Accessible Britain

159 Garwnant Forest Visitor Centre, Merthyr Tydfil
Address: Garwnant Visitor Centre, Cwmtaf CF48 2HU Web: www.naturalresources.wales, then seach
Garwnant Tel: 01685 722481 Hours: site open daily 10am–4pm, extended to 5pm in summer; check
the website for up-to-date opening hours Dates: closed 1 Jan & 25–26 Dec Entry: free; car park £2,
minibus £5
Garwnant Visitor Centre makes an excellent launchpad for enjoying the forest, streams,
waterfalls and fabulous views of this corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Of particular interest to disabled visitors is the waymarked all-ability trail which
is accessed from just outside the visitor centre (or from the car park), taking you on a
short but very pretty woodland walk. Along the way, you’ll pass a pond with an accessible
dipping platform, where you can investigate the underwater pondlife – always a big hit
with children. Look out, too, for several striking animal sculptures, including a life-size
stag. The path follows a fast-flowing river, which it crosses in several places, and takes in
many beautiful trees, including a lovely willow tunnel. The trail is about half a mile long
and takes about forty minutes to complete. Also on offer here is a kids’ mountain bike park
and low rope course, and a couple of longer trails, suitable for visitors with good mobility.
There are three Blue Badge bays in front of the on-site restaurant, with a couple of
additional bays across the road from here. The visitor centre, restaurant and toilet block
are arranged around a courtyard, and all offer level, easy access. There are separate male
and female accessible toilets, and there’s also a RADAR key-accessible Changing Places
toilet, with a ceiling hoist, full-sized changing bed and space for several carers. The allability
trail is mostly hard-surfaced and has seating at regular intervals; note, however,
that it includes some steep inclines – manual wheelchair users will require assistance
from a fit companion, and people with limited walking ability may find it challenging.
Those with an all-terrain powered chair or scooter will have no problem.
FOOD & DRINK aa The spacious restaurant offers snacks and meals, with a family-oriented
menu. There’s also a wheelchair accessible picnic table in the main car park.
Garwnant Forest
WALES
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