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Fforest Fawr near Cardiff

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About

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.


Please note:

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations.
Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access

Children

  • Children welcome

Parking

  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Follow the signs to Castell Coch from the A470. Continue past the castle entrance for 1.5km to the car park.

You can also reach Fforest Fawr along the Taff Trail cycle route, which connects directly to Cardiff, or on foot from Castell Coch car park.

Public transport is available to Tongwynlais and Taffs Well.

OS Grid Reference: ST143838

Accessible by Public Transport.

Fforest Fawr (NRW)

Type:Forest or Woodland

Fforest Fawr (NRW), Nr Tongwynlais, Cardiff

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Tel0300 065 3000

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