Cwmcarn Forest with its stunning forest drive and visitor centre, has spent the last two years upgrading and revamping its on site campsite. All the hard work has paid off as last week it obtained a Visit Wales Four Star grading. The site has undergone vast improvements in the past two years with the modernisation of the amenity block, three new hardstandings for tourers & motorhomes, seven all weather camping pitches and three new glamping Pods.
The new glamping pods are a wonderful addition to the campsite, giving those people who are not keen on sleeping under canvas a warm and cosy alternative!
Works have also been completed on a number of projects around Cwmcarn Forest to improve access for visitors to the site. Thanks to funding from the Valleys Regional Park initiative, a new Oak footbridge and steps link has been constructed from the main car park to the visitor centre, making the centre easily accessible. Over 900m of footpaths have also been resurfaced around the site along with 500m of new footpaths created making more of the site accessible to visitors with many accessible to pushchair and wheelchair users. Many of the new footpaths form part of a series of walks, which are available in newly produced walking packs from the visitor centre.
These projects have been funded through the Valleys Regional Park. This initiative links a network of visitor facilities, country parks, heritage sites and nature reserves across the Valleys. The Valleys Regional Park will make a significant contribution to the promotion of the Valleys as the Heart and Soul of Wales.
The Valleys Regional Park is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.
For those who haven’t sampled the splendour and tranquillity of this stunning forest, it really is worth a visit. Families will enjoy the forest woodcarvings, adventure playground and picnic spots, all hidden away on the forest drive. For the more adventurous walker there is a selection of longer more challenging walks including a 6.5 mile Twmbarlwm walk and once experienced, many will share the view of the Welsh Ramblers’ Association, that Twmbarlwm Hillfort provides one of the best walks in Wales. The 3600 views across South East Wales and the Severn Estuary are truly breathtaking.
For more information on Cwmcarn Forest, including walks, mountain biking and events, visit www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk or contact the Visitor Centre on 01495 272001.
