7 of the Best Walks in Brechfa Forest
Brechfa Forest is a stunning, relatively undiscovered forest in Carmarthenshire, South Wales. Brechfa Forest is the ‘modern’ name for part of the ancient Glyn Cothi Forest. Popular amongst mountain bikers, hikers, horse riders and dog walkers. There is so much to do and see, you are sure to be in awe at the beauty of this enchanted forest.
Here’s our list of 7 of the best walks in Brechfa Forest:
1. Keepers River Walk
The Keepers River walk is a great way to explore the Keepers area of Brechfa Forest. The walk starts and finishes at the free Keepers car park. A picturesque walk which takes you through the forest, along the river across bridges and gives you the opportunity to sit and enjoy the nature around you. It’s also a great place for a picnic and paddle in the river.
2. Cwm-du-bach
If you want to wander through some deep woodland and be surrounded by the ancient forest then this is the perfect walk. This walk takes you through the east side of Brechfa Forest and there is free parking at the start of the route. Enjoy being in the enchanted forest with sections to stop and enjoy the view and have a picnic. You’re sure to feel more relaxed after this walk.
3. Abergorlech Forest Garden Walk
The Forest Garden Walk is a great way to explore the Eastern side of Brechfa Forest. It is a moderate route and you’re sure to fall in love with the area. The route follows the River Gorlech and there are benches along the route to stop and enjoy the scenery. The route starts from the quaint village of Abergorlech and you can park in the free car park. The forest garden consists of half of the tree species that are able to grow in the British Isles, it’s a great walk to see an abundance of trees and nature. You can walk to The Black Lion Pub from the car park for a post walk drink and pub lunch.
4. Pen Llywn-uchel and Llanllwni Mountain
The best walk to see an amazing sunset and go for a wild swim. On this walk you will be exploring the moors and Brechfa Forest. The route crosses the Afon Blotweth river which is a great place for a wild swim. If you hang around until the evening Llanllwni Mountain is the best place around Brechfa Forest to see the sunset. It’s not a mountain per se but it is an elevated point with amazing views over the hills and on a clear day, the best place to see sunset. Free parking at the Pen Llwyn Uchel layby, Llanllwni Mountain.
5. Keepers Longer Walk 12.5km
Explore the west side of the forest and see the controversial wind farm. This walk has some amazing views across the valley and forest and offers a great place to stop for a picnic. The terrain is relatively easy as most of the route is on the main gravel footpath. Although the wind farm may have changed the landscape of the forest, it has also brought a lot of funding for the local communities and is something to see whilst in the area. Parking is free at Keepers Lodge and there are plenty of picnic tables here and a fire pit area.
6. Abergorlech Afon Cothi River and Forest Walk
Wander through the woodland and past the magnificent Afon Cothi river. This relatively undiscovered route is a quieter option than the more popular Abergorlech NRW official walks. Starting from the Abergorlech free car park you walk through the charming village, over the bridge and follow along the river through the forest. This route takes you across farmland and past building ruins. It’s a great way to explore a lesser walked route in Abergorlech. There are plenty of places along the route to sit and soak up the surrounds.
7. Pant yr eglwys – St Michael’s Church walk
This is a great walk that starts from St Michael’s Church Llanfihangel Rhos y Corn. The most ancient of the local churches and known for its more meditative worship style. There is a labyrinth on the church grounds which is open to tourists so you are able to have a look around. The walk takes you through Brechfa Forest, along the river and back to the church offering amazing views across the valley and forest. A portion of this walk is on the road but the views make it a pleasant landscape.
To view the full collection, follow the route, download the GPX file or see photos of all the walks please check out the below collection on Komoot. You can sign up for a free region and choose the Carmarthenshire area which consists of Brechfa Forest. For more information about Brechfa Forest, recommended walks and tourism information please check out the Brechfa Forest Tourism Partnership.
