Cwmcarn Forest in South East Wales offers a scenic seven-mile one-way drive with several stop-off points, newly developed visitor facilities, picnic areas, an adventure playground, and leafy footpaths. The drive takes 30 minutes and costs £10 per car (£5 for motorbikes), with the road open at certain times of the year.
A Forest with a History
Located just a 20-minute drive from the M4, the forest originally opened in 1972 on the site of a former coal colliery. It is jointly owned by Natural Resources Wales and Caerphilly County Borough Council, which manages the site, including the visitor centre and other facilities, under an agreement with Natural Resources Wales.
Around £2m has been spent developing the 'Valley Floor' to improve the campsite and lake, and add several new all-ability trails, picnic seating areas, glamping pods, play areas, a wooden outdoor learning cabin, sensory tunnels, and a woodland sculpture trail.
Walking and Cycling Trails
For walkers, the gentle Nantcarn Walk follows Cwmcarn Lake, while the more strenuous 9-mile 1807 walk takes in historic features, woodlands, and epic views. The Twmbarlwm Walk, a popular two-hour route, leads to the top of an Iron Age hill fort, once the site where Silurian Celts waged their 25-year war with invading Romans. Known locally as 'the Twmp,' the hill is 500 metres above sea level and offers views of the Severn Estuary, Cardiff Bay to the south, and the Brecon Beacons to the north.
Cyclists can ride the Red-graded Cafall and Twrch trails, packed with technical features. Y Mynydd offers fast berms, tight switchbacks, doubles, a tunnel, rock steps, a bridge, a hip jump, and the infamous quarry gap. Designed by Phil Saxena of Full Contact Racing and built with help from local riders, including Rowan Sorrell, it is one of the top downhill spots in the UK. Ps Cycles, based on site, offers bike hire, servicing, skills days, and a shop.
Visitor Centre and Accommodation
The new Visitor Centre features an information area, toilets, and a gift shop selling locally produced crafts and goods. A Harry Potter-themed corner includes keepsake boxes and street sign-inspired wall art. Raven's café serves post-walk lunch, coffee, and homemade cakes, with outdoor seating overlooking the Nantcarn River.
Lodges sleeping between 2 and 6 people are fully furnished with a fitted kitchen, bathroom, TV, double bed, and a living area with sofa bed in larger lodges. Double doors open onto a private decked veranda with seating and woodland views. For a more rustic stay, ten furnished glamping pods offer contemporary décor, double beds, a mini fridge, a kettle, a refreshment tray, electricity, and a heater.
