Explore Garwnant

Looking for a little inspiration?

We’ve gathered just a few ideas to help you make the most of your visit. There are hundreds of ways to explore the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. There really is something for everyone here. Whether you want to explore more of the area, spend time in nature, take little ones on a woodland walk or enjoy an action filled adventure.

The long distance Taff Trail from Cardiff to Brecon passes through the forest. The 55mile/93km way-marked route for walkers and cyclists is largely traffic-free and passes through a variety of landscapes along its course.

Walking and nature trails

waterfalls at garwnant visitor centre

There are four trails which begin and end at the Visitor Centre: 

The Willow Walk is a gentle all-ability trail with a number of stream crossings. The trail allows easy access to explore the forest for visitors with wheelchairs, electric buggies and pushchairs. After crossing three bridges, the trail goes through a willow tunnel on its way back to the Visitor Centre.

Half a mile, 1 km

Willow Walk

This woodland trail runs through the centre of the cabin location at Garwnant and returns to the Visitor Centre along a forest road which offers some wonderful views along the way. 

Wern Walk

2 miles, 3.2 km

Located at the Visitor Centre, this half-mile walk allows you to discover more about the wildlife and trees that thrive in and around Garwnant.

0.5 miles, 800m

Tree Discovery Trail

Animal Sculpture Trail

Beginning at the Visitor Centre, this trail is an easy walk. Follow the clues and the map around the trail, keeping your eyes peeled for animal sculptures as you go. Pick up a leaflet for the Tree Discovery and the Animal Sculpture Trail from the Visitor Centre.

0.75 miles, 1.1 km

nature trails at garwnant visitor centre
dog exploring garwnant
explore waterfalls at garwnant
garwnant family friendly trails

Cycling trails from Garwnant Visitor Centre

  • The Rowan Trail

    550m green-graded (easy)

    Designed for junior first-time mountain bikers, the trail can be ridden fast or slow - the choice is yours! It starts with a warm up in the Mountain Bike Skills Park, and then goes up a broad single-track climb. The trail descends a series of open turns, humps and bumps and finishes below the Bike Park. A great, short and easy trail for beginners.

  • The Spruce Trail

    450m blue-graded (moderate)

    Designed to improve riding skills. It shares the ascent with the Rowan trail and then splits off to follow a short rhythm section. An easy drop off is followed by some steep bermed corners and the fast descent flows through more turns and a fast finish, leading back on to the shared ascent. The route then descends the Rowan trail to finish.

  • The Mountain Bike Skills Park

    Currently closed

    A series of child-friendly obstacles designed to improve skills and build confidence. Riders need to be able to pedal uphill and to negotiate simple turns. All features can be ridden slowly or avoided completely, and riders push their bike up the ramp and ride around each of the features in turn. Parental supervision is recommended.