Cwmcarn Forest

One of the best places in South Wales for mountain biking, walking or picnics in South Wales. Loads of stops for a little drive also and some amazing views

Beautiful scenery and stunning forest sights. Had a wonderful afternoon driving around the routeway. Sadly, because of walking difficulties we couldn't waver far from the paths, but the views were stunning. There are lots of Off road biking activities available and food, drinks and toilets available in visitors centre.

What a stunning drive-through forest with amazing views throughout. 7 car park areas to stop and take photos or picnic. Walking and cycling routes for the adventurous.

Loved walking here a couple of weeks ago. It’s a short 20 minutes drive from Newport. Lovely views of the whole area from up top. The last part of the hike is pretty steep for about 15-20 minutes, but worth the views from there. Definitely recommend and will go back soon.

What a great place. We did the forest drive with our granddaughters. A superb location for picnics and playgrounds.. pity North Wales doesn't have such a facility.

Amazing forest walks and biking trails. Suitable for all ages and accessibility needs. Great coffee shop and pop up food trucks on site.

Unique and amazing experience. Drive through a private forest, park in any of the several parkings and enjoy the views, playgrounds, trails or just sit and relax. A paradise for mountain bike lovers.

What a fantastic experience. We walked the loop around to Twmbalwm Castle and Trig point. The views over the Bristol Channel, Pontypool, Cwmbran, Newport and Steel Holm and Flat Holm were outstanding. In the opposite direction was Pen Y Fan, Corn Ddu and Cribyn. On on the opposite mountain we saw aberdare wind farm. A Truly wonderful moderate walk .

My 1st visit to Cwmcarn, and wasn't disappointed this is a fantastic mtb trail centre , there's trails 2 suit everyone I chose cafall , good level of fitness needed but not essential just take your time, I was on a EBIKE and covered many miles, rode through some spooky woods with weird shape trees, and finished off with a lovely meal at the cafe, Cwmcarn highly recommended.

This was our first visit to Forest Drive with our daughter & son-in-law who live locally & have been before. The road is of an excellent quality & there are numerous stops around the forest with quite breathtaking views across the Welsh Valleys & over the Bristol Channel.

Binoculars & a camera are a must.

Easy to find with Google maps, pay and display parking. Nice cafe and gift shop (wheelchair accessible), very welcoming staff. Multiple trails all marked out with estimated time for completion. Dog friendly.

Had a fab time, a birthday Dissapointed in the cafe, my jacket potato was cold and missing a topping but the staff are very friendly.
More toilets would be ideal for younger ones,

Absolutely brilliant. Not publicised enough. Hadn't known you have to pay to go on the drive, but was well worth it! Really super job has been made of the single track, one way roads, and each of the seven car parks, some with toilets, some with play parks for the children. Particularly enjoyed the one with beautifully carved beasts of the forests. Views are spectacular. Cycle tracks and hiking tracks too; believe there is canoeing available too. Visitor centre to give any information you need.

A great place to start if you wish to hike twmbalin. Nice cafe too. Loads of kids play areas that look new. Also you can can pay card for parking at the visitors centre. Just remember your car reg and your all set.

Lovely area for walking, well kept walkways around the pond and visitors centre. We had a cup of hot chocolate and a snack which was reasonably priced. The forest drive has beautiful views, we have a season pass, we visit a few times a month.

Beautiful place to walk with a lake and lots of sitting areas. Lovely visitor centre too and cafe. A hard mountain bike pathway too. You can walk miles here. Very serene too. £1 for 2 hour stay, £3 for longer

One of the best outdoor areas in Wales if not the UK. You have fantastic mountain bike trails, plenty of play areas for the children, walks through the forest and around the pond, a decent restaurant and fantastic views.

Feeling fit? Try a walk to the top of Twmbarlwm! Whilst technically a hill, if you start from Cwmcarn forest side you'll have had a good work out. On a clear day you get a great 360 view.

If you don't fancy the walk you can drive up. £8 for a car will give you access to a scenic drive with various car parks a long the way with toilet facilities. You'll also have access to the playgrounds and picnic areas. Parking area 3 has the best playground on the site.

Wow .. spectacular scenery and views .. staff were extremely helpful and informative .. if you've not visited I'd highly recommend .. the walks are as easy or as hard as you want them to be

Lovely spot for a ride, walk or a skate. Lovely scenery

What an absolutely stunning place. I've never ever heard of the place until recently. The place is a must on a sunny day!

Great roads through the mountainside.
And a lovely spot for kids, with playgrounds,toilets, and even bbq areas