Hafna at Gwydir Forest Park (NRW)

This car park is set at the foot of the ruins of the old Hafna lead mine and is the gateway to two walking trails.

The Gwydir hillsides are riddled with tunnels and hollowed out caverns where generations of miners toiled to extract lead and zinc ore.

The Hafna Miners' Trail 2 miles, 3.6 kilometres.
This trail threads its way across forest-clad hillsides, passing deep cuttings, capped mine shafts, tunnel entrances and long abandoned mills where the rock was processed. The occasional views are worth the walk offering a contrast between the past hard working industrial landscape and the peaceful beauty that now dominates.

Look out for the panels and MP3 audio trail posts along the way that tell the story of the mines and the men who worked there.

Conwy Valley View Trail 1.3 miles, 2.2 kilometres.
This trail goes past derelict mining buildings and numerous tunnels and spoil heaps. The viewpoint looks over the market town of Llanrwst, the wind turbines on the hills behind, and down the Conwy valley to the sea beyond.

Directions:

From the B5106 at Gwydir Castle, take the minor road into the forest, signposted for Geirionnydd. Hafna car park is on the right.

From the A5 at Ty Hyll (ugly house), take the minor road into the forest. Hafna car park is on the left, after passing Llyn Sarnau car park.

Public Transport:

The nearest train station is in Llanrwst.

The OS Grid Ref is SH 780 600.