Woodland Visit - Garwnant Visitor Centre

For a great day out for the whole family why not explore one of the many woodlands open to the public within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Garwnant Visitor Centre, owned and managed by Forestry Commission Wales, is situated in Coed Taf Fawr, a large area of forestry situated in the National Park and Fforest Fawr Geopark. Coed Taf Fawr is a large mixed woodland with pleasant walks and streams running through it. It is nestled around three reservoirs,with beautiful views.

There are lots of things to do for a family day out, with walking, puzzle and mountain biking trails to a play area, visitor centre and cafe. The cafe specialises in local produce ranging from Celtic Pride beef to Welsh real dairy award-winning ice cream.There are picturesque views from the restaurant area and there is outside seating for warmer days.

There is no fishing on the Garwnant site, but you can buy a permit to fish in reservoirs nearby that are managed by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Permits may be bought from the ticket machines on site. The cost of a permit varies according to location, size of catch, age and concessions.

Why not take your dog along?
Sample Itinerary
10.30 am Arrive for morning or full day out at woodland.
10.30 - 11.00 am Explore Visitor Centre.
11.00 - 12.00 pm Enjoy one of the walks mapped from the centre, try the low rope assault course, explore the bike trail or simply enjoy the woodland environment.
12.15 - 1.15 pm Lunch.
1.20pm Further exploration of Centre and woodland, visit Llwyn-onn reservoir (Beacons Bus) or depart for home.

How to get there

Download the location map.

Garwnant Visitor Centre is situated just off the A470, five miles north of Merthyr Tydfil.

The OS grid reference is SO 003 132.

The postcode for satellite navigation is CF48 2HU.

Parking charges

There is a charge for onsite parking to help towards the upkeep of the site.

The parking charge per day is:

  • £2 for cars
  • £5 for minibuses
  • £10 for coaches

An annual season ticket is available for £20. (Please note: you need to bring coins with you for the pay and display machine, then take your ticket to the visitor centre to collect your yearly pass).

Directions

Garwnant Visitor Centre is located just off the main A470 between Brecon (14 miles to the north) and Merthyr Tydfil (five miles to the south). It is well sign posted with brown tourism signs from the A470.

Public transport

The nearest train station is in Merthyr Tydfil.

The local bus service which passes the site is the T4 Merthyr to Brecon.

The Beacons Bus also passes the site and operates during the summer. For details of public transport visit www.traveline.cymru

The Taff Trail passes through Garwnant on its way from Cardiff to Brecon. This is a multi-purpose route for cyclists and walkers. The section that passes through Garwnant is more suitable for walking than cycling.