The best walks and hikes around St Gwynno Forest

The main car park for St Gwynno Forest is located off the Llanwonno to Ferndale road and serves as the starting point for many trails. It's a good base for exploring the central part of the forest, including routes that lead to St Gwynno's Church. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends, as it can get busy.

Yes, St Gwynno Forest is a great place for dog walking. The wide forest tracks and numerous paths offer plenty of space for dogs to explore. Please keep your dog under control, especially near any livestock or wildlife, and be mindful of other forest users such as cyclists and runners.

For a shorter, more accessible hike, consider the Waterfall loop from Stanleytown. It's a relatively gentle 4-mile (6.4 km) walk through the woods, making it a good option for families or those looking for a less strenuous outing.

Yes, the Lluest-Wen Reservoir – Lluest-wen Reservoir Dam Wall loop from Blaenllechau is an excellent circular route. This moderate 8.4-mile (13.5 km) hike provides a comprehensive tour of the reservoir area, including a walk across the impressive dam wall.

The terrain is varied. You'll find a mix of well-maintained forest tracks, narrower woodland paths, and open moorland trails. Some routes involve moderate ascents and descents, and paths can become muddy and uneven after rain, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.

Many trails pass near St Gwynno's Church in Llanwonno, a medieval church known for its early stone crosses and as the burial place of the legendary 18th-century runner, Guto Nyth Brân. Incorporating a visit to the church adds a fascinating historical element to your hike.

For panoramic views, the Stone Bridge Over Stream – Tarren y Bwllfa loop from Cwmaman is a great choice. The route includes ascents that reward you with expansive views over the surrounding woodland and valleys. On a clear day, you might even see as far as the Bristol Channel.

There are over 200 hiking routes to explore in and around St Gwynno Forest. These range from short, easy loops perfect for a quick walk to longer, more challenging treks, with 129 moderate and 100 easy trails available.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 3000 hikers having explored the trails. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the forest, the variety of the routes, and the mix of natural beauty and local history, such as the serene reservoirs and the legendary Guto Nyth Brân's grave.

Reaching the heart of the forest directly via public transport can be challenging due to its rural location. The most practical approach is to take a bus to one of the nearby towns like Pontypridd, Aberdare, or Ferndale, and then use a taxi for the final leg to a trailhead. Some routes also start from the edge of these communities.

The nearby village of Llanwonno has a historic pub that is popular with walkers for a post-hike refreshment. For a wider selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants, you would need to travel to the larger surrounding towns such as Pontypridd or Aberdare.