Gwydir Forest Park Walk

This stretch of the Gwydir Forest is a beautiful region for walking, with well laid-out paths and plenty of lovely spots to stop and admire the scenery along the way. This is a particularly solid option in wet weather, as the forest will provide plenty of cover – much more than the nearby mountains!

From the car park on the north side of the Pont-y-Pair bridge, cross Forest Road and head west on a clearly marked trail that runs along the Afon Llugwy. This trail bends north at the old Miner’s Bridge (which was washed away by flood in 2020) and meets up with a road. Follow this road west as it curves west, mirroring the river. Where the road splits to the right, keep left to stay along the river, and follow the path all the way to Swallow Falls. These spectacular waterfalls are a postcard-perfect scene, especially after a heavy rain! While you won’t be able to get right up close, a viewpoint makes for a fantastic photo.

From Swallow Falls, the trail continues for about 1969ft before banking around to the right and taking a northeast bearing. If you reach a wider forest track before turning right, you’ve gone a bit too far – but not to worry, simply turn right and follow this northeast, since both paths will link up anyway. You’ll pass a picnic bench and a car park, ignoring the right-hand turn that comes shortly after. At the next major juncture, turn left and take the path running alongside Llyn Ty’n-y-Mynydd, the little lake on your left-hand side. This path continues through the woods, bearing slightly left before another junction just south of Llyn Geirionydd. Follow the main path on the right to approach the lake.

Enjoy views over the serene Llyn Geirionydd as you walk north along its eastern shore. This is currently the only lake in Snowdonia permitting motorized boats on its surface, a testament to its summer popularity. About two-thirds of your way down the lake, you’ll spot a path on your left that cuts back towards the south, rising above the lakeshore. Turn around and hop on this trail, ascending to the highest point on the route as you move away from the lake. After about 1km, reach a trail junction and bear left, heading east as you pass by Llyn Glangors on your left. You should be walking ESE along the path, which sees a very short portion of pronounced descent before leveling out.

About 700m from a car park, the path turns right and bears directly south towards Llyn Parc. The placid lake waters will be on your right as you continue your stroll. Once you pass the southern end of the lake, the final stretch of the walk follows a steeper descent as it rounds back in a southwest direction. The path will lead right back to Forest Road – take a left and then another to find yourself back at the initial car park.