Cwmcarn Forest
Cwmcarn Forest
4.5
About
Cwmcarn Forest offers something for all the family. The visitor centre provides a place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and homewares as well as finding out about what you can do in the area. Sample our wide range of meals and snacks available at Ravens Cafe - with seating for 56 within the bright and airy interior or choose to eat outside on the impressive Decking area, which overlooks the Nantcarn Stream. Nestling alongside the banks of the Nantcarn stream is the Visit Wales 4* graded Cwmcarn Forest Campsite. A well-equipped caravan and camping park at the foot of the spectacular forest. Camping & caravan pitches along with Glamping pods providing all year accommodation, all with electric hook up provided. Cwmcarn Forest is a Mecca for walking and mountain biking. There are many walking trails directly on the site for all abilities; Relax with a spot of fishing at the lake or join in some of the events and activities that take part on site.
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4.5
205 reviews
Excellent
123
Very good
50
Average
14
Poor
6
Terrible
12
Natasha R
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Beautiful place, stunning drive. But as usual cyclists are a law to themselves. Now this is a place with plenty of designated cycle routes yet they still decide to go the wrong way around the one way forest drive for cars in groups!! And not try and make room. Which does spoil the experience.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey B
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We have stayed in Cwm Carn pods in the past but this year we decided to stay in a lodge. We were not disappointed. It was clean and comfy and very suitable for our 3 night stay. Surrounded by beautiful greenery the area is calm, peaceful and relaxing. The children enjoyed the play area, just a short walk away and a stroll around the lake. The area was safe for them to use their bikes outside the lodges. They had an amazing time. The Forest Drive offers experiences for different ages and interests. The children loved level 1 and 4 the most. There are some great views to be had as you travel up the levels.
There is great cafe on site with friendly and helpful staff. Deb cooks a great breakfast. No complaints at all from the 10 of us who tucked in and enjoyed every mouthful.
Maybe make sure you carry card and cash as the till did go down due to the poor signal in the area. Have a little patience if this does happen. The staff do a great job.
We will definitely be returning next year for a few days. I got my eyes on a lodge and the children want a pod. Time will tell who wins!
There is great cafe on site with friendly and helpful staff. Deb cooks a great breakfast. No complaints at all from the 10 of us who tucked in and enjoyed every mouthful.
Maybe make sure you carry card and cash as the till did go down due to the poor signal in the area. Have a little patience if this does happen. The staff do a great job.
We will definitely be returning next year for a few days. I got my eyes on a lodge and the children want a pod. Time will tell who wins!
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann Board
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Lovel quiet place.
Some improvements needed. It was a pet friendly lodge, but it didn't have a gate. My dog got out, so it wasn't really pet friendly.
Lack of utensils, one small frying pan for a lodge that sleeps 4 ?, no corkscrew, no oven gloves( safety issue ), no tea towels, these are basics that should have been there.
There was a stain and human hair on the one bed sheet.
WiFi was very patchy, and could have really done with the addition of a simple fan, it was 25 c inside the lodge.
We did enjoy our stay but would not come back unless there are gates put on the pet friendly lodge unfortunately.
Some improvements needed. It was a pet friendly lodge, but it didn't have a gate. My dog got out, so it wasn't really pet friendly.
Lack of utensils, one small frying pan for a lodge that sleeps 4 ?, no corkscrew, no oven gloves( safety issue ), no tea towels, these are basics that should have been there.
There was a stain and human hair on the one bed sheet.
WiFi was very patchy, and could have really done with the addition of a simple fan, it was 25 c inside the lodge.
We did enjoy our stay but would not come back unless there are gates put on the pet friendly lodge unfortunately.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deans
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Nice place to visit. £8 entry and £40 penalty change per car if don’t get out of the car by 6pm.
At the entrance they don’t tell you anything except payment, a map/leaflet doesn’t tell you about £40 penalty charges.
We been told the Forest Rangers will drive 30 minutes before closing but of course they don’t. WeThey closed the get even before 6pm stuck with small children.
By 6pm Forest drive Rangers/workers will simply disappear without any help and leave you To Bullies. sPhone number provided but that phone is some bully private security company and will take at least 20-30 minutes to get hold of them because of Signal then wait 40-50 minutes for them to come.
Advance payment before they open the gate.
No payment no release (Imprisonment) and this legal contract signed by these companies
At the entrance they don’t tell you anything except payment, a map/leaflet doesn’t tell you about £40 penalty charges.
We been told the Forest Rangers will drive 30 minutes before closing but of course they don’t. WeThey closed the get even before 6pm stuck with small children.
By 6pm Forest drive Rangers/workers will simply disappear without any help and leave you To Bullies. sPhone number provided but that phone is some bully private security company and will take at least 20-30 minutes to get hold of them because of Signal then wait 40-50 minutes for them to come.
Advance payment before they open the gate.
No payment no release (Imprisonment) and this legal contract signed by these companies
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Welshcake
Wales UK289 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We did the Cwmcarn Forest Scenic Drive yesterday and what an amazing day we had .
I live local and the last time for us to visit the actual scenic drive was the day before the closure many years ago.
What a transformation and all credit to those who were involved in the work to transform this drive into a spectacular day out .
The views going around the scenic drive are breathtaking and the facilities at each stop are excellent . The portable like toilet facilities are spotlessly clean with disabled access and child changing facilities.
The stone work particularly in Car Park 2 garden is incredible.
We took our dog and a picnic and did the drive over a few hours and even did one of the walking trails .
Our friends met us there too and we had a wonderful picnic lunch on the picnic tables provided and even did an afternoon tea at Car Park 6 which definitely is the Jewel in the Crown as it was a clear sunny day with outstanding views over towards the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel.
When I returned home I realised I had lost a necklace at Car Park 1 and rang the visitor centre the following morning and they even sent a park warden to look for it for me !!
In the meantime our friends returned there and found it straight away in the grass as they knew the exact spot where we had been .
However all praise to the excellent staff who work there and the service provided to us .
Definitely an excellent day out and well worth a visit(s) !!!!
I live local and the last time for us to visit the actual scenic drive was the day before the closure many years ago.
What a transformation and all credit to those who were involved in the work to transform this drive into a spectacular day out .
The views going around the scenic drive are breathtaking and the facilities at each stop are excellent . The portable like toilet facilities are spotlessly clean with disabled access and child changing facilities.
The stone work particularly in Car Park 2 garden is incredible.
We took our dog and a picnic and did the drive over a few hours and even did one of the walking trails .
Our friends met us there too and we had a wonderful picnic lunch on the picnic tables provided and even did an afternoon tea at Car Park 6 which definitely is the Jewel in the Crown as it was a clear sunny day with outstanding views over towards the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel.
When I returned home I realised I had lost a necklace at Car Park 1 and rang the visitor centre the following morning and they even sent a park warden to look for it for me !!
In the meantime our friends returned there and found it straight away in the grass as they knew the exact spot where we had been .
However all praise to the excellent staff who work there and the service provided to us .
Definitely an excellent day out and well worth a visit(s) !!!!
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KatrinaR17
Cardiff, UK125 contributions
Apr 2023
Just 30 minutes from my home in Cardiff is Cwmcarn Forest Drive. It is labelled as one of the best-kept secrets of the Valleys.
The Drive is 7 miles long and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete if you don’t stop at any of the car parks. The average visit is around 2-3 hours. Of course, you can stay longer. There are seven car parks where you can get out and enjoy the countryside or have a BBQ or picnic.
Remember to bring the dogs; because they’ll love the Cwmcarn Forest Drive Park too!
The Drive is 7 miles long and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete if you don’t stop at any of the car parks. The average visit is around 2-3 hours. Of course, you can stay longer. There are seven car parks where you can get out and enjoy the countryside or have a BBQ or picnic.
Remember to bring the dogs; because they’ll love the Cwmcarn Forest Drive Park too!
Written 22 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
653philipb
Portishead71 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Not visited for about 10 years..has been closed ...and what a transformation! Roads relaid, resurfaced, parking and signag emuch improved and a totally renewed experience. The icing on the cake was the impressive panoramic view of the Sevenr.and I live 8 miles away directly opposite. All the facilities have had a major upgrade and is a must if you are in the area on a clear day!
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keeksdeeks
Maidstone, UK106 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
We just took the Forest Drive & it's so so lovely. It was a bit of a flying visit but it's a great way to see some amazing views & some lovely stop off places for picnics. It's one way so no need to worry & there are toilets along the way too. Would love to go back for a proper walk up here so I'll do this next time.
Written 28 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian A
Felixstowe, UK27 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Stayed for a week in our tent to explore the surrounding areas. Walking the trails in Cwmcarn Forest Drive did not disappoint and if you’re up for a good challenging stomp then look for the unmarked trails straight up the mountain! Not to be missed are the staggering views from the iron-age hill fort; Newport, Cardiff and beyond. The site is perfect for anyone wanting peace and quiet, a toilet and shower block along with kitchen and laundry ticks all the boxes. We had the all-weather pitch and considering it rained every day stayed dry under foot. Well sheltered from the wind with plenty of tree screens. Thoroughly enjoyable stay and within 30 mins driving of the M4.
If you want outdoors and quiet then this is your place
If you want outdoors and quiet then this is your place
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nick t
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Family
We visited cwmcarn forest today for a family dog walk.
We found the walks were very poorly marked and no maps showing walking routs.
However the views are beautiful.
We found the walks were very poorly marked and no maps showing walking routs.
However the views are beautiful.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Di31368
32 contributions
Are dogs allowed?
Also are dogs allowed camping and is there a charge..
Whatlee
Newport, UK
Has the abercarn scenic drive pond ever been totally drained of water
Michael O
Newport, UK
Hi, Didn't even know there was an inbox on Trip Advisor, apologies for the very long delay... The pond has not been totally drained of water, it was greatly reduced a few years ago to allow for the silt removal but not totally free of water.
janice s
5 contributions
Please can you tell me if there are any walks where there is no water and also are dogs allowed off leads
Thanking you in anticipation
Michael O
Newport, UK
Hi, there are numerous walks around the woodland that avoid our lake and river however you may come across the odd stream or two. Dogs must be kept on their leads around and within the visitor centre and must be kept under control around the rest of the site (no leads required). There are some farms on the upper slopes where sheep and cattle roam so again please keep dogs on a lead in these areas. You can access further information on the Cwmcarn Forest website or ask at our reception and the staff can advise you of the best walks to suit your needs.
ady p
Chester, UK35 contributions
Will the cycle trails be open in January
Michael O
Newport, UK
Hi,
Yes, all the trails will be open in January and during the tree removal, some diversions will be in place but not currently. THe valley floor and visitor centre will remain open and unaffected. please check with Cwmdown if you require uplift fot the downhill trails.
Thanks
Margaret Mary O
London, UK96 contributions
Has this forest been bulldozed yet? The reason I am asking is that , according to a review on this attraction on trip advisor, it was due to be built over. Thank you in advance for yr help.
Michael O
Newport, UK
Hi
The work to remove the larch trees from the site is beginning, currently the two downhill and two cross country trails will remain open though some diversions may have to be put in place during felling operations for H&S reasons. The valley floor will not be effected during the tree removal and access to all the footpaths, lake, campsite & visitor centre will remain. The Drive has closed but the forest remains very much open for business.
Thanks williamsk for your comment. Please ask if you have any further questions.
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Claim your listingCWMCARN FOREST: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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