Rhyd y Sarn Blaenau Ffestiniog
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
31.69 ha (78.31 acres)
Grid reference:
SH691427
Map reference:
Explorer 18
OS Landranger 124
This beautiful wood lies next to the Coed Cymerau National Nature Reserve, near Blaenau. With gorgeous ancient woodland, meadows bursting with vivid spring flowers, rare and interesting wildlife and a circular walk to enjoy, a trip to this wood is not to be missed.
Coed Cymerau Isaf is located 1.6km (1 mile) to the south of the village of Tanygrisiau in the county of Gwynedd, North West Wales.
It lies next to the A496 at the head of the Vale of Ffestiniog in the steep wooded gorge of the Afon Goedol, not far from Blaenau Ffestiniog in Snowdonia National Park.
The wood is 1.5km (1 mile) south of Tanygrisiau, next to the A496 and not far from Blaenau Ffestiniog. The main entrance to the site is opposite the large lay-by across the road from the Manod turn-off, which provides parking for around six cars.
The nearest railway station is Blaenau Ffestiniog , 3km (2 miles) from the wood. There is also the Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway, which has a stop at Tanygrisiau.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stop is 1.5km (1 mile) up the road from Coed Cymerau Isaf, next to the post office in the village of Tanygrisiau.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Coed Cymerau Isaf has three entrances. The main one is accessible by both a kissing gate and a main gate on the lane that leads to the farmstead. The other two entrances are for pedestrians, one from Pont Cymerau in the north and the other from Coed Cymerau in the west. You can also access the wood via a public footpath from Coed Cymerau National Nature Reserve (NNR) in the south.
There is a waymarked circular route from the main entrance on the A496, with seats at regular intervals along the path. Though the circular walk is fairly level, short sections of moderate gradients will be encountered, with a couple of small steps. The surface varies between gravel, earth and grass. Kissing gates are not wheelchair accessible.
Parking is available at the large lay-by opposite the main entrance, as well as lay-by parking in Rhyd-y-sarn.
There is a public toilet open all year round in the village of Manod, although there are no facilities for the disabled. The nearest disabled facilities are at Diffwys Square in Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The diversity of habitats around Coed Cymerau Isaf has encouraged wildlife to thrive. Lesser horseshoe bats live in the oak woodland and can be seen hunting during the evening after leaving their summer roost in the site’s old stone-built barn. Barn owls are also known to spend time there.
Look out for the varied birdlife, with pied flycatcher, redstart and wood warbler all regular spring and summer visitors, and more familiar British birds resident throughout the year.
Look out for:
Although primarily an area of ancient oak woodland, there are a number of other broadleaf tree species growing here, including downy birch and rowan. Ground flora is abundant, with stunning flowers, such as bluebell, wood anemone and marsh orchid found throughout.
Look out for:
Habitats at Coed Cymerau Isaf include ancient woodland with towering oak trees, broadleaf woodland with species such as downy birch and hazel, boggy marshland and flower meadows.
Explore:
Coed Cymerau Isaf has a long history. The footpath track that runs through the north to the south of the site is a piece of the old Blaenau Ffestiniog to Maentwrog road, which was part of a Roman road later used as one of the area’s main coach roads.
Look out for the stone walls which border the track and old stock pens scattered throughout the woodland.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, oak grown in the area was used for ship building at Porthmadog, where slate was transported from Wales to the rest of the world.
Venture out on a walk around Coed Cymerau Isaf. With a waymarked circular trail, the site is very popular with walkers and the local community, particularly during the bluebell season.
