Beddgelert Forest, near Beddgelert
Huge forest in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia)...
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/3.4 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 river and then climb up the hill on a steep path through oak woods to the Pen y Bryn derelict farmstead.
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:
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Most of Dyfi Forest is in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Eryri 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 Eryri National Park Authority.
For more information about visiting Eryri go to the Eryri 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
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.
Visiting safely
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.
Changes to visitor facilities
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.
How to get here
Location
Foel Friog is 6½ miles from 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.
In Corris, turn sharply right following the signs for Aberllefenni.
Continue for about 1½ miles and the car park is 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 North West Wales
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