The Arch, near Aberystwyth
Walks through huge beech trees with views over...
Dyfi Forest - Foel Friog, near Machynlleth
What's here
Welcome
Foel Friog is set within the spectacular landscape of Dyfi Forest.
It is near the village of Aberllefenni and is easy to find from the A487.
Discover ancient oaks, a derelict farmstead and superb views on the circular walking trail to the top of Pen y Bryn hill.
The pretty picnic site is next to the river.
Walking trail
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.
Pen y Bryn Trail
- Grade: Strenuous
- Distance: 2 miles/3.2 kilometres
- Time: 1½ hours
- Trail information: The paths are often less than 50cm wide in places, on an unmade, uneven surface, where you can expect mud, rocks and tree roots. There is a bench at the viewpoint.
Follow the red waymarkers to cross Afon Dulas and then climb up the hill on a steep path through oak woods to the Pen y Bryn ruin.
From here you will see stunning views of Foel Crochan and Godre Fynydd.
You will find a bench at the viewpoint for a well-deserved break and a chance to take in the breathtaking views.
Dyfi Forest
Foel Friog is part of Dyfi Forest.
Situated between the towns of Machynlleth and Dolgellau Dyfi Forest lies in the shadow of Cadair Idris.
The woodlands cling to the steep hillsides of the Tarren and Dyfi mountain ranges cut through by the Dysynni, Dulas and Dyfi rivers heading west to the nearby sea.
The whole area was once filled with thriving slate mines, employing hundreds of people.
The finished slate was moved to the coast via a system of tramways and steam trains for export.
The remaining trains now carry holidaymakers through the countryside.
Other walking trails in Dyfi Forest
Try our waymarked trails for a taste of the area's history and culture and experience the cascading rivers and majestic trees.
In addition to Foel Friog, there are walking trails in these other Natural Resources Wales woodlands within Dyfi Forest:
Snowdonia National Park
Most of Dyfi Forest is in Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdonia 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 Snowdonia National Park Authority.
For more information about visiting Snowdonia go to the Snowdonia National Park Authority website.
National Forest for Wales
Dyfi Forest forms part of the National Forest for Wales.
The National Forest will:
- create areas of new woodland
- enhance existing woodlands
- restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands.
In time it will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.
For more information about the National Forest for Wales go to the Welsh Government website.
Closures and diversions
Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.
We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.
How to get here
Location
Foel Friog is on a minor road signed for Aberllefenni off the A487 between Dolgellau and Machynlleth.
This site straddles the county borders of Gwynedd and Powys.
Ordnance Survey map
Foel Friog is on Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer map 215.
The OS grid reference is SH 769 092.
Directions
Take the A487 from Machynlleth towards Dolgellau.
Iimmediately opposite the Braich Goch pub turn right signed for Aberllefenni.
Foel Friog is 2 miles down this road on the right immediately before the Aberllefenni village sign.
Public transport
The nearest mainline railway station is in Machynlleth.
For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.
Parking
Car parking is free of charge.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
Contact details
There are no staff at this location.
Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.
Related document downloads
Dyfi Forest leaflet
PDF [7.7 MB]
Other places in Mid Wales
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