Crychan Forest
Outline
This is a pleasant, moderately strenuous walk with varied views. It can be done from either of the car park areas. Probably best from the start of Epynt Way Section 4. The route goes over fields before turning into the forest and winding down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and then rises to reach close to the Brynffo car park. Join the minor road and return to start point. The reverse can be done.
Map
All grid references are from OS Explorer Map 187, Llandovery.
Start and Finish Points
Beginning Section 4, Tirabad SN 872412, or Crychan Forest Brynffo car park, SN 849411
What3words ///resources.dramatic.showcases (Start Section 4) or ///dares.flipper.lush (Brynffo)
See Also Crychan Forest Association website https://www.crychanforest.org.uk/
Distance
6 miles/ 9.5kms
Walking Time
About 2&1/2 hours
Ascent/Descent
About 80-100ms fairly lengthy down and up as the route descends and ascends in a U shape with the lowest apex point a stream running between 2 arms of a valley.
Access/Parking
Both parking areas are reached by the minor road that runs between the A483 (SN808395), via Tirabad to Llangammarch Wells. There is good parking at the start of Section 4 and Brynffo car park Crychan Forset .
Park near the start Section 4. Follow the numbered marker posts to post 424.
The way goes up and down over fields with a views to the left over the whole Epynt & Sennybridge Ranges towards the Black Mountains.
Turn right at the post (SN864393). Go up the slope of the field to a horse gate with a Crychan Forest post by it – 177 (Crychan Forest number, as are all following and are only given for visible standing posts). This section is about 45 minutes.
Turn right here at post 42 (ignore straight ahead arrow) and walk downhill through forest until meeting another track turn sharp right. There is a scarcely visible moss-covered ruin on the right before this to try and spot.
Horse gate entry to Crychan Forest
The way is then on hard forest track to post 42.
The view is of the forest with some areas having been cut recently.
Right Turn
Ruin
The road goes downhill to cross a stream and rises up to then turn back to the right again at post 11. Follow the lower track along the forest edge. Don’t take paths off to the left, these are parts of other routes. The road goes up now initially through hard wood and then opening out into fields and there is a left turn to join the higher track accessing a horse corral and picnic area and the Brynffo car park. This section is about an hour.
There is a short way to the public road. Turn right to go back towards Tirabad and the start of Section 4. The road has little traffic and is quiet running between fields.
This takes 30 minutes or so. It goes past the ruined site of the Spite Farm and Inn.
Originally known as Ty'r Gors (trans. fen house.) the name was changed to Spite Inn when it became a pub and a regular watering hole for the passing drovers. The name spite, an English word, also means a wet place and therefore its description is very similar to that of its original Welsh name. It is still marked on maps but was knocked down in 2006. There is a notice board with its history and pictures of the no longer existing buildings.
Comment
This circular route can be done in either direction as there is good parking in two places. The way is very varied in terms of terrain, grassy and hardcore track and views – wide sweeping over moors to hills, soft fields and intimate forest. Near both parking areas are sites suitable for picnics.
Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.