Short birdwatching visit · RSPB
Mawddach Valley Coed Garth Gell
Pen-Y-Bryn · LL40 2UN
Coed Garth Gell is an oak woodland and heathland reserve in the Mawddach Valley. Its Celtic rainforest supports Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Wood Warbler, while the upper heath adds Tree Pipit and Nightjar in summer. Mosses and lichens cover the trees, and remains of the area's gold-mining past can be seen beside the trail. The reserve rewards a deliberate woodland walk, but its steep, rocky paths make it a choice for visitors comfortable on rough hill terrain.
Birds and seasons
- Pied Flycatcher — Typically spring and summer
- Redstart — Typically spring and summer
- Wood Warbler — Typically spring and summer
- Tree Pipit — Typically spring and summer
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Benches are placed at viewpoints along the trails.
- Paths
- Two circular trails cross steep, rocky ground, which can be slippery when wet.
- Toilets
- There are no reserve toilets; public facilities are listed in Dolgellau.
- Parking
- The operator recommends the small National Park picnic-site car park at Fiddlers Elbow, outside Bontddu.
- Dogs
- Dogs must remain under control.
- Accessibility
- The access road climbs steeply and the trails are suitable only for people accustomed to rough hill walking.
Getting there: Walk uphill from Fiddlers Elbow parking along the public footpath to the reserve.
Sources
Social preview photograph: Common Starling standing in grass in Oxfordshire. Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted for the preview.
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve and Dyfi Wildlife Centre, 13.0 miles away in a straight line.