About

Gwydir Forest Park is home to the celebrated landscapes of lakes, forests and mountains to the generations of visitors who have walked the woodland paths and fished the clear waters of the Conwy, Llugwy, Lledr and Machno rivers since Victorian times.

Gwydir Forest ranges across the hills on Snowdonia's eastern flank. High wooded ramparts rise steeply from the level pastures of the Conwy valley, enfolding Betws-y-Coed, and creating a dramatic setting for the town of Llanrwst and nearby Gwydir castle.

Above and beyond the valley slopes lies an extensive, rolling upland of wooded knolls, lakes and pastures, which stretches to the jagged Clogwyn-yr- Eryr ridge above Llyn Crafnant, and to the dominant outline of Moel Siabod.

Walking Trails from Sawbench Car Park

For walkers, there is a short walk with great viewpoints overlooking the market town of Llanwrst.

Lady Mary's Walk 1.3 miles, 2.1 kilometres.
This short historic walk takes in some fantastic viewpoints giving glimpses of the old market town of Llanrwst, its surrounding hills of farm and forest and introduces some of the local characters and landmarks that draw visitors every year.

The walk is named after one of two Lady Mary's (we don't know which one) from the Wynne family who bought the land and built up the estate, including a viewing mound, chapel, summer house (Gwydir Uchaf - about 500m walk off this route) and a bowling green.

The walk takes in two sculptures by local artists, one a memorial to the old Llanrwst Town Hall placed to maintain the precious link between the town and the forest. The trail follows forest roads and narrow forest paths, with a steep climb from the car park with two chicanes. You can download the walk leaflet from the Natural Resources Wales website.

Mountain Bike Trail | Marin Trail (15.5 miles, 25 kilometres)
Sawbench is the starting point for The Marin Trail, a mountain bike trail with big climbs, big descents, singletrack and great scenery. It is a red graded mountain bike trail which means it is only suitable for proficient riders with good off-roading skills.