Dolaucothi Woodland trail
This moderate circular walk following the blue waymarks climbs through beautiful Carmarthenshire woodland, where you may be lucky to spot wildlife including badgers and woodpeckers. From the Roman gold mines at Dolaucothi to the Pumsaint stone and the walled garden of the former mansion, the trail is rich in history too.
Near to
DolaucothiStart point
Dolaucothi Woodland National Trust car park, grid ref: SN662403Trail information
*Mix of paths, lanes and tracks with a fairly steep climb. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**First section of path wheelchair-accessible, up to Step 2 on the map. For further details, please see Access section.
***Dogs on leads welcome. For further details, please see Facilities section.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Dolaucothi Woodland National Trust car park, grid ref: SN662403
Stage 1
Start at the Woodland car park (opposite the Gold Mines car park). At the far end of the car park follow the footpath.
Stage 2
As you cross the wooden bridge turn right, keeping the River Cothi on your right.
Stage 3
Turn left off the track through a small gate, and follow the wall of the old Walled Garden. Head across the field and continue through the trees following the blue markers.
Lime trees in the parkland on the Dolaucothi estate. | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey Stage 4
Cross the forestry road and go into the field, then head uphill towards the woodland.
Stage 5
At the fork in the paths, take the left track heading uphill on the edge of the woodland.
Stage 6
Turn right, heading uphill. (Another option is to continue straight along the fence boundary, rejoining the trail at Step 8, shown in the lower trail on the map.)
Stage 7
Continue to follow the blue waymarks along the woodland tracks. Keep an eye and ear out for the abundant woodland wildlife.
Stage 8
Make your way out of the trees, cross the forestry road and continue down the field towards the village of Pumsaint. Please note this section can get very muddy in winter. (As an alternative, avoiding the village and the road, you can turn left onto the forestry road and continue straight to reach Step 6, where you can retrace your steps to the car park.)
Stage 9
Exit the fields into the village car park. Here you will find the Old Coach House with information and toilets. At the road, turn left and carefully join the pavement alongside the road as it crosses the river. At the road sign for Dolaucothi Gold Mines, fork left down the lane and walk back to the car park.
The visitor centre near Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler End point
Dolaucothi Woodland National Trust car park, grid ref: SN662403
Trail map
Map of the Dolaucothi Woodland trail, Carmarthenshire | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Miner’s Way trail at Dolaucothi
Experience history on this moderate trail at Dolaucothi, where you'll follow in the footsteps of gold miners through the ages.
Dolaucothi Parkland walk
Explore the parkland around Dolaucothi on this gentle stroll, taking in the grounds of the mansion and riverside paths, with spring bluebells and autumn fungi.
Dolaucothi Woodland trail
Walk through beautiful woodland, following paths once taken by horses dragging timber. Uncover the history of Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Pumsaint village and the former mansion as you go.
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