The spectacular Cwmcarn Forest Drive should be on every must-visit list if you’re in South East Wales. Cwmcarn has incredible views, beautiful walks, cycling paths, play parks, an Iron Age Hillfort and other outdoor activities. It’s a unique, fun day out by car, bike or on foot. Head to the hills with me!
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Scenic Drive Wales
Just 30 minutes from my home in Cardiff is Cwmcarn Forest Drive. It is labelled as one of the best-kept secrets of the Valleys.
The area used to be a mine, but it has been transformed into a peaceful forest with impressive views. It is a haven for wildlife and those seeking solitude from the city. Following significant investment from Natural Resources Wales and Caerphilly County Borough Council, it reopened in 2021 after being closed for six years.
The Drive is 7 miles long and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete if you don’t stop at any of the car parks. The average visit is around 2-3 hours. Of course, you can stay longer. There are seven car parks where you can get out and enjoy the countryside or have a BBQ or picnic.
It is an ideal day out for families or groups of friends who want to enjoy time together. It’s one of the places in South Wales you’ll fall in love with and come time and again. Remember to bring the dogs; because they’ll love the Cwmcarn Forest Drive Park too!
The reviews are in! What did we do?
When you arrive, you think the Drive has already begun, as there is quite a distance from the entrance to the barrier where you pay. You will need cash (change is given, but cards aren’t accepted. However, you can pay by card in the Visitors Centre, which you pass on the way to the gate. Then you’re off!
Remember, you can’t turn around or reverse if you miss a car park because there’s a one-way system.
Car Park One | Place of Legends
The first stop on the route is ideal for stretching your legs after the journey to Cwmcarn. Take a stroll and discover the carved wooden chair with an eagle and owl on it. It is a relaxing setting with picnic tables and BBQs. The first of the three adventure playgrounds for children is also here. There’s also a large open grass area where they can play. Or, in our case, lots of dog-friendly space for zoomies.
Car Park Two | Twmbarlwm View
There’s a stone-walled area where you can sit and soak up the panoramic views. Again, you can enjoy a picnic or catch up on your favourite book while enjoying nature’s sounds. Opposite the car park entrance is a kissing gate, where after a short walk up a hill, you can soak in a different view. It looks all the way to Cardiff Bay, where you can see Flat Holm and Steep Holm Island with Clevedon and Western-Super-Mare.
Car Park Three | Kiln Wood
This is one of my favourite stops along the route. Here you can wander through the majestic trees in the woods. Within the trees are carved woodland creatures. These are so realistic my dog Ivan believes they are real. Especially the wolf, which he will bark at and bow down to, asking it to play with him. There’s also a sheltered wooden gazebo overlooking the outstanding views.
Car Park Four | Carn Valley Play Area
Because it’s a play park, I only get to stop here off-season. When we take Ivan in the park to go down the slides. Generally, it’s full of families to enjoy outdoor activities, including the swings, climbing frames and tunnels. Again, it has incredible views.
Car Park Five | Windy Ridge
You can sit back and enjoy the view, perhaps with a refreshing drink. I love sitting on one of the rocks, taking in the skyline. It’s so peaceful. As the name suggests, it can get rather windy!
Car Park Six | Grandmother’s Wood
I’m usually pretty hungry when I get to Grandmother’s Wood, where I grab a picnic table and dig in. (This is a big mistake, as you’ll see from number seven!) It is the most popular stop on the route, and it’s easy to see why. The views are insane. A little further along is the last children’s playground. Another perfect spot for the dog to go up and down the slide – when no kids are around, of course.
Car Park Seven | Head of the Pass
So, are you feeling energetic? There’s a steep ramble up the Twmbarlwm Iron Age Hillfort to be rewarded with more picturesque views at the top. Even the fittest may huff and puff, getting to the top. It can be slippery, and there’s some uneven ground, so ensure you have sensible shoes.
Are there toilets?
There are toilets along the route. At car parks one, three, four and six. They have even won a Platinum award for the eco-friendly toilets in the Loo of the Year 2022. The toilets are designed to be waterless and powerless, so they are gentler on the environment, and the ventilation system takes away odours. They are also maintained every day. They are an experience! There are also some “regular” toilets at the Visitor Centre.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive Visitor Centre
We tend to visit the Visitor Centre after completing the Forest Drive Cwmcarn. But you could go in there first, or only stop there. There’s another children’s play park alongside a café where you can get hot and cold meals and browse in the gift shop.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive Walks
Cwmcarn has some of the best walks in Wales!
There are five different walking trails to choose from. The 1807 walk starts in the visitor centre for 9 miles. There are some steep climbs and descents, but the views will be worth the effort. The Twmbarlwm Walk takes 2 hours. You go to the top of the Iron Age Hillfort, which has views of Cardiff Bay and Flat Holm, and the Brecon Beacons to the north. In contrast, Escape to Twmbarlwm Walk is a 6.5-mile walk.
For those who prefer a gentle wander, the Bluebell Walk is just over a mile, taking you through woodland, ponds and valley views. It would help if you still had sensible footwear for this one, as there are some uneven surfaces. The Nantcarn Walk is also a mile long, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the steam and lake.
Mountain Bike Trails
If you love mountain biking, Cwmcarn is a paradise. There are three trails. Also, a bike repair shop in the main car park next to the trail’s entrance offers bike hire, servicing, skill days and accessories.
Lockdown helped me get back on my bike, but these hills are challenging for me. The Cafall Trail starts with a 400-metre climb along a single-track road, but there are some steep and technical descents. The Twrch Trail is not for the faint-hearted, as it hugs the sides of some steep wooded slopes and the Y Mynydd Downhill Trail with rock steps and tunnels. There’s even a quarry gap if you’ve got the guts.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive Dogs
So, Cwmcarn was made for dogs! With all of the outside space to explore. Dogs must be kept on a lead in and around the Visitor Centre and under control on the rest of the site.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive Opening Times
Is Cwmcarn Forest Drive open throughout the year? It closes over Christmas and New Year from 25 December to 2 January. From Easter to 31 October, the Drive is open from 10am to 6pm, with the last entry at 4pm. From 1 November to Easter, it is open at weekends only between 10am and 4pm, with the latest entry at 2pm.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive Prices
The prices at Cwm Carn Forest are per car, not per person. Cars are £8 each, minibuses are £15, and coaches are £30. Motorbikes are also welcome at £4 each. Cars and motorbikes can also park in the Visitors Centre for free if you have purchased the Drive. Season tickets can also be purchased for £60 per car.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive Postcode
The Cwmcarn Forest Drive directions say to use the Sat Nav to find them. However, it takes you to a housing estate. Follow the brown signs as you get closer. The postcode is NP11 7FA.
Cwmcarn Forest is a 30-minute drive from the Prince of Wales Bridge or 10-minutes from Junction 28 of the M4
What Three Words
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Travel By Train
The nearest train station is Crosskeys, approximately a 15-minute walk from the Visitor Centre. The line runs from Cardiff Central stopping at Risca, Rogerstone and Pye Corner. Or from Ebbw Vale in the other direction, where other stops include Newbridge and Llanhilleth
Transport for Wales, who run the trains, have made it even easier to get around. Multiflex has just been introduced, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And who doesn’t want to save money?
Camping Cwmcarn Forest Drive
Visit Wales has awarded the campsite at Cwmcarn 4 stars. It is level and maintained throughout the year, with access to shower and toilet facilities and a kitchen.
Do you always get bitten when camping? I do! I get midge bites and tick bites sitting in the garden, walking Ivan the Irresistible in the evening and even when sleeping. When camping, I do my best to avoid insect bites. But when you’re trying to pack light, who has room for insect repellent, a mosquito net and citronella candles? Here’s how I prevent bites when camping.
Glamping pods are found on the valley floor. They have double beds, a mini fridge, a kettle, a refreshment tray, and electricity. There are even a few hardstanding pitches for caravans and motorhomes.
There are also Luxury Lodges which sleep 2-6 people. All are fully furnished, fitted with a kitchen and a bathroom with a shower. I’m sure waking up here will make you feel like you are a million miles from civilisation.
Visitor Information Cwmcarn Forest Drive
Hotels in Caerphilly
Caerphilly is the largest borough in Wales and is primarily rural. If you want to stay, there are camping and glamping sites, caravan parks, guest houses, inns, homestays and bed and breakfasts throughout Caerphilly. Check out the hotels in Caerphilly.
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
The surrounding areas
Cardiff, Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Newport, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Things to do in Caerphilly
Caerphilly is quickly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Wales. The tourist destination is well worth the visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do in Caerphilly and the places you can explore.
Dog Walks in Caerphilly
Dog walks in Caerphilly will never be boring. You will be truly spoilt for choice, from mountain walks, castles, large parks, woodlands and former railway tracks. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there are a lot to discover.
Restaurants in Caerphilly
We all need to refuel and rehydrate. If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one at restaurants in Caerphilly. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Is there anything more luxurious than booking a delicious afternoon tea? There are so many places in Caerphilly where you can indulge as a birthday treat, a welcome break from shopping, a baby shower, or a catch-up with friends. Here’s everywhere you can get to eat afternoon tea in Caerphilly.
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