Llwybr Coedwig Cymru Trail: Llantrisant Forest to Nant y Moel

Llantrisant Forest to Nant y Moel

A cycle friendly stretch following National Cycle Network 4 and 883.

National Forest Sites on this route

Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Woodlands (Ynysmaerdy and Llantrisant Forest)
Coed Bach Dimbath
Coetiroedd Bach (Nant y Moel) off the route.
Ogwr Forest (Nant y Moel)

Route

Starting at Llantrisant Forest, parking available at Coed Garthmaelwg or nearby Talbot Green. Connect onto the Llwybr Coedwig Cymru trail via National Cycle Network 4.

This 18km section of the trail follows National Cycle Network 4 until you reach Blackmill, where the route continues on National Cycle Network 883.

As the route heads north from Llantrisant Forest, you are afforded views of the mature Douglas Fir trees, estimated to be around 100 years old.

The off road route continues alongside wooded areas to Thomastown, where the route then turns west towards Blackmill following the wooded valley of the Nant Llanilid and Cwm Ogwr Fach.

As you enter Blackmill you will pass the entrance to Coed Bach Dimbath; a National Forest for Wales site. This 2.3 ha mixed broadleaf woodland is managed by Valleys to Coast for the local community. There are local amenities you can access at Blackmill, including car parking and bus services.

From here, the route continues off road northwards to Nant y Moel following areas of broadleaved woodland along the Ogwr Fawr, with views to Ogwr Forest a working forest with large areas of conifers being harvested commercially. The route passes through the Ogmore Washeries; a community woodland area, where you might spot woodland birds such as Tree Creepers.

The route goes through Ogmore Vale, continuing along the wooded valley until you reach Nant y Moel, where you can take a detour from the trail to visit the Nant y Moel Coetiroedd Bach, planted in 2021 this Tiny Forest has 25 species of native trees.

At Nant y Moel the trail deviates from the National Cycle Network 883 to follow footpaths into Nant y Moel forest. Nant y Moel Forest is part of the Ogwr Forest managed by Natural Resources Wales this forest is part of the National Forest for Wales.

Route map

The map may not be accessible to all users. To request an alternative format, please email digital@gov.wales.

Map legend

Items marked with an asterisk* are not visible until zoomed in on the map.

Llwybr Coedwig Cymru Trail

Image	Llantrisant Forest to Nant y Moel	Image	National Forest for Wales
Image	Llwybr Coedwig Cymru Trail: section start / end

Travel

Image	Car park	Image	Bus / coach stop
Image	Train station	Image	Ferry terminal
Image	Airport

Facilities

Image	Public toilet	Image	Pub / restaurant*
Image	Cafe*	Image	Hotel / Boarding / Guest House*
Image	Holiday / Campsite*

About the National Forest sites in this section

Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Woodlands (Ynysmaerdy and Llantrisant Forest)

Ynysmaerdy and Llantrisant Forest are managed by Natural Resources Wales and are part of the National Forest for Wales. These woodlands are predominantly conifer plantation with small pockets of ancient Beech and ancient woodland sites which will be retained and gradually restored. It is possible to explore Llantrisant Forest on foot, horseback or cycle. There is a small carpark available at Coed Garthmaelwg.

Coed Bach Dimbath

A newly accessible woodland with opportunities for the local community to engage with and learn about nature. There are many exciting ventures planned at this woodland as part of the Woodland Investment Grant (from Welsh Government and National Lottery Heritage Fund) which is transforming this woodland into a well managed, accessible site that involves the local community - building a resilient woodland for the future.

Coetiroedd Bach (Nant y moel)

Planted in 2021 by volunteers, school children and local residents this 100m2 woodland has 25 tree species. Coetiroedd Bach sites are new areas of dense, native woodland that follow the Dr Akira Miyawaki method of forest creation. This means woodlands that are well managed, accessible to people and give local communities the opportunity to get involved in the woodland and nature.

Find out more about Coetiroedd Bach Tiny Forest.

Ogwr Forest (Nant y moel)

Nant y Moel forest is part of the Ogwr Forest block, managed by Natural Resources Wales and is part of the National Forest for Wales.

Nant y Moel is an upland conifer forest located at the upper reaches of the Ogmore Valley, Bridgend. A commercial plantation comprising of Sitka Spruce, Scots Pine with some small areas of mixed broadleaf woodland.

The woodland has suffered from windblow, where recent storms have uprooted or broken trees. Please be aware that works will be taking place here to remedy this storm damage. Follow safety signs and diversions in place on the ground.

Want to know more?

The Llwybr Coedwig Cymru Trail is made up of 4 different sections.

Each of them beautiful trails through National Forest sites.

Discover more