Gwydyr Forest

The Gwydyr Forest is one of the first Forests of Wales to be planted by the Forestry Commission and covers approximately 72 square miles. Much of it was planted in the early 1920s. There was a certain amount of natural regeneration of wild species growing up to the 1,000-foot tree level many hundreds of years ago. As time has advanced much of the traditional forestry work has declined and more emphasis is being put into recreation, cycle routes, bridleways and picnic spots. Timber production is being harvested each day, and as more areas get clear felled they are planted up again with more native species of oak, beech and rowan. The forest surrounding Betws-y-Coed is rich in both marked and unmarked trails. The marked trails range from one-mile walks on level roads to 10-mile walks in strenuous terrain. The lower parts of the Llugwy Valley offer forests reminiscent of temperate rainforests with a thick cover of moss and lichens on the trees and on ground. Another speciality is the exploring of old mines and quarries, many of which are partly (and safely) accessible.