Cwmcarn Forest and Visitor Centre

Cwmcarn Forest boasts a modern visitor centre experience with spacious information point stocked with maps and local information. The contemporary gift shop has a range of quality gifts, whether it’s a gift for a friend of family member, we have a selection of products to suit all tastes and budgets. Our product range is a mix of lifestyle and seasonal trends along with a Harry Potter themed corner featuring keepsake boxes and street sign inspired wall art.

RAVEN'S CAFE offers hot meals and cold snacks along with delicious full cooked breakfasts, homemade cakes and a great selection of hot and cold drinks. With plentiful seating in the bright and airy interior or choose to dine outside on the decking area, which stretches around the Centre and overlooks the Nantcarn River. The café uses local produce and supports local suppliers whenever possible.

Check out our onsite campsite and glamping pods on this website: https://www.visitwales.com/product/227308

A meeting room is available to hire for training courses, conferences and meetings.

WALKING AT CWMCARN
Whether you want a strenuous walk or a leisurely stroll, Cwmcarn Forest has it all, from challenging hill climbs up Twmbarlwm to gentle walks around the forest and valley floor. Families will enjoy the brand new Adventure Playground, lake, picnic spots and Wildlife Explorer Trail.From under a mile to nine miles, there are walks to suit all abilities. Each one offers different scenery and terrain which take in the beauty of Cwmcarn Forest, the expansive lake and Valley floor.

CWMCARN WILDLIFE EXPLORER CHALLENGE
Be a wildlife explorer by following the explorer map to find 21 special posts over a short 1.2 mile circular walk. Call into the visitor centre and purchase your Explorer pack (including crayons) then go exploring. Find the hidden metal plaque at each post and match the right picture in the explorer booklet. Etch the plaque in your booklet and move on the find the next post! Once completed, a wildlife explorer certificate can be purchased from the visitor centre reception. Happy exploring!

TWMBARLWM WALK
This 2 hour walk will take you up to the top of the Iron Age hillfort of Twmbarlwm. It was once a centre for the Silurian Celts who fought a 25-year war with Rome. The hill fort would have been well defended with ramparts, warriors on horseback and speedy chariots. From the top are stunning views, over Cardiff Bay to the south and towards the Brecon Beacons to the north.

1807 WALK
A 9 mile walk starting from the visitor centre, taking in historic features, stunning woodlands and fantastic views. There are some steep climbs and descents with this walk, but the views are well worth the effort.

BLUEBELL WALK
A gentle 1.2 mile walk taking in woodlands, ponds and streams and valley views. Suitable for most people, but there are some uneven surfaces, which can be slippery when wet. One kissing gate and a set of steps.

NANTCARN WALK
A short 1 mile stroll to enjoy the sights and sounds of the stream and lake. Suitable for most people, but there are some uneven surfaces, which can be slippery when wet. Two kissing gates make it difficult for pushchairs.

ESCAPE TO TWMBARLWM WALK
Climb up the steps to Twmbarlwm Mountain, and be prepared to be blown away, literally! This 6.5 mile walk is an effort worth making.

MOUNTAINBIKING AT CWMCARN
Cwmcarn Forest is a mountain biking paradise with three mountain bike trails and another coming soon. With ample parking, bike repair shop and lift service, everything is on hand for a day of biking for thrill seeking adrenaline junkies. Extend your visit by staying at one of the glamping pods or newly added lodges on site. .

CAFALL TRAIL
Climbing to altitudes over 400 metres, this trail gives you a real sense of adventure. Tough climbs and tight hand-built single-track sections combine with some fantastic steep and technical descents all delivering a fantastic ‘natural’ feel for more experienced riders only. You will be rewarded with some amazing riding and stunning views of the surrounding area on a trail that takes you out in to some of the most remote areas of Cwmcarn Forest. You will need to be self-sufficient and expect weather changes on this tough and challenging 'Red graded' trail. Trail Grade - Red Difficult

TWRCH TRAIL
This is a superb trail of the very highest quality that is not for the faint hearted. Virtually the entire route is on a purpose built single-track. The riding varies from open and flowing hard pack to tight technical and rooty and is rideable in all weather. Trail Grade - Red Difficult

Y MYNYDD DOWNHILL TRAIL
Y Mynydd Downhill isn't for the faint-hearted. Designed by Phil Saxena of 'Full Contact Racing' and built by local riders including Rowan Sorrell, means this is one of the best downhill venues in the UK. The course is split into two runs, the 2-light run and the 3-light run, which merge about a third of the way down the mountain. The 2-light run is the easier of the two so that's the best place to start if its your first time. The 3-light run should be left to the more experienced rider as it's a bit steeper in places. Trail Grade - Bike Park Extreme

CWMCARN BY CAR
Just a 10-minute drive from Junction 28 of the M4, you can head for the hills and experience a drive around the spectacular Cwmcarn Forest. Meander around the twisting bends and allow the enchanting forest to immerse you into tranquility where you can truly leave the rest of the world behind. Park up at one of our seven car parks to absorb the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside or settle at one of the many picnic and BBQ spots to relax and take it easy. Let the children burn off some energy in not one, but three new adventure playgrounds, sensory tunnels, woodland sculpture trail or follow the several all-ability trails along the route.