Colby Estate Little Craig y Borian Walk (Blue Trail)
Wales
An easy circular walk, through woodland, crossing a stream and up to the hidden gem of ‘Little Craig Y Borian’ Farmstead (a National Trust holiday cottage). Great views across farmland as you descend back to Colby Woodland Gardens.
Near to
Colby Woodland GardenStart point
Colby Estate Upper car park, grid ref: SN 15990 08175Trail information
*Not suitable for pushchair or wheelchairs or people with poor mobility.
**Dogs must be always kept under close control on a short lead near livestock on Colby Estate. Dogs on leads through Colby Woodland Garden. Dogs are allowed inside the Tearoom. Only assistance dogs allowed in the Walled Garden. Please take your dog waste home with you.
Wildlife to spot
Spring brings the chance to spot a Nuthatch or a Great Spotted Woodpecker, with Mayflies dancing over moving water. Early butterflies such as the Brimstone and Orange-tip emerge. The Woodland edges and understory are filled with bluebells. Watch out for rabbits in farmland edges. In summer, listen for the melodic songs of Blackcaps and the distinctive call of the Chiffchaff. Bats are hunting insects at dusk. You might spot frogs and newts in damp woodland areas. In autumn, spot Fungi, on the fallen trees and branches. Squirrels and small mammals are gathering food for winter. In winter, the woodlands come alive with feeding flocks of Great Tits, Blue Tits, and Long-tailed Tits, while Blackbirds, Robins, and Wrens fill the air with their calls. Farm hedgerows provide a winter refuge for Fieldfares and Redwings.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Colby Estate Upper car park, grid ref: SN 15990 08175
Stage 1
Facing the noticeboard at the top end of the carpark, go left along the woodland track. Continue for about 15 mins, just before the end of the track fork left on a gentle descent down a track towards the stream.
Stage 2
Either cross the stream at the ford when water flow is low or use the single footway to cross (no handrail). Follow blue waymarkers heading up a short steep ascent continuing around a sharp U bend. At the brow of the hill keep left on your path as it bends towards Little Craig Y Borian. (Ignore the gated path off right for the Pink & Orange trails). The path levels off.
Stage 3
At Little Craig Y Borian farmstead walk in front of the farmhouse and up the hill to follow its peaceful vehicle access track all the way along as it descends to the road.
Stage 4
You will reach a settlement of cottages and pass a private access to the old miners ‘Club Cottage’ on your left. On your right, you’ll see another National Trust cottage, once a home to the National Trust donor of Colby Lodge.
Stage 5
Turn left at the road, passing Rose Cottage on your left (National Trust holiday cottage).
Stage 6
Pass Colby Lodge (private) entrance on your right, to reach a rear public access through to the Tea Room and WC’s. Visit the Craft Gallery, and National Trust Visitor centre and book shop. To return to the upper car park, take the path opposite the lower car park entrance.
End point
Colby Estate car park, grid ref: SN 15990 08175
Trail map
Colby Estate Little Craig y Borian Walk (Blue Trail) Map | © Komoot
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Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
Visiting the garden at Colby Woodland Garden
From the walled garden’s humble beginnings as a kitchen garden, the woodland garden’s acres of heritage to our natural playground, there’s something for everyone.
Wildlife at Colby Woodland Garden
Colby’s wooded valley is teeming with creatures great and small. Look out for birds, bugs, very rare bats and even the occasional otter.
Eating and shopping at Colby Woodland Garden
A favourite with locals and visitors alike, the Bothy Tea-room serves delicious lunches and mouth-watering cakes and the Loft Gallery sells hand crafted local products. Our Visitor Centre has a second hand bookshop and souvenirs for the garden.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
