Visitor Information
Visitor information
Useful information to make your visit to Cwmcarn Forest enjoyable including travel directions, opening hours and contact details for enquires.
Visitor Centre
The new Visitor Centre features a spacious information area where you will find walking guides, maps and information on the surrounding area. There is a great selection of gifts in the Gift Shop featuring locally produced crafts and Welsh goods. The café at Cwmcarn Visitor Centre has a new menu with a wide range of snacks and cakes.
An ideal place to sit and relax after your visit. Well behaved dogs (and their owners) are welcome in the cafe!
Visitor Centre Opening Times
| 2nd September - 21st April | 9:00am - 5:00pm (4:30pm Fri) |
| 22nd April - 1st September | 9:00am - 5:00pm (6:00pm Fri-Sun) |
| 23rd December - 2nd January | Closed |
(Due to circumstances outside of our control there will be no toilet facilities available during the closedown period.)
Cwmcarn Forest Drive
Cwmcarn Forest Drive, run by Forestry Commission Wales, is a seven mile long scenic route through the rolling hills and green mountains of one the country's largest urban forests.
Opening times
| March | 11:00am - 5:00pm |
| April - August | 9:00am - 7:00pm (last entry 6:00pm) |
| September - October | 11:00am - 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm) |
| November - February | 11:00am - 4:00pm (weekends only) |
Inclement Weather
Please note that the Drive may be closed in adverse weather conditions including high winds, poor visibilty, snow and ice. You are advised to contact the centre before your journey. Thank you.
How to find us
Directions
By Road - please refer to the map, select the marker, choose 'Get Directions: To here' and enter your starting location.
(As you approach Cwmcarn Forest, please follow the signage for the site, as Satellite Navigation Systems will direct you to a local housing estate.)
Public Transport
Please visit the Traveline website for a comprehensive journey planner offering all possible bus, coach and rail options to Cwmcarn Forest.
Bus
The most convenient bus stops are "Silver Street" situated on Twyncarn Road in Pontywaun. These are at the main entrance road to Cwmcarn Forest Drive.
Train
The nearest train station is Crosskeys, which is about a 15minute walk from the Visitor Centre.
Useful contact details
| National Rail Enquiries | - 08457 484950 |
| Traveline Cymru | - 0871 200 22 33 / website |
| Caerphilly Travelinks | - 01495 235223 |
Parking
Car parking charges now apply throughout the site, £1 for 2 hours, £3 all day.
Parking charges
Please note that Parking charges have now been implemented across the site, any visitor will be required to display a valid ticket within their vehicle. £1 for the first 2 hours, £3 for the whole day. A ticket is valid for all car parks throughout the site (please note that no parking ticket is required for the Forest Drive however an entrance fee applies).
Camping Pods
Camping Pods are available to hire
Find out more
Cwmcarn Forest VC
Cwmcarn
Crosskeys. NP11 7FA
Tel: 01495 272001
e-mail Visitor Centre