Alwen Reservoir, near Denbigh
Walk or cycle around this huge upland reservoir
The recent strong winds took a significant toll on our sites.
We’re continuing to assess the damage, but this will take some time.
We may close the car park and other facilities at short notice whilst we undertake recovery operations.
You should always follow any instructions given by signs or local staff including any trail diversions or closures, and beware of the danger of falling trees or branches.
Pen y Ffordd is the starting point for the Rainbow Trails horse riding in Dyfnant Forest.
Facilities at this purpose-built car park include:
There are nearly 100 miles of tracks and trails with five horse riding trails and three carriage driving trails in Dyfnant Forest.
Known as the Rainbow Trails, they were developed in partnership with the Dyfnant and Vyrnwy Horse Riders and Carriage Drivers Association.
The trails are waymarked and range from an easy trot to challenging 16-mile routes for more experienced riders wanting full-day rides.
For full details and maps go to the Rainbow Trails website.
Pen y Ffordd is within Dyfnant Forest.
Dyfnant Forest is an upland forest on the edge of the Cambrian mountains just south of Lake Vyrnwy.
The forest is made up of large areas of conifers and pockets of native deciduous trees.
It is well known for its horse riding and carriage driving trails on scenic tracks.
Dyfnant Forest forms part of the National Forest for Wales.
The National Forest will:
It will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.
Parts of the network will eventually form a trail running the length and breadth of Wales, so anyone can access it wherever they live.
For more information go to the National Forest for Wales website.
We want you to return home safely after your visit here.
You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with you during your visit.
For advice and tips to help you plan your visit here go to Visiting our places safely.
See the top of this webpage for details of any planned closures or other changes to visitor facilities here.
For your safety, always follow instructions from staff and signs including those for trail diversions or closures.
We may divert or close trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations and we may need to close other visitor facilities temporarily.
In extreme weather, we may close facilities at short notice due to the risk of injury to visitors and staff.
You may need permission from us to organise an event or to carry out some activities on our land.
Check if you are allowed to use our land.
Pen y Ffordd is 16½ miles west of Welshpool.
The postcode is SY21 0QB.
Please note that this postcode may not take you to the car park if you use a sat nav or navigation app.
We suggest you follow the directions below or use the Google map on this page which has a pin on the car park’s location.
From Welshpool, take the A458 towards Dolgellau.
After 14½ miles, just after the village of Llangadfan, turn right, signposted B4395.
After 2 miles, the Pen y Ffordd car park is on the left.
View this place on the What3Words website.
The Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference for the car park is SJ 017 135 (Explorer Map 239).
The nearest mainline railway station is in Welshpool.
For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.
Parking is free of charge.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
There are no staff at this location.
Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.