Cwmcarn Forest Drive

Hey friends! 🌲✨

I’m so excited to share our family’s recent adventure at Cwmcarn Forest Drive! After being closed for over six years, it’s back as of 2021 and better than ever. Here are some of our personal highlights..after being greeted at the entrance and given a brief update on how the drive works we paid the entrance fee of £10 we were off and ready to explore the first stop! 

Cleanliness: The entire area is well-maintained and clean. It made our visit so much more enjoyable knowing we were in a well-cared-for environment.

The Views: Absolutely breathtaking! You can see for miles and miles from here! I took so many photos of the views while we were there but in all seriousness none of them truly captured the same magic our eyes did. 

Variety at Each Stop: Every stop along the drive is carefully planned out, making each part of the journey exciting and unique, on the one stop a small maze landscaped from stones excited the little people on others woodland trails provided adventure, it just goes to show they don't always need swings & slides. The variety kept the kids entertained and us adults intrigued. I personally enjoyed all the information boards with whimsical illustrations & wildlife information. 

Eco Toilets: This might sound strange, but the eco toilets at each stop were a lifesaver, especially with young kids in tow. No need to worry if you missed the last toilet stop because there’s always another one coming up. Plus, they’re eco-friendly!

Woodland Sculptures: These added a touch of magic to our visit. Nestled among tall trees, this stop was a personal favorite. There’s a small picnic spot and an enchanting walking trail on either side of the road.

Play Parks: The kids had a blast at the various playgrounds dotted along the route. Each one offered something different and fun. The playgrounds were suitable for a range of ages and allowed us to all enjoy hours of fun together, seating and picnic benches are thoughtfully nearby.  

BBQ Areas: Although we didn’t use them, the designated BBQ areas looked superb and were being enjoyed by other visitors. We’ll definitely be trying these out another time.

But it didn’t stop there! After exploring the main drive, playing in the parks, finding woodland sculptures, and enjoying the views with our picnic, we parked up in the car park (included in the entrance cost) and discovered even more! There’s a well-stocked and roomy café, another two play areas, a campsite, stunning woodland walks past a stream, and a huge lake! This place is one of the best hidden gems in Wales, and I can’t wait to visit again. 

A couple of things to note: we did encounter quite a few flying bugs in some areas, which is just part of nature but perhaps pack some bug spray & bite cream just incase, and the drive includes some steep drops that can be a bit nerve-wracking if you’re not a confident driver. Luckily, Matt is, but I might be a bit more hesitant behind the wheel!

All in all, if you’re looking for an enchanting, fun-filled family day out without breaking the bank, don’t mind the odd swarm of nature, and are a confident driver without a huge fear of heights, Cwmcarn Forest Drive is an absolute must!

Look out for their metal stamped plaques on wooden posts featuring animals with QR codes ;)

 

Check out their website for further information about the forest drive, for their camping site and dates for their upcoming wildlife events 🐛🐞🪲

https://www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk/en/activities/cwmcarn-forest-drive/

Catch you later! 

Miss Whimsy x