Gogerddan Wood Bluebell Walk
Ceredigion
Gogerddan Wood is a small Natural Resources Wales woodland three miles north east of Aberystwyth, named after Plas Gogerddan, the mansion of the Pryse family who grew rich on the silver and lead mines of north Ceredigion. A dog with good recall can go off lead here, since livestock rarely reaches the trees. The wood still has some fine veteran trees, including oak, sweet chestnut and lime, and in late spring the ground under them is carpeted with bluebells, with a strong show of autumn colour later in the year. The single waymarked trail is a 2.4km circuit from the car park, which sits by the Nant Clarach stream with a small sheltered picnic site. It packs 100 metres of climbing into a short distance, with numerous climbs and steep descents on a rough surface that can be wet, and a bench at a viewpoint looking out over fields and hills.
This is a compact, dog friendly woodland walk that is ideal for a quick outing from Aberystwyth. Livestock is unlikely inside the wood, so a dog with good recall can enjoy some off-lead time under close control, which is what Natural Resources Wales asks for on its trails. The Nant Clarach by the picnic site gives a drink at the start and finish, and the trees give plenty of shade. Keep an eye on your dog near the road at the car park entrance. Parking is free, and there are no toilets or cafe on site.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 55 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Picnic site by the Nant Clarach at the car park; no toilets or cafe. Shops and cafes in Aberystwyth and Bow Street.
- Parking
- Gogerddan Wood car park, Natural Resources Wales, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Gogerddan Wood Bluebell Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in CeredigionFrequently Asked Questions
Is Gogerddan Wood Bluebell Walk dog friendly?
Gogerddan Wood scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a solid choice for a walk with your dog. Livestock rarely reaches the trees, the Nant Clarach stream by the picnic area offers a natural drinking spot, and the woodland shade keeps things comfortable on warmer days. Parking is free, so it's an easy, low-fuss outing from Aberystwyth.
Can dogs be off lead at Gogerddan Wood Bluebell Walk?
Dogs with good recall can enjoy some off-lead time here, since livestock rarely ventures into the wood itself. Natural Resources Wales, who manage the site, ask that dogs are kept under close control on their trails, so off-lead freedom works best if your dog responds reliably to your call. Do keep an eye on your dog near the road at the car park entrance, where traffic is a consideration.
What should I know before visiting Gogerddan Wood Bluebell Walk with my dog?
The 2.4km waymarked circuit is compact but fairly demanding, with 100 metres of climbing packed into a short distance, steep descents, and a rough, often wet surface — worth bearing in mind for dogs who find tricky terrain a challenge. There are no toilets or cafe on site, so come prepared; the nearest shops and cafes are in Aberystwyth or Bow Street. The Nant Clarach stream at the car park is handy for a drink before and after the walk.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Gogerddan Wood Car Park, Penrhyncoch Road, Penrhyncoch, Aberystwyth SY23 3ED
52.4347, -4.0102
Get DirectionsWhat’s Nearby?
Walk3.1 mi awayWales Coast Path: Aberystwyth to Borth
Ceredigion
A switchback clifftop hike for dogs on leads from Constitution Hill to Borth on the Wales Coast Path, with a train ride back for their owners.
Beach3.2 mi awayAberystwyth North Beach
Ceredigion
The northern stretch of Aberystwyth's seafront with year-round access on the upper section and the university town's facilities within reach.
Beach4 mi awayBorth Beach
Ceredigion
A long shingle and sand beach at the edge of the Dyfi Estuary, famous for its submerged prehistoric forest exposed at low tide and year-round access.
Walk5.4 mi awayBwlch Nant yr Arian Ridgetop Trail
Ceredigion
A heather ridge and forest circuit above the Melindwr Valley where dogs stretch their legs off lead, while red kites are fed daily by the lake below.
Beach6.6 mi awayYnyslas Beach
Ceredigion
A vast National Nature Reserve at the top of the Dyfi Estuary with dunes and year-round access in an extraordinary position between estuary and open sea.
Walk7.1 mi awayBlack Covert Ystwyth Riverside Walk
Ceredigion
An almost level loop beside the River Ystwyth through old beech woods near Trawsgoed, where dogs can paddle and owners enjoy spring bluebells.