The world famous trails at Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park which attract thousands of tourists to the area every year are set to win over a whole new fan base of children.
Forestry Commission Wales, which manages the centre, has worked with students from Coleg Meirion Dwyfor in Dolgellau to create three primary school trails aimed at children aged up to 11.
The trails – for mountain biking, running and geocaching – use sections of the established routes that meander through the Welsh Assembly Government-owned woodlands.
The mini trails were created with the help of Dragon Sports, the Welsh Sports Council’s initiative to involve primary school children in sports of all sorts.
The students worked with Forestry Commission Wales rangers to set up the shorter, less strenuous routes as part of their outdoor adventure NVQ course.
They also arranged a launch day with three primary schools, Ysgol Machreth, Llanfachreth, Ysgol Ganllwyd and Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn, Trawsfynnydd.
The children took part in a mountain bike race, a running race and a geocaching treasure hunt with a pirate theme which involved finding a series of pirate-related pictures hidden in the woods.
Hilary Malyon, Visitor Centre Recreation Ranger, said, “I’m amazed at how the students have applied their knowledge and put together a great package for primary schools.
“Our woodlands offer many exciting opportunities for recreation and hopefully these trails will help to keep our children healthier by enticing them out into the great outdoors.”
The mountain bike trail uses a section of the renowned Tarw trail and the running trail uses part of the existing running route and a forest road. The geocaching trail uses the all-ability trail down to the River Eden and then up a public footpath, so three of the geocaches are also wheelchair accessible.
The idea for the primary school trails came about by happy coincidence. FC Wales was approached by Delwyn Humphries of Sports Council Wales to install some routes suitable for primary school groups as the existing trails were too long and, while talking to him, Delyth Jones from the college rang asking if there was a project the students could take on.
“It seemed an ideal opportunity for us all to work together and made a really worthwhile project for the students, with some real value to it,” said Hilary.
Delyth Jones, Coleg Meirion Dwyfor outdoor adventure course co-ordinator, said, “Working with the Forestry Commission Wales rangers and learning what is involved in planning trails and organising events has been a great experience for the students.”
