What a fantastic and magical find! Just a short distance in from the North Coast of Pembrokeshire Ty Canol wood is like landing back in the times of Robin Hood and his merry men.
We found this gem in the summer so our experience was in the drier season however we believe with the tree cover this walk would be an ideal consideration for an Autumn, wellies, woolly socks and mac adventure, maybe before a fabulous pub meal in Newport.
The ground is uneven and gorgeously undeveloped so you will need to be comfortable with stepping over rocks, bending beneath low branches and navigating tree roots.
The walk immerses you in wonderful shady woodland with characterful aging oak trees and then, if you wish to add on view from up high, pops you out on the top of a rocky peak overlooking Newport bay, it really is stunning. Look for the hill called Carnedd Meibion Owen on your map and if you fancy a bit of a hill climb then add it in to your walk.
You will need to be able footed and happy to scamper over uneven rocky ground but my goodness – what a view from the top. Well worth the panting to get there.
Ty Canol is surrounded by archaeological sites, displaying the rich history of this region. Adjacent to Ty Canol is the famous Pentre Ifan Cromlech a Neolithic Chambered Dolmen believed to have been built about 5,500 years ago, 1,000 years before the Pyramids (one of the best examples of a cromlech in Wales) It’s worth a visit, and it’s just a quick 130-meter walk from where you park.
This old burial site is kind of like Stonehenge, making you wonder how they managed to move those huge rocks (these rocks are the same kind you’ll find at Stonehenge). And the views from here are lovely too.
Very impressive in the flesh, pictures don’t do it justice in my opinion.
One of Ty Canol’s remarkable features is its diverse collection of lichen. These curious organisms, formed from a partnership between fungus and alga, have flourished here. Over 400 lichen species, some quite rare, call this place home, displaying the delicate balance of nature.
Managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in collaboration with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Ty Canol is preserved as a sanctuary of both history and natural beauty.
As you explore Ty Canol, an informational board near the entrance provides really helpful route guidance, we just took a picture with our phones and were fit to go. There are quite a few trails to choose from.
The woodland landscape is dominated by Oak, Ash, and Downy Birch trees, accompanied by an undergrowth of Hazel, Holly, Honeysuckle, and Bilberry, creating a harmonious ecosystem.
As the seasons change, the place comes alive with wildflowers of all colours. From the bright and early Golden Saxifrage to the charming Primroses, Dog Violets, and Wood Anemones, each season paints its own unique picture. Oh, and keep a lookout for the cute little Town Hall Clock plant – its flowers look like tiny Big Ben clocks!
Water Avens adds a touch of magic with its lovely blossoms gracing the landscape. Ty Canol is a haven for lichens, with trees, rocks, and crags adorned by lichen species, including rarities like Usnea florida on Sessile Oak and Punctelia reddenda on mossy surfaces.
Bird lovers, you’re in for a treat! Listen carefully for the cheerful melodies of Chiffchaffs, the vibrant presence of Redstarts, and the distinct calls of Wood Warblers. And if you look up, you might spot Sparrowhawks gracefully gliding while Buzzards circle way up high.
A thriving community of mammals also calls Ty Canol home. Badgers, Foxes, Polecats, and the elusive Dormouse inhabit these woods, while frogs and newts find refuge in the wetter spots. The dormouse finds sustenance in the abundance of Hazelnuts and Honeysuckle.
As you explore Ty Canol, you’ll step into a timeless landscape where the beauty of nature and the echoes of history come together, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of an ancient woodland ecosystem.
If you are taking a dog with you be advised that when we visited there were sheep grazing in the area unfenced.
Here is a good place to start planning your visit. –
Ordnance Survey map
Coed Tŷ Canol National Nature Reserve is on Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer map OL35.
The OS grid reference is SN 092 359.
Directions
From the A487 through Newport take the minor road signposted towards Cilgwyn.
After 2¼ miles, turn left at the T-junction towards Maenclochog.
After ½ mile, turn right at the T-junction.
After another ½ mile, turn left back on yourself, signposted Brynberian.
The informal parking area is on the right hand bend, just off the road.
We hope you have a fabulous visit, we certainly did and will be back very very soon.
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