
Where to go · Gwynedd
Forest bathing at Coed Nant Gwernol
Woodland around a rocky gorge with cascades above Abergynolwyn, where the Talyllyn Railway ends among the trees.
Coed Nant Gwernol is part of the Dyfi Forest, on the edge of Abergynolwyn village in southern Eryri. It takes its name from the rocky river gorge at its heart, where the Nant Gwernol cascades through the trees. The Talyllyn narrow-gauge railway runs through the wood to Nant Gwernol station, and on the plateau above are the remains of Bryn-Eglwys slate quarry, part of a World Heritage Site.
The Cascades Trail follows the river and crosses a wooden bridge, about a mile with a steady climb; it is the best choice for time beside water. The Quarryman's Trail is longer and harder, with long climbs and steep descents to the quarry. There is no parking at the station: use the car park at Abergynolwyn village hall and take the short, steep link path up. Arriving by the Talyllyn Railway is a pleasant alternative.
Practical
- Managed by
- Natural Resources Wales
- Parking
- Car park at Abergynolwyn village hall; no parking at Nant Gwernol station
- Terrain
- Woodland trails with steady climbs; long climbs and steep descents on the Quarryman's Trail
- Nearest station
- Tywyn (mainline); Nant Gwernol and Abergynolwyn on the Talyllyn Railway
- Facilities
- No toilets listed
- Opening and entry
- Open access, free
- Official page
- naturalresources.wales
Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.
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Ceunant Llennyrch National Nature ReserveDeep, mossy gorge of the Afon Prysor near Maentwrog, with oak rainforest and a waterfallPhotos: Beddgelert Forest, scotbotwylie (CC BY 2.0); Ceunant Cynfal National Nature Reserve, David Medcalf (CC BY-SA 2.0); Ceunant Llennyrch National Nature Reserve, David Medcalf (CC BY-SA 2.0).