Beddgelert Forest

Wood, Forest in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Beddgelert Forest

Footpath past Hafod Ryffydd Uchaf At the bottom of the field, this is a bridleway, but here at the top gate, merely a footpath. Behind the photographer, it continues steeply upwards to reach one of the many forestry tracks in Beddgelert Forest, and the walker seeking to avoid wet feet (yes, that was us) will abandon it at that level for the easier gradient and firmer footing offered by the track. — Footpath past Hafod Ryffydd Uchaf Credit: Andy Waddington

Beddgelert Forest, located in Caernarfonshire, Wales, is a picturesque woodland area covering approximately 700 hectares. Nestled within the Snowdonia National Park, this enchanting forest offers visitors a peaceful retreat with its diverse range of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

The forest is predominantly composed of coniferous trees, including Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and Scots pine, which create a dense and lush canopy overhead. The undergrowth is adorned with a variety of wildflowers and ferns, adding to the forest's charm. Several streams flow through the woodland, providing a serene atmosphere and adding to the overall tranquility of the area.

Walking trails crisscross through Beddgelert Forest, offering visitors the chance to explore its natural wonders. These trails cater to all levels of fitness, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Along the way, visitors may encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and a variety of bird species. The forest also boasts two beautiful lakes, Llyn Llewelyn and Llyn Dinas, which are perfect for fishing and boating activities.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Beddgelert Forest offers mountain biking trails that cater to both beginners and experienced riders. These well-maintained trails wind through the forest, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Overall, Beddgelert Forest is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Its breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and recreational activities make it a truly remarkable place to explore and connect with nature.

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Beddgelert Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.033243/-4.1458221 or Grid Reference SH5650. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath past Hafod Ryffydd Uchaf

At the bottom of the field, this is a bridleway, but here at the top gate, merely a footpath. Behind the photographer, it continues steeply upwards to reach one of the many forestry tracks in Beddgelert Forest, and the walker seeking to avoid wet feet (yes, that was us) will abandon it at that level for the easier gradient and firmer footing offered by the track.

Andy Waddington

Looking back to Llyn Llywelyn from Craig Cwm-trwsgl

The track in Beddgelert Forest seen below has provided a drier and firmer approach to Craig Cwm-trwsgl than the public footpath above the trees, if a rather longer route. A short boggy bit has enough rocks and logs to keep the feet dry to this point, and as the path steepens and becomes rocky, that happy situation was maintained not only all the way up Moel Lefn, but for the whole circuit over Moel yr Ogof, Moel Hebog and back down to Meillionen. As the path climbs, Snowdon comes to dominate the view, whilst the nearer peaks of Craig Wen and Yr Aran fall away.

Andy Waddington

Drum house at Prince of Wales Quarry

The ruined drum house is on an old tramway at the quarry. The function of the equipment inside was to control the ascent and descent of slate wagons along the route. Moel Lefn is the mountain rising to the left.

Trevor Littlewood

Tramway at Prince of Wales Quarry

A view north along the tramway from the ruin of a drum house. The incline descends then climbs into the distance rising between a number of the quarry's bays.

Trevor Littlewood

Remains of the Prince of Wales Slate Quarry...

...at the head of Cwm Pennant.

Bill Harrison

Slate waste, Prince of Wales Slate Quarry

Bill Harrison

Beauty and the waste

In the background, a fine vista of the valley of Afon Dwyfor and the slopes of Craig Cwm Silyn. In the foreground, a waste tip from the former Prince of Wales Slate Quarry, which closed before 1880.

Bill Harrison

Ruined building, Prince of Wales Slate Quarry

Bill Harrison

Walking among the ruins of Prince of Wales Slate Quarry with Y Gyrn in the background

Gyrn means 'horns' in English. The dark rocks are part of an unnamed igneous intrusion of microgabbro formed between 485.4 and 443.8 million years ago during the Ordovician period. The path leads around to the right past precarious waste heaps towards Bwlch Cwm-trwsgl, which approximates in translation as 'Clumsy Valley Pass'. From there you can head downwards towards Beddgelert or climb Moel Lefn.

Bill Harrison

Slate pit, Prince of Wales Slate Quarry

The unfenced pit looked deep and I didn't venture any closer.

Bill Harrison

By the wall

Dry stone walls, often climbing improbably steep hillsides, are to be seen all over Snowdonia.

Bill Harrison

Scene to the east of Bwlch Cwm-trysgl

Bill Harrison

Looking towards Snowdon summit from Bwlch Cwm-trwsgl

A view of Llyn Llywelyn in the right middle-distance has opened up as a result of recent clear felling.

Bill Harrison

Clear felled plantation with Snowdon in the distance

Bill Harrison

Looking down at Bwlch Cwm-trwsgl

The smooth, wide ridge in the background, which leads up to the Nantlle Ridge, looks inviting.

Bill Harrison

Rocky outcrop on the north slope of Moel Lefn

As per the BGS interactive map, I take this to be part of an unnamed igneous intrusion of rhyolite formed between 485.4 and 443.8 million years ago during the Ordovician period.

Bill Harrison