Fforest Fawr and Castell Coch: Sir Henry's Trail
Cardiff
Fforest Fawr is a mixed woodland on the hillside above the Taff Gorge, just north of Cardiff, and it wraps around Castell Coch, the Victorian Gothic Revival castle built on medieval ruins that rises out of the beech woods above the A470. Natural Resources Wales waymarks four walks here, and Sir Henry's Trail, a good off lead run for dogs given the lack of livestock, is the one that links the two car parks, a 3.9km circuit graded moderate. Along the way it passes the Three Bears Cave, also known as the Three Arches, the dramatic remains of old iron mine workings that can be seen from behind a fence, and the woodland floor is dotted with overgrown mounds and hollows from the mining. In spring there are bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic. The paths are woodland tracks with some ups and downs. The woods are a regular film location, used for scenes in Merlin and Sherlock.
This is a very dog friendly walk and one of the best woodland outings close to Cardiff. There is no grazing livestock, so dogs with good recall can enjoy genuine off-lead time under the trees, which also give reliable shade. Keep dogs away from the fenced mine entrances, and on a lead near the busy Castell Coch car park and the Taff Trail, which cyclists use. There is little water on the route, so carry some. The Fforest Fawr car park is free, with picnic tables alongside.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.9 km (2.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 40 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Picnic tables at Fforest Fawr car park; no toilets there. Castell Coch (Cadw) has visitor facilities for castle visitors.
- Parking
- Fforest Fawr car park, Natural Resources Wales, free, no overnight parking; alternative start from Castell Coch car park.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Fforest Fawr and Castell Coch: Sir Henry's Trail, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CardiffFrequently Asked Questions
Is Fforest Fawr and Castell Coch: Sir Henry's Trail dog friendly?
Sir Henry's Trail rates 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the best woodland walks near Cardiff. There's no grazing livestock on the route, the paths are shaded by beech trees, and the free Fforest Fawr car park even has picnic tables where you can take a break with your dog.
Can dogs be off lead at Fforest Fawr and Castell Coch: Sir Henry's Trail?
Yes — the absence of livestock means dogs with good recall can enjoy genuine off-lead time through the woods for much of this 3.9km circuit. The main exceptions are near the busy Castell Coch car park and the Taff Trail, where cyclists pass through, so pop your dog back on the lead in those spots.
What should I know before visiting Fforest Fawr and Castell Coch: Sir Henry's Trail with my dog?
There's very little water on the route, so it's worth bringing your own supply for your dog, especially on warmer days. Keep dogs away from the fenced mine entrances at the Three Bears Cave — the old iron workings are visible from behind a fence but the ground around is uneven with mounds and hollows. The Fforest Fawr car park is free and has no overnight parking, and there are no toilet facilities there.
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