Dolaucothi woodland trail

Wales

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 walled garden of the former mansion, the trail is rich in history too.

Near to

Dolaucothi

Start point

Dolaucothi Woodland National Trust car park, grid ref: SN662403

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Duration1 hour 45 mins

Dog friendly***

*Mix of paths, tracks and lanes with a steep climb and descent. For further details, please see Terrain section
**First section of path wheelchair-accessible, up to Step 4 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. On your right you will see the tranquil Dolaucothi Estate Caravan Park.
Stage 2
Follow the path above the River Cothi. Go through the gate onto the track and turn left, down to the bridge. Head through the metal Parkland gate as you cross the bridge and turn right, keeping the River Cothi on your right
Stage 3
Turn left off the track through a waymarked wooden gate. A large ornamental cut-leaf Beech tree stands inside the gate on your left. Follow the track passing the wall of the old Walled Garden on your right.
Lime trees in the parkland on the Dolaucothi estate. | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Stage 4
Go through the gate into the field. An original Dolaucothi estate gate can be seen on your right. Cross the boardwalk and climb the steps through the trees. Turn left and then keep right as the path forks following the blue way markers.
Stage 5
Cross the forestry road through the wooden gate into the field, then head diagonally uphill towards the woodland, passing through two gates. At the fork in the paths, take the left track heading uphill on the edge of the woodland, following the blue way markers.
Stage 6
Keep right at the next fork continuing uphill, take in the views over the Cothi Valley and Cefn Coed Mawr farm to your right. As the path levels out turn left and continue along the track until reaching a large clearing. (As an alternative, keep left and follow the path along the fence line on your left until emerging onto the forestry road. Head down the forestry road until reaching steps on either side of you, Step 8 of the trail).
Stage 7
Head right at the clearing crossing a footbridge. Continue to follow the blue waymarkers as they meander down through the woodland. Keep an eye and ear out for the abundant woodland wildlife.
Stage 8
Make your way out of the trees and down the steps to the forestry road. Head down the next steps through the gate into the field. 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 main road, turn left onto the forestry road and continue uphill. Follow the blue way markers along the fence line on your right. Turn right heading downhill to reach Step 6 of the trail, 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, the Dolaucothi Arms and Pumsaint Hall. At the road, turn left and carefully join the pavement alongside the road as it crosses the river Cothi. Turn left at the road sign for Dolaucothi Gold Mines, there is a 350m section of road walking with no pavement here. At the fork turn left returning 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 right 2024 Ordnance Survey
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Miners' 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 trail

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.

View of green parkland with large trees in leaf

Dolaucothi Estate trail

Walk in Ancient Roman footsteps along the River Cothi and climb to the Dolaucothi Estate's highest point, for spectacular views over Pumsaint and the wider valley.