Coedydd Maentwrog

Coedydd Maentwrog is one of several woodland reserves in the Vale of Festiniog which runs from the coast at Porthmadog inland to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Coedydd Maentwrog is attractive expansive woodland on the north side of the Vale. The reserve comprises two separate woodland sections: Coed Llyn Mair and a large block of three adjacent woods known as Coed Ty Coch, Coed Bronturnor and Coed Glanrafon.

These make up part of the Coedydd Dyffryn Ffestiniog Gogleddol Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Grid Ref: SH668415 Area: 68.32 hectares

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Visiting

A nature trail runs for some 400 metres through Coed Llyn Mair, ascending quite steeply over a series of steps to Tan y Bwlch train station. The route can get a little narrow at times. Trail leaflets are available on site.

A short level walk from the station car park brings you to some picnic tables and a view point.

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In the larger southern section of the reserve there is a good public footpath network, including a route which runs parallel to the Ffestiniog Railway going as far as Dduallt. A second parallel route runs a little below this.

While most of the footpaths in this section of the reserve are well defined and well used, many sections are nevertheless narrow, steep, and rocky due to the nature of the terrain – they can also be slippy in rainy conditions.

How to get there

The wood lies close to Maentwrog on the A487. Dedicated car parking provides space for approximately 12 cars at Coed Llyn Mair, alongside the B4410 north of the A487, while there is also some space at Tan y Bwlch station.

Additionally, there is roadside parking and a bus stop on the A487 near the Oakeley Arms.

Public Transport
There are frequent bus services from Porthmadog, Blaenau, Dolgellau and Harlech. For more information on times and services contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 2002233 or on www.traveline-cymru.org.uk

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The Ffestiniog railway train, travelling between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog, runs from Easter to November - with occasional special services at Christmas and half term.

Facilities

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There are no facilities on site. However, there are fully accessible toilets at Tan y Bwlch station, where there is also a café and viewpoint/picnic site.

A level grass picnic area can also be found across the road from the Coed Llyn Mair car park, courtesy of the Snowdonia National Park.

Who looks after it?

CCW manage the reserve, although the site is owned by the National Trust.

You can contact the CCW northern region reserves team via the enquiries help line on 0845 1306229 or by email at enquires@ccw.gov.uk. You can also write to us at the address under ‘Contact the team’.

Wildlife

Coedydd Maentwrog is the largest of the woods in the Vales of Ffestiniog, occupying a prominent position on the steep slopes of the northern sides of the valley.

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In the humid conditions near the tumbling gorge, a complex mosaic of mosses, liverworts and ferns has evolved; nearly two hundred species of liverwort alone have been recorded in the wood, and there is also an amazing diversity of lichens, with records upwards of 170 species.

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