Play all audios:
Magical Welsh forest park with 21 family-friendly trails and waterfallsOne of the family-friendly walks takes in an old goldmine, as well as views of beautiful waterfallsCommentsWhat's
OnEmilia Bona Content Editor14:24, 05 Jun 2025Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park(Image: NRW) A magical Welsh forest park that families can visit for an action-packed day trip features biking trails,
walking routes and three playgrounds for children to enjoy. Nestled within Snowdonia National Park, Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park is ideal for families looking for an active day trip that will
tire out little legs and feature plenty of fresh air and rural scenery.
Outdoor activities on offer at the attraction include orienteering routes and geocaching, as well as mountain biking trails. Located around two hours from Liverpool by road, the forest park
has 21 kid-friendly trails, with mountain bike trails starting from the car park and ranging from easy trails for families and beginners to technical routes for expert riders.
Other facilities for mountain bikers include a bike shop and a skills area where visitors can develop their riding techniques.
There are also a number of walking and running trails through Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park, with some trails that are suitable for visitors using off-road mobility scooters.
The play areas at Coed-y-Brenin are located next to the visitor centre and are divided into areas suitable for children of different ages.
Coed Y Brenin Forest Park(Image: Visit Wales Image Centre)Article continues below Kids can enjoy a playhouse, slides, swings, rocking animals, a climbing wall and stepping stones. There is
also a 'free play' area with more stepping stones, branches for den building and a small steam.
Coed-y-Brenin also features an accessible play area, which includes a bird's nest swing that's easy for children who find it hard to use traditional swings. There is also a see saw that's
usable for children who are wheelchair users, with a ramped access area.
Families can choose one of the centre's waymarked walks, with the option to take a gentle all-ability trail down to the river, where children might be able to spot otters.
Other walks will take visitors over to the next valley where they can see beautiful waterfalls and an abandoned goldmine.
The popular visitor attraction has a number of children's play areas and plenty of picnic tables for a peaceful lunch in beautiful surroundings, with views over the River Eden or Cadair
Idris.
Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park(Image: Daily Post Wales) One of the popular walks is the Gain Waterfall Trail - however, this is a more strenuous route that might not be ideal for little legs.
It's 4.2 miles long and lasts around two hours. Families need to follow the red markers which will take them along forest roads and winding paths, which can get muddy and rocky in parks.
The route takes walkers down towards the Gwynfyndd goldmine, with rock steps leading down to the site that mean the route isn't suitable for prams and pushchairs.
Article continues below Visitors are advised to stick to the trail because the old mine workings and buildings may be unsafe and there are unprotected drops into the river.