The Arch, near Aberystwyth
Walks through huge beech trees with views over...
Tan y Coed is an easy to find woodland with a picnic site and walking trails, located immediately off the A487.
The Forestry Commission began planting Tan y Coed woodland after the First World War as the war effort had used up Britain's timber.
Planting continued through the Second World War with Land Army Girls, known as “Timber Jills”, carrying out the work.
Today Tan y Coed is home to a pleasant picnic site with tables amongst huge trees in the large grassy area around the car park.
It is the start for two tranquil woodland walks past old moss-covered trees and along the river.
There is also an animal puzzle trail for families and two running trails.
The walking trails are waymarked and start from Tan y Coed car park.
There are a couple of picnic benches along the way.
1 miles/1.8 kilometres, moderate
This moderate walk passes through a beech woodland and alongside the river Cadian with its waterfall and pools.
1 mile/1.8 kilometres; same route as Cwm Cadian Trail, moderate
The Animal Puzzle Trail leaflet gives clues to help children find the hidden animals in the woods along the Cwm Cadian Trail.
Leaflets are available from a dispenser in the car park.
1½ miles/2.4 kilometres, moderate
This moderate walk meanders uphill through conifer trees and then through more open beech and oak woodland.
It then descends to the riverside and follows the tumbling river back to the car park.
Facilities include:
Tan y Coed is part of Dyfi Forest.
Dyfi Forest lies mainly to the north of the River Dyfi between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south.
Rugged peaks loom above the forested hillsides that are dotted with atmospheric ruins and slate spoil heaps.
Steam trains chug along the hillsides, now carrying holidaymakers, but originally carrying slates from the quarries to the coast.
There are walking trails at two other woodlands managed by Natural Resources Wales within Dyfi Forest. Go to Nant Gwernol and Foel Friog for more information.
Dyfi Forest forms part of the National Forest for Wales.
The National Forest will:
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.
Please note:
The Tan y Coed car park is sign-posted off the A487 between Dolgellau and Machynlleth, south of Corris and north of Pantperthog.
It is in the county of Gwynedd.
Tan y Coed is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 23.
The OS grid reference is SH 755 054.
The nearest train station is in Machynlleth.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Car parking is free of charge.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
Tel: 0300 065 3000