The Dyfi forest is located mainly to the north of the Afon Dyfi between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south.
Dyfi is a 6000ha forest where rugged peaks loom above the forested hillsides that are dotted with atmospheric ruins and slate spoil heaps. Fast flowing mountain streams cascade down rocky valleys, edged by moss-covered oaks.
Steam trains chug along the hillsides, now carrying holidaymakers, but originally carrying slates from the quarries to the coast. The remains of several old slate mines can still be seen in the area at Abergynolwyn, Corris, Aberllefen/ni and Hendre Ddu.
The spectacular landscape of the Dyfi Forest is well worth exploring and access points to the forest include the village of Abergynolyn, the Tan y Coed Car Park and Foel Friog.
Activities in the forest include picnic sites, walking trails, bridleways and mountain bike trails.
WALKING TRAILS:
ABERGYNOLWYN TRAILS
Nant Gwernol, a rocky river gorge with cascading waterfalls, lies above the picturesque Tal-y-llyn valley in the shadow of Cader Idris. The three trails that start from here follow the riverside and explore the remains of Bryn Eglws Slate Quarry. Please take care not to stray from the paths as the old works are dangerous.
THE STATION LINK (1 mile, 1.6 kilometres).
The Stations Link is a linear route between Nant Gwernol station and Abergynolwyn station - there is a steep climb if you start from Nant Gwernol and a steep descent from Abergynolwyn. The trail offers views of the surrounding mountains and the Allt Wyllt incline, part of the former quarry. Please be aware of trains when walking over the level crossing half way along this route.
You can park and start your walk from Abergynolwyn village hall or take the steam train from Twyn to Nant Gwernol Station.
THE CASCADE TRAIL (1 mile 1.6 kilometres).
This trail closely follows the tumbling upland river. It then crosses a wooden bridge onto the old tramway and descends steeply alongside part of the old Allt Wyllt incline back to Nant Gwernol station.
THE QUARRYMAN'S TRAIL (4 miles, 6.4 kilometres).
This is a fairly strenuous walk with long climbs and steep descent]s. It visits the ruined mine workings of Bryn Eglwys with expansive views of Cader Idris from high above Nant Gwernol Station.
To start the walks, park in the village of Abergynolwyn and take the short but steep walk to the station from behind the Community Centre/Cafe.
PARKING
The three walks start from Nant Gwernol station but there is no parking at Nant Gwernol station itself.
Either park in the village of Abergynolwyn and take the short but steep walk to Nant Gwernol station from behind the community centre/café.
Alternatively park at Abergynolwyn station car park and take the linear Stations Link walk from Abergynolwyn station to Nant Gwernol station.
OS Grid Reference: SH681067.
PICNIC SITES:
FOEL FRIOG Picnic site is a pretty riverside picnic site which is off the beaten track at Aberllenefenni near Corris. There is a large flat grassy area for children to play and a rocky outcrop.
TAN Y COED Picnic site is located amongst beech woods and is the starting point for two woodland and riverside walks along the stream of Cwm Cadian. For families, there is an animal puzzle trail and a free leaflet is available on site.
OS Grid Reference: SH750 054
