A Welsh Walking Paradise at Cwmcarn Fforest

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Recent figures from the Forestry Commission Wales have shown a 36.1% increase in the use of walking trails, this has been tracked using counters at styles and passing gates on some of the many walking routes. Walkers are heading for the hills and forest any time of year, although a sunny March, April and May in 2009 proved the busiest times for walkers. More and more people are choosing to get outside and get active and what’s more walking is free! With the current economic climate, everyone is tightening their belts and looking for free leisure activities; Cwmcarn Fforest is proving to be the perfect location.

For those who haven’t sampled the splendour and tranquillity of this stunning forest, it really is worth a visit. Families will enjoy the forest woodcarvings, adventure playground and picnic spots, all hidden away on the forest drive. For the more adventurous walker there is a selection of longer more challenging walks including a 6.5 mile Twmbarlwm walk and once experienced many will share the view of the Welsh Ramblers’ Association, that Twmbarlwm Hillfort provides one of the best walks in Wales. This magical walk takes you to an Iron Age Hill Fort, originally a Bronze Age burial mound where the Iron Age community was thought to have settled between 500BC and 150BC. The 3600 views across South East Wales and the Severn Estuary are truly breathtaking.

Cwmcarn Fforest has undergone a major transformation with a new £2 million Visitor Centre opened in 2008. The new two-storey Centre boasts a café, gift shop, shower and changing facilities, children’s play area and outside viewing area. The Centre provides improved facilities and an annual events programme to suit the growing number of visitors.

For more information on Cwmcarn Fforest, including walks, mountain biking and events, Visit Cwmcarn Fforest website or contact the Visitor Centre on 01495 272001.

posted: 30th June 2010