.
See the top of this webpage for details of any planned closures or other changes to visitor facilities here.
For your safety, always follow instructions from staff and signs including those for trail diversions or closures.
We may divert or close trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations and we may need to close other visitor facilities temporarily.
In extreme weather, we may close facilities at short notice due to the risk of injury to visitors and staff.
You may need permission from us to organise an event or to carry out some activities on our land.
Check if you are allowed to use our land.
Pont Cae'n-y-coed car park is 6 miles north of Dolgellau.
The postcode is LL40 2LE.
Please note that this postcode may not take you to the car park if you use a sat nav or navigation app.
We suggest you follow the directions below or use the Google map on this page which has a pin on the car park’s location.
Take the A470 north from Dolgellau.
After passing through the village of Ganllwyd, turn right just after the school.
Follow this minor road over a stone bridge and continue following the road on the right with the Afon Mawddach river below.
The car park is on the right after about a quarter of a mile.
View this place on the What3Words website.
The Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference for the car park is SH 733 250 (Explorer Map OL 18).
The nearest mainline railway stations are in Barmouth (Cambrian Coast line) and Blaenau Ffestiniog (Blaenau Ffestiniog-Llandudno line).
For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.
Parking is free of charge.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre
01341 440747