Fforest Fawr at Fforest Fawr (NRW)

Explore this gateway to Castell Coch - try one of the walks

Fforest Fawr is the stunning backdrop to the famous Castell Coch, near the village of Tongwynlais. A beautiful mixed woodland which is renowned for its display of bluebells in the spring; not surprisingly Fforest Fawr is frequently used as a film location for productions ranging from Welsh historical dramas to children's TV programmes.

There are a number of waymarked walks and horse-riding routes here.

From this car park you can do three trails;

Sir Henry's Trail (2.31 miles, 3.72 kilometres).
This trail takes you to Castell Coch and back. Don't miss the sculpture trail - see the the information board in the car park which also explains the unique features you can discover in the forest - including the impressive deep holes left by iron mining.

Burges' Way (1.77 miles 1.12 kilometres).
This is a short circular trail through the forest. It goes past Castell Coch and the Blue Pool, one of the many former iron mining sites here.

Children's Sculpture Trail (1.5 miles 2.6 kilometres).
This trail has been developed to encourage children to use their imaginations and create a story around a sleeping giant in a whilst walking in a woodland setting. Although it is never seen, the sculptures will give children clues to help with their own story.

See the information board in the car park to find out where the trail is, and another board at the start of the trail explains all about it.

Directions:

From the A470, follow the signs to Castell Coch. Continue past the castle entrance for 1.5 kilometres to Fforest Fawr car park.

Public transport:

The nearest train station is in Taffs Well.

The OS grid reference is ST 143 838.